mjwalfredo

The tranny on my 97 4Runner 3.4L 4x4 w/ Elocker has not felt right for quite a while. Lots of fluid changes and changing the filter did not help. I dropped the pan and had a look at the solenoids today. I started from the back and worked my way forward. The first two seemed okay but when I started taking off the solenoid on the front, I noticed it was a little discolored. When I ran 12v through it, the stopper inside did not move at all. I can shake it around and feel the stopper move back and forth. I can't feel the stopper move in the other two when I shake them. That's a bad solenoid right?

What does the front solenoid control exactly? Is this a dealership only part or do you think I would be okay getting an OEM solenoid from autozone?

Here is a pic, can you tell which one is the bad one?

mt_goat

There is a proceedure for testing solenoids in the FSM. But it does sound bad alright and they are a common problem with the A340 trannies, so much so its recommended to replace them all during a rebuild: http://rigs.corequipment.com/Cebby/9...20Transtec.pdf

mjwalfredo

Thanks as always Dale.

I checked the FSM and followed the testing procedure. It's Solenoid E (TC Lockup Clutch) that I suspect is bad. Compressed air went straight through it and it doesn't make a noise when current is applied. I tried checking the resistance but I am having a problem w/ my multimeter and I don't think it is getting a good reading.

Going to call the dealership tomorrow to see what the damage is. I suspect I'll only be able to afford to replace just the one.

mjwalfredo

Ughh... The local dealership wants $260 for the solenoid.

Can anyone quote me a better price here? Anyone have the part number? I want to punch it into toyotapartsales.com since they aren't open yet and I felt rude asking my dealership for the part number right after I told them I was going to shop around for a better price. It's called Shift Solenoid E, or Shift Solenoid SL (the one for the tc lockup clutch). Thanks.

mt_goat

For just one? That's ridiculous. Bad dealer

eddieleephd

next time ask for a print out for future reference so you can come back when you have the money it should have the part #.

Shawn6string

Here are a couple or just do a search on your type tranny and solenoid

http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/...-00094393a.htm
http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/me...e=A340solenoid
https://www.wittrans.com/c-777-a340-aw4.aspx?pagenum=12

mjwalfredo

Saweet, thx for links.

mjwalfredo

Actually, I misunderstood the parts guy, the $260 price was for all 3 solenoids which was the only way he would sell them. I ended up buying just the one I need for $70 from the 2nd website provided by Shawn. The first site had a great deal on all 3 but money is a little tight for me at the moment so I just bought the one. Hopefully the other two aren't getting ready to crap out on me any time soon.

Shawn6string

Although recommended to replace all three. I only replaced one as well... If it aint broke don't fix it...lol... I Prolly should have, but what can I say I'm a glutten for punishment

mjwalfredo

Yeah, I can think of at least a few things that are more fun than dropping the pan from the transmission.

mjwalfredo

I put in the new solenoid last night. I was a little worried at first becuase I could hear the stopper move back and forth when I would shake it but I figured it was good because when I applied current, I could actually feel it moving unlike the solenoid it was replacing.

The drivability of my truck has vastly improved. I can barely feel it shift. It no longer surges forward when I apply the gas from a dead stop, it has more of push feeling that is much more smooth/comfortable. It idles in drive much smoother now too.

However, it still has a little bit of a slamming feeling when it goes from F to R and back. And it still makes a clunk when downshifting just before coming to the first stop sign on the first drive of the morning. Neither is as bad as it was before though.

I love driving my 4Runner again though, and that is all that matters!

thomasbarron76

So which one was the solenoid sl? Is it the one closer to the motor or the center or to the rear?