Shift Solenoids, 1st Gen (3.4 V6)

Hidy folks -- y'all have always been helpful in past questions re: repair, and I'm hoping you can clarify for me about this current one, too.

Threw a code yesterday -- P0753 -- for "Shift Solenoid A Electrical." Even *if* it ended up simply being a faulty connection or something, I think, given that I'm already going to have to drop the transmission pan, I might as well change the solenoids out. It's a 97 Tacoma with about 108,000 miles on it, and I can't imagine it's ever been done, before.

As for the code: yesterday the truck really dragged in first gear (I drive an auto). Once I got up to speed (15+mph) it was fine, but starting from a red light or a stop sign was noticeably slow. Later in the day when I started the truck up, the lag was gone, but, given that this is tranny-related, I'm not going to take any chances. Figure I might as well get this repaired ahead of future troubles.

My main question: how many of these damn shift solenoids are there? The code is only calling for attention to solenoid 'A', but I don't know which one is which, and I figure it's just as easy to pop out all of them and replace. Rock Auto sells the solenoids as one, two, or three packs...and I can't seem to find a diagram for the life of me.

Any other advice or input you can offer would be greatly appreciated! Dropping the pan and swapping them out almost seems a little *too* easy...though I'd love it if it were as simple as it looks. New filter and gasket will be in order, too, obviously.

Thanks y'all!

 

This is defintely and area where you need the advice of @gearcruncher

 

I would hate to see anyone go through the work of changing out the solenoids and the trans continues to set the codes after you are finished .
Do you by chance have a dvom to test the resistance of the solenoids ?
When the trans computer trips the code P0753 , the transmission computer only allows the transmission to start off in 2nd gear rather than starting off in 1st gear .
The computer is sending an electrical command to the solenoid and doesnt get an answer back that the command to energize was completed . This could be the wiring from the computer going down to the transmission as well as from the transmission back to the computer . Most of the time corrosion at the wiring connections plays a big part in this issue . When the wiring is cold , loss of connection due to corrosion . As the wiring warms up and expands , the connection is re-established
This is a preventative feature designed into the programming to prevent further damage to the transmission .
Send me your e mail addy , and I will send you the repair manual .
If you could go here and properly identify your transmission , we should be able to get you the correct solenoids the first time . There are many choices ...engine size ? is the truck 4x4 or 2 wheel drive ?
Make double sure you order the correct solenoids

https://atsgmembers.com/transtype/

Pan gasket , filter , fresh fluid as well as solenoids after you identify your trans .

More reading for you
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...sions-write-up-your-4-speed-automatic.325531/

 

My friend, I'm grateful for your input!

I do have a multimeter, yes -- though testing the voltage on the solenoids isn't something I've done before. I'm hoping maybe you're right about the wiring acting as a preventative measure, of sorts -- telling me there's a problem before there's *really* a problem.

I drive a '97 4x4, so it's the 3.4L V6. The website you provided shows the A340 Transfer Case as mine. I've poked a bit around YouTube, and though I haven't seen anyone doing a Tacoma, specifically, I've seen enough folks dropping that pan to give me confidence. Still uncertain as to how many solenoids I ought to get...and if that's the best move (replacing them all) since I'm already gonna be down there.

My email is jpelhamstuart@gmail.com.

Again, thank you! I really do appreciate you giving me some input!

 

Sent you some info to your e mail .
I beleive your transmission should be the A340F . F is for 4x4
This transmission uses 2 shift control solenoids and 1 lock up solenoid for a total of 3

http://www.showmetheparts.com/rostra/



https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_M6JJbIlvvsgFHa71bOaegC5ulWUWZ6Q

This is important https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_M6JJbIlvvsgFHa71bOaegC5ulWUWZ6Q

 

Did you ever resolve this issue? My truck spit out p0750 today for solenoid A. Not sure how to proceed

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/sonnax-zip-kit-a340-late-installation.435019/

 

This happened to me but then in the morning it ran fine. I stopped by the local Toyota dude who said based on my slightly dirty transmission fluid the solenoid most likely got clogged and then got unclogged when I accelerated hard. He said drive it then if it does it again to change the transmission fluid and filter.

 

What do y’all think about changing the transmission fluid? My truck has 243,000 miles on it and I’m the second owner but not sure if the previous one ever serviced the transmission.

 

Shouldnt be an issue if the trans service is performed properly .
Take the pan off
Determine the contamination level in the pan .
Clean the magnets and filter .
Put the pan back on and fill with fresh fluid .
If all goes well , do a complete fluid swap in 6 months

 

Have you found this to be a solution to the “shift solenoid a” problem?

 

Hi friends,

I have a 2000 3.4L 2WD, A340E trans. XtraCab TRD that I like, lots with 185,000 miles on it.

Issue: been having hard shifts from 1st - 2nd and during "spirited" driving i.e: downshifts to pass and so on.

recently Check Engine light came on with "P" code dont remember which BUT was told it had to do with a shift solenoid

I want to: replace the solenoids on the A340E but need advise which to get other than from the dealer?

Appreciate the help in advance! @gearcruncher

 

Best way to do the job correctly is to drop the valve body and throw a shift kit at it .
You will need your Vin number when ordering valve body gaskets and the solenoids

 

Thanks! Ill be ordering solenoids and new filter... Will keep everyone here posted for future reference.

Thanks to all for the advise.

 

The shift kit compensates for valve wear behind the shift solenoids.
That being said , a mechanical problem is most likely the cause of the codes popping up

 

Update on the post

• Bought Amazon Solenoid, gasket and filter kit = only the gasket fit
  • 1 of 3 solenoids fit
  • Filter was not correct
• Ended up finding random transmission shop
  • bought
    • 3 solenoids came with a bracket to make them fit, they are a but larger than the originals
    • one gasket

Results: the issue is gone, no hard shifts, no shaking, smoother shifts.

Future cast: maybe will get some oil leaks from the pan as I didnt use a torque wrench and only felt by hand.

By the way, I replaced the kick down cable too and that makes a lot of difference.

Thanks to all for your help.

 

I’ve been having an issue that my local shop thinks that the trans solenoids are causing. When on the free way with the AC or defroster on the truck downshifts aggressively and the rpms skyrocket to like 3500-4000. Then I have to turn the ac off and let the truck coast until the rpms come back to around 1500. Truck drives perfectly fine on the freeway if the ac is off. This does not happen when driving through town at slower speeds and the ac seems to work just fine otherwise. The shop is betting that I have a sticky solenoid. Do y’all agree that could be the case? 2001 v6 4x4 auto 305,000 miles.

 

Personally no, cant say that issue is solenoid related.

Most likely some connections or connectors are crossed causing a downshift (meaning solenoid works) when current is ran through "whatever is crossed"

Or, your AC compressor is difficult to turn over SO when you engage the AC motor clutch, the engine reads a heavy load and downshifts.

All speculation but probable causes.


@Logans2001

 

I’m really hoping it could just be the ac compressor. I wouldn’t mind installing a new one and they’re not terribly expensive. What’s the life expectancy on those? Are they suppose to last the life of the truck or every 100kish? I’m at 305k miles on most likely the original compressor. Would that be worth a shot or should I try some other things first.

 

Hey! I have a 1996 V6 4x4 automatic… does this part fit my truck? Is there anything else I need for this job besides the transmission fluid and filter kit?https://www.partsgeek.com/tccgrbb-t...r6Wm2EXm9cvSC9fTuMFKpT6klTiuhM-RoC9PQQAvD_BwE