I recently purchased a 94 Camry V6 for my daughter. Had it checked out by a local mechanic. Everything checked out great. She drove it for about 2 weeks and the O/D light began flashing on and off and it was acting as if it was trying to start in 2nd gear instead of first. Had the transmission fluid changed first to see if that made any difference, none. Then took to a transmission guy and he replaced the solenoid. Got it back and drove for another 7 days, and same thing happened again w/ the O/D light flashing. So took it back. He replaced again. Had it 2 days this time. O/D light flashing again. We are so frustrated and need some advise.

 

If the light blinks when the O/D switch is pushed in this indicates there is a problem with the transmission electronic control system.

Your mechanic should be able to use the cars transmission computer to check for specific trouble codes. The trouble codes are read out via the flashing O/D light.

 

Yes, O/D switch is pushed in. The mechanic said he pulled the code - don't know what the actual code was but he said the solenoid needed to be replaced so he did that twice now. Looks like he is going to replace a 3rd time...but it just doesn't make sense...something must be causing them to go bad...shorting them out? When he replaces the solenoid it does seem to resolve the problem for a few days so I guess the code could be interpreting the need to replace the solenoid but what could be causing them to go out? I guess that is the million dollar question.

 

Find out what the code is.

Is the mechanic using the Toyota shop manual info.

The computer needs some trans operating time before it confirms a problem, thus the light will not blink until some time has passed.

Did the mechanic check the wiring for a short?

 

The code he gave me is ta1242

He is thinking now that the ECM (Also referred to as TCM/PMC????) is possibly the problem. The part number he gave me was 89661-33350. He is looking for a part out of a junk yard to test to see if that is indeed the problem since he seems to really be stumped. I've looked at the part new and it looks to run around $500. So...I've spent $500 on the solenoid replacement so far...he didn't charge me to replace the solenoid the 2nd time and now that it is presenting the same problem a 3rd time, I'm wondering if the solenoid didn't need replacing to begin with??? Any, my dad is email some guys from a business that he found online tonight that seem to know a good bit about this ECM and a history of problems of misdiagnosis that they can cause.

He did check for a short - at least the way he explained it to me was that when we took it back the 2nd time w/ the 2nd bad solenoid, he put a voltage meter on it and it was a consistant voltage the entire time he was testing. Again, I am not versed on any of this so I am trying to learn and research as much as possible.

 

Can not find the code you list.

This car was made before OBD-II systems and has 2-digit code numbers such as 62, 63. Later OBD-II code numbers had 5 digits such a P0773.

The trans most likely has 3 solenoids, assume the one your are taking about is the SL also known as the "E" solenoid. This solenoid is responsible for the transmission torque converter lockup circuit.

It is possible the computer is bad but this happens rarely. The number you provided is the computer number. Each computer is set up for a specific engine, trans, emission system, year(s), etc. If replacing the computer make sure you get the exact same part number. The number would be in large letters on the computer body.

An internet search of the computer part number will turn up lots of hits on this number and information. Ebay often sells computers or you could try a junkyard. Prices can vary greatly so shop around.

www.rockauto.com has a few trans solenoid.

If you are using Toyota parts try mail order for discount parts:

Toyota of Dallas

or

http://www.1sttoyotaparts.com/

The solenoid can be checked with a ohm reading and operation checked by powering with 12V. Has the mechanic actually checked the solenoid operation?

Might also be a plugged valve inside the body that the solenoid slides into.

If he has access to Toyota service bulletins check if there was one issued for the computer causing these trouble code.

Might also review post at Toyotanation website. If you are talking about the SL solenoid it is a reasonably common repair and has been discussed before.

 

The mechanic is leaning towards the ECM 89661-33350 part being the culprit. My dad has been trying to find someone that can "test" this part so we know we are not chasing another dead end. There was a company out in Texas that claimed they tested these for you...you ship it out to them and they test for $45 and they give you an estimate for the repair...he called them a second time and the price jumped to $85 just to test and then the repair, if necessary, was way up there. Any suggestions on how to test this thing? The mechanic has called junkyards around the state to find a replacement...

There is also a company in Chicago, IL that resales this part for under $200. We are considering just ordering the part...it's a shame that we can't be certain the ECM is bad before purchasing a replacement.

 

where can we find the code? Is it in the manual or the dealer knows it for sure.