P0770: Shift solenoid E malfunction
Shift solenoid E (torque converter lockup) malfunction
Severity: Inspect soon
Kelley Blue Book calls P0770 a serious transmission code needing prompt attention, with driving possible only below freeway speeds.
P0770 in short
P0770 is a fault in shift solenoid E, which Kelley Blue Book describes as the torque converter lockup solenoid. Likely causes are the solenoid, its wiring, the converter or low, dirty fluid. The car may not shift into top gear at highway speed; lower speeds may be possible, but get it diagnosed promptly.
Shift solenoid E, on many transmissions, controls the lockup clutch inside the torque converter, which ties the engine to the transmission at cruising speed for better economy.
When the computer sees the solenoid malfunction, it sets P0770, and the car may refuse to shift into its highest gear at freeway speed, with higher fuel use.
Kelley Blue Book says the car can usually be driven below freeway speeds but advises against driving it because higher gears can engage unpredictably.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Faulty shift solenoid E
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Kelley Blue Book lists the solenoid first, and describes it as the one that works the torque converter lockup clutch.
- What would change this
- Rises if it fails a resistance or command test. Falls if it responds correctly.
Cause 2: Damaged wiring or a corroded connector
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- The cited references list damaged wiring or poor connections in the circuit as a common cause, and the fault is electrical in nature.
- What would change this
- Rises if a scan tool shows an intermittent signal or a connector shows corrosion or damage. Falls if the circuit tests normal.
Cause 3: Faulty torque converter
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- Kelley Blue Book lists the converter because the lockup clutch it controls must also work, but it ranks below the electrical causes.
- What would change this
- Rises if the solenoid and wiring test fine and the lockup does not engage. Falls if lockup works when commanded.
Cause 4: Low or dirty transmission fluid
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Several of the cited references list a wrong level or contaminated fluid among the first things behind this kind of transmission fault, and it is also the cheapest thing to check.
- What would change this
- Rises if the fluid is low, burnt or contaminated. Falls if the level and condition are correct.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read every stored code and note whether the transmission refuses top gear or lockup.
IfOther transmission codes are stored with it
It meansWork from the first code stored, since one fault can set several.
IfIt is the only code
It meansCheck the fluid and the wiring next.
Step 2: Have the transmission fluid level and condition checked, following the maker's procedure for your model.
Warning:Many transmissions are checked hot with the engine running, and some are sealed with no dipstick. Let a shop do this.
IfThe fluid is low, dark, burnt or contaminated
It meansFluid is the first suspect.
IfThe fluid is fine
It meansCheck the circuit wiring and connectors next.
Step 3: Have the wiring and connectors for the circuit inspected and tested, and ask whether a software update exists for your VIN.
Warning:Testing circuits and software updates need shop equipment; let a shop do this.
IfA damaged wire or corroded connector is found
It meansRepair it.
IfThe circuit is sound
It meansThe part itself or the module is next.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Will not shift into top gear at highway speed
- Worse fuel economy
- Misfire-like hesitation or performance loss
How to fix
Step 1: Have a shop scan the transmission module for every stored code and freeze-frame data before any parts are replaced.
Step 2: Ask a dealer or shop whether a transmission software update or bulletin applies to your VIN.
On your vehicle
ToyotaYour car
2003 · Corolla
Supported by vehicle dataToyota bulletin 02002 covers a check engine light with P0770 stored on the 2003 Corolla and Matrix. Only the NHTSA summary was read.
2002 · Tacoma
Supported by vehicle dataToyota bulletin 02502 covers a check engine light with P0770 stored on the 2002 Tacoma. Only the NHTSA summary was read.
2002 · Tundra
Supported by vehicle dataToyota bulletin 02402 covers a check engine light with P0770 stored on the 2002 Tundra. Only the NHTSA summary was read.
02002Status unverified
MIL on with DTC P0770
2003corolla, corolla-matrix · NHTSA 10000275
Toyota service information for a check engine light with P0770 stored on the 2003 Corolla and Matrix. The NHTSA summary does not say what the repair is.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
02502Status unverified
MIL on with DTC P0770 stored
2002tacoma · NHTSA 10000656
Toyota service information for a check engine light with P0770 on the 2002 Tacoma and 4Runner. The NHTSA summary does not say what the repair is.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
02402Status unverified
MIL on with DTC P0770 stored
2002tundra · NHTSA 10000657
Toyota service information for a check engine light with P0770 on the 2002 Tundra. The NHTSA summary does not say what the repair is.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
P0770 questions
Does P0770 mean the torque converter is bad?
Not necessarily. The solenoid, its wiring and the fluid are checked first. The converter is listed as a less likely cause.
Sources and review
- P0770 OBD-II Trouble Code: Shift Solenoid E
- Delaware DMV OBD II diagnostic trouble code list
- Toyota 02002: MIL on with DTC P0770
- Toyota 02502: MIL on with DTC P0770 stored
- Toyota 02402: MIL on with DTC P0770 stored
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error