P0770: Shift Solenoid E Malfunction
Severity: medium
What it means: The engine/transmission computer sees a problem with shift solenoid 'E', one of the electric valves inside an automatic transmission that route fluid to change gears.
Safe to drive? Short, gentle trips only. Shifting may be harsh or the transmission may hold one gear (limp mode). Get it checked soon to avoid further damage.
Common symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Harsh, slipping or odd shifts
- Transmission stuck in one gear (limp mode)
- Worse fuel economy
Likely causes, ranked
- Low, dirty or wrong transmission fluidDIY
- Faulty shift solenoid EShop
- Damaged wiring or corroded connector to the solenoidsShop
- Valve body or internal transmission problemShop
- Computer (PCM/TCM) fault (rare)Shop
Advertisement
Vehicle-specific notes
- 1993–1998 Toyota T100: A 1998 T100 owner kept getting P0770 after a fluid flush and a new solenoid and filter; members said the solenoid is internal and it needs a transmission shop. Read the full answer · Source
DIY or shop?
Checking the fluid level and condition is DIY on many older automatics. Solenoid, wiring and valve body diagnosis is usually transmission-shop work, because the solenoid sits inside the transmission.
Before you replace parts
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition.
- Read all stored codes, including transmission-specific ones.
- Check your VIN for service bulletins on the transmission.
- Inspect the wiring and connectors to the transmission before replacing solenoids.
- If the code returns after a solenoid, ask a transmission shop to test the circuit and valve body.
Safety / mechanic note
Verify with a mechanic. Transmission problems can cause sudden loss of drive or harsh shifts. A code points to a circuit or system, not always a specific part.
Advertisement