Hi,
I'm new to this forum and posting for some advice after reading through many of the (very helpful) threads.
About a week ago when my husband was out of town, when starting my RX300 (2001) I noticed what I can best describe as a "whirring" sound. No other symptoms when driving. Three days later, it seemed to struggle when shifting in lower gears. Yesterday morning it wouldn't reverse. I turned it off, back on again and it reversed no problem. Today, each time I drive it - shifting problems. At one point while I was driving around 45mph it was revving and seemed to be in a lower gear than it needed to be. Pulled over, turned it off, back on again and it was okay.
This evening, the check engine light came on. When my husband came home he used his code reading computer and it came up with Code 0770 - Shift solenoid malfunction E.
Earlier today, I called Lexus dealer locally and without seeing the car they told me I needed a new transmission, cost $4,000 + or pointed me to another transmission shop and said I could get a rebuild for around $2,000. I was in total shock, mainly because I know there is no way we can raise that kind of money immediately. My husband got laid off from his job of 10 yrs and only just started a new one.... medical bills etc etc... so we are torn as to what to do.
Relucant to drive it to the Amco transmission shop as I am afraid it will die completely...
However, since the code diagnosis 0770 and doing some research, it seems it's possible that replacing the shift solenoid would only run around the 500 mark.
Has anyone else run into this code and been able to simply replace the solenoid?
Thanks in advance for any responses.
Lesley