Im 16 and just have bought a 97 sc300 with a bunch of miles and runs great, but I have a big issue. When the engine is “cold” it will not shift out of first gear. It just revs super high and will not shift. But if I let it sit for about 10-15 minutes and then drive it, it seems to shift fine and great but sometimes it will random down shift and stop shifting. Anyone have this problem? I just want to know if I need a whole new trans or need to replace a solenoid. Any info would help thank you.

 

sounds like ur shift solenoids are going i just replaced mine in my sc400 not the same but i was able to get it done in an afternoon though i would check the service manual for diagnosis
heres a link to a pdf so you dont have to go searching or buy one-https://cardiagn.com/automatic-transmission-91-00-sc300-sc400/

 

Do you know the last time it had a trans fluid change?

 

First thing first check DTC code. Then check transmission fluid and smell transmission fluid for burned smell.

 

Where can you get new solenoids cheap? Because online it looks to be like 300$.

 

It had a major leak on the hard lines so I replaced them with rubber hosing and put all new dextron 6.