Flbob 717

97 LS 400 - 148,000 miles Recent rebuilt ECU, new battery, changed trans fluid and filter 2,000 miles ago - added a couple of quarts (Toy T-IV), pumped out the cooler hose, added a couple of more quarts, etc. Old oil looked OK, a little gray stuff in the pan but no metal and screen looked clean.

On our way home last night from 200 miles away - almost home - all is well - we hear a light klunk -maybe from the rear? -couldn't really tell then lost power. Engine reved high, no pull at all - coasted to the side of the road and sat there a minute or so playing with the shift - no anything in low, d, r,..Shut it down, waited a few seconds and decided to try it again. Started up and all was fine. 2-3-miles later-repeat.

After 2-3 tries we got home.

Tried this morning no go. Oil level is fine - a little high if anything - looks like new.

Throwing codes P0440 (ERG gas cap off, etc. probably not connected to issue) P0770 - Solenoid e, valve body stuck or blocked, lock up clutch)

Sound like a bad converter or more serious? What kind of luck should I expect from a used transmission? Assuming solenoid is for lock up - would that effect regular gears? Any advice?

Thanks.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

you got a code telling you you have a bad valve body solenoid or the like and you ask us if the converter is bad?

python

iTrader: (4)

nothing like making someone feel stupid...unbelievable

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

lol i thought i read that wrong also...code for valve body yet asks if the converter was bad.

its not stupid if he wrote it in his own post..

Flbob 717

Gee Whiz - Sorry for sounding so stupid. The code seemed to indicate three different problems that I thought would require three different solutions - none of which seemed to be a complete rebuild, which is what I'd expect a less than completely honest shop to recommend.

Thanks for your help - you guys are the best!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

you have to use a lexus repair manual to diagnose the solenoid e malfunction.

blkstealthpaid4

Buddy, please update, did you ever fix your problem?I goit the same code after a used tranny from the yard was put in.Early in the morning I am also getting flashing ECT light on my 95

maxgee

Join the club, same issue since I got the car with 174k miles. I put in Lucas oil and it's been chucking along ... 230k miles on it now.

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

you have clogged valve bodies , clean and flush them . Turning the car off relives the pressure thus opening the plug until it fills again.

blkstealthpaid4

This tranny was changed a week ago after my tranny shop said my old one was bad.My ECT light flashes after 3 minutes of driving (morning).After driving for about 30 miles, and when I shut it off and crank it back on again, the light is gone for the whole day.
This tranny was flushed and the filter was changed.

Banshee365

Solenoid screens should be cleaned and try again.

blkstealthpaid4

Banshee or anyone else, where is the screen?
Is it inside/above the tranny pan when I unscrew all those screws around the pan?Where are you guys getting your filter/screen from?

Chin

iTrader: (34)

Does anyone have a diagram of the valve body for a 1997 LS400 transmission? I want to see which solenoid is actually the P0770 / Shift Solenoid E. Thanks

vinnie420

iTrader: (1)

I love your brutal honest PD. Take the car to a reputable trans shop or if you know a Lexus tech, that's who can help you. Our parts truck (toyota tundra) had this problem a new solenoid fixed it and now it shifts like a champ (376,000 miles). I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong but from what my techs tell me these transmissions don't really go bad, it's just the solenoids wear out or get dirty and need to be cleaned or replaced.