Sad days ..
My RX300 (2001 with 95k miles) started with whining noise symptom, after two weeks into changing timing belt and water pump, I was thinking it was coming from the other 2 belts.
A week later that comes the jerky shifting of gears between 1 - 2, 2 - 3, 3 - 4 , once in 4 it's fine.
Few days later came the "VSC and Engine light on" (regards to "VSC and engine" light there is lots on the forum).
Went to a garage run computer tests and one of the reading was trouble code = P0770 which reads as a Shift Solenoid E Malfunction .. tranny issues !!
Next steps .. I will leave it with my garage mechanic for few days, he is looking for used tranny (does not recommend reconditioned as his 1st choice), he will open the oil pan, etc and work on it .. I guess. He suggested the cost will be upto $3000, I will know when it is fixed.
I am upset, but this suv has not given me any issues for last 6 yrs that I used it for. Looking forward to getting it back cured.

Any advise would useful .. replacing used vs reconditioned tranny, etc.

 

Does the mechanic recommend replacing/over-hauling the transmission. Code issue can be sensor/wire issue. When ever the vehicle is worked on, there is a chance of collateral damage ... pinched wire etc etc.

I would make sure it is not a case of throwing the baby out with the wash waster.

Salim

 

Salim,
Thats a good point, the last thing that was done was to replace the timing belt (but not with the same guy), driving was fine for 10 days.
The mechanic was thinking of replacing the transmission not over-hauling it, he mentioned that it will be time consuming task and labour would add up to same cost of replacing it. That was his thinking, the good thing is I know the guy and I do trust his opinion but everyone wants to make a living

 

Why are you throwing a transmission at it? Why don't you replace the solenoid, it may be something so simple.

 

Hi guys! My RX300 showed no signs of a problem with the exception of a whining noise coming from the trans. This noise went away when the vehicle warmed up, so I just chalked it up to high mileage (148000). Within 4 hours, things went from a "jerk" when shifting into 3rd gear, to the CEL and VSC & TRAC OFF light coming on, to shift issues and loss of movement. I was able to drive it back home after restarting the vehicle. Note: the whining noise is not as noticeable now. HELLLLLP!!