I just had the engine light come on the 4Runner. Looking around here is what I found. Fortunately for me, my transmission fluid level was low. Adding a little fluid fixed the problem.
Background
- The PO770 error code is for the lock up clutch in the converter.
- It is called a Shift Solenoid “E” malfunction
- The computer commanded (the clutch: on) by way of the (solenoid E) and it did not respond.
- Shift solenoid valve ‘E’ is turned ON or OFF by the Transmission Control Module (TCM) in response to signals sent from the park/neutral position (PNP) switch, vehicle speed and Engine Control Module (ECM) (throttle opening). Gears will then be shifted to the optimum position.
- This is usually a bad (sticking) solenoid, but can also be a bad torque converter.
- We have a 2001 4Runner. This falls into the 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 5ZE-FE
- A340F are found in 4wd 4runners and trucks that have the 2.4L 22RE 4cyl motors.
Diagnose and Fixes
- Check the transmission fluid level.
- Flush the tranny-even though you just did, clean the filter, replace the seal
- Check shift solenoid valve SL operation.
- PREPARATION:
- Remove the oil pan.
- Remove the shift solenoid valve SL.
- CHECK:
- Applying 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm2, 71 psi) of compressed air, check that the solenoid valve does not leak air.
- When battery voltage is supplied to the shift solenoid valve, check that the solenoid valve opens.
- OK when:
- Solenoid valve does not leak air.
- Solenoid valve opens.
- If the solenoid is not good, replace it, if OK check valve body
- If valve body is Not Good, Repair or replace the valve body.
- If Valve body is OK
- Replace the torque converter clutch
- PREPARATION:
You may find:
- If the (solenoid) clicks, then it usually ends up being a bad (converter).
- Bad torque converter causes loud clunk when pressing brake or accelerating
Estimates
- New Solenoid $277.45 from the dealer.
- Used Torque converter $150
Brig Lamoreaux 
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