Hi guys, I just bought a 01' RX300 2wd from a buddy. The CEL, traction control, and VSC lights are on. I spent the past 4hrs SEARCHING and SEARCHING this issue with lots of different info. So now I decided to make my own post.

My problem: There are 3 lights on my dash that are on (check engine, VSC, and traction control). I do have a scanner and it reads "shift D solenoid". Does this mean that the solenoid is bad or stuck open? If I clear the code, all 3 lights stay off for about an hour and then reappears. The rx300 drives perfectly fine except it does NOT shift into overdrive and the "D" light is not illuminated on the dash display (all other gears light up). Called the dealer and they tell me to just replace the trans (go figure). I asked about just replacing the solenoid and the guy says "it will be ok for a couple of days and do the same thing". Is he right? PLEASE HELP

 

Easy one is the D light ,,, most likely the D bulb is burnt out in the instrument panel. Please search and you will find the DIY.

About the CEL and error code, they simply tell you some thing is wrong in that loop. It can be a bad sensor, sensor needs cleaning, a broken wire or ground or a larger mechanical problem. So further diagnosis is needed and one member's solution may not be applicable to other.

For starters, you can open the sensor and clean it or replace it. Check wiring and grounds.

You may have to go to an expert and the worst case solution is to replace the tranny (that is what the dealer is telling you).

You may like to to visit a good transmission shop in your area.

Salim

 

Right now I assume the tranny is not going into overdrive. Unfortunately that code is the one I had when my transmission failed. If you have the pan dropped and check for metal debris, that would be a real help. Don't bother with a transmission flush as it will not help. From lots of post's I would say the transmission is possibly the culprit. Solenoid D means the solenoid is hanging up probably because of debris in the fluid (metal) that has caused the Solenoid in the valve body assembly to not shift properly.

 

Yeah, it doesn't shift into O/D. Hopefully that is NOT the case where the whole trans is bad.

Thanks guys for the info.

 

Dropped the transmission pan and did not find metal debris. I did notice the fluid was a little dirty. Checked the resistance on the shift D solenoid and noticed it was at 13.1 (supposed to be 5.1-5.5). It does click though when given power. Any ideas?? Should I attempt to replace just the solenoid ..... :/

 

What is the hesitation? You have a bad part, that needs replacement.

The only unknowns you will have are ..

What else is wrong?
Will the problem come back?

You have to get wet to swim.

Salim

 

Ok, I replaced the shift D solenoid and it did not fix the problem. It still doesn't shift into overdrive. I replaced the gas cap too as someone told me to try it (vacuum leak i guess) but still nothing.

 

Were there debris in there?

Did the CEL go away?

Check for proper ground. Maybe some one can share how and where the ground straps are.

Salim

 

What is probably happened is the Valve body assembly on the transmission is contaminated with some debris and the little actuators are not moving freely. Even though the solenoid is moving the little hydraulic pistons are not moving freely or correctly. I tried cleaning the valve body on my vehicle and it did not help....ended up going with a new transmission rebuild. Sorry for your problem, hope it is something less costly.

 

Try resetting the CEL with a scanner, or better still, disconnect the battery / pull the ECU fuse out to reset the system.

If the CEL comes back, see if it is the same code.

 

No debris were found. Deleted the code with my scanner and the same code came back within 20 miles. Going to remove the valve body and have it cleaned next. Btw same code of 0765.

 

Cleaning may not make it, and it is very complicated assembly...suggest taking pictures before disassembly. What happens is the passages get scored. which may mean it is ruined. Good luck.