6G Celicas Forums

Please HELP>>>>> Last week my car stopped driving, the flex plate and torque converter separated and I was not able to move anywhere. Lots of noise and metal in the housing. Its a 94 with 70k on the engine (used) and 300k on the automatic transmission, I sourced the parts from a local jdm shop. A torque converter and flex plate and new bolts. It was done last friday, test drove it for about an hour it worked. Went to drive later that day and it felt like a loss of power or slippage at first. I ended up on a hill going no where in drive and my o/d light started flashing, I didnt catch the code. Any way, reverse gear works fine. I drove it back to my house in reverse and topped up the fluid thinking maybe it was low. Toyota parts desk sold me 4 quarts for the process and I cannot find for the life of me what the whole fill takes I read somewhere 7 quarts. I didnt want to overfill the transmission. It is still sitting in the garage, Ive checked all electrical connections and I dont believe its a sensor, I have read about shift solenoids on here and Im leaning towards them possibly being my problem. The only other thing I can think of is needing a new Transmission, but before the repair it worked so well.


1. How many quarts does the Automatic Transmission full fill take?
2. Why would it work and then stop working?
3. How do I test for codes?
4. There was alot of metal shavings around in the torque converter housing, could these have gotten into my solenoids?
5. Finally could it possibly be that i need a new transmission?

Thanks in advance guys.
Dana

This post has been edited by 94celigts: Jan 26, 2013 - 12:20 PM

its a flex plate not a flywheel.

im not sure whats going on int there. it could be the transmission. as for the low fluid, with the engien running check it on the dipstick. just add as necessary

So I pulled the code on it, it flashed 62, 63, and 64
62 - No. 1 Solenoid
63 - No. 2 Solenoid
64 - Lock-Up Solenoid

Do I need to replace the Solenoids? or is there a way to test them and/or clean them?

I priced them at 190$ a piece new.
is there a used market for these?

You'd be better off getting them brand new. Why get used parts when you don't know how old they are or how long they are going to last for?

If you screen the BGB there is a procedure for testing the solenoids, but chances are if your pulling codes they might be shot. Easy to replace though. If you have the a140e trans I can send you a copy of the repair/service manual.

I see it as you have 3 ways:

1. Get new Solenoids (preferably from Toyota) costing you an arm and leg -


Don't forget O-Rings!

2. Get a used ATM from a salvage yard.

3. Swap in an S54 and call it a day.

*I've heard of cleaning them helping but honestly for how long? 300k is a long while on them, mine started going bad at ~180k and I drove them till ~205k. Same with used, how long will they last you?
*I'm all for saving money on parts but shift solenoids something I'd definitely get from Toyota cause you really don't wanna have to tear into it again 75k down the road.
*I only suggested a used one because they can be had for dirt cheap with low miles and if you wanted you could take your new torque convertor and flex plate and put it on while your at it.
*IMHO S54 swap is the way to go especially when your auto has 300k. I picked up a rebuilt S54 with under 50K (by how clean it was I'd say it was just broke in it and the guy I bought it from ripped it out for his E154) for less then it'd cost for just solenoids.

If you really want to go the route of rebuilding it, pick up new gear clutches too, their bound to go bad soon if they haven't already which will put you in the hole even more...but if your wanting to keep it it'll help out a bunch.

Also heres the repair manual that will show you how to test the solenoids - Toyota A1XX transmission technician repair pdf

This post has been edited by travisxcore: Jan 27, 2013 - 12:48 AM

Lol, did you fill the torque converter before installing it? I imagine the torque converter holds 3-4 quarts and the transmission pan holds 3-5 quarts.
You are supposed to lay the torque converter on its engine side with the transmission input shaft side facing up, and then you fill it with as much fluid as it will take(which takes forever, it drains in slowly). Then you flip the torque converter onto the input shaft of the transmission as quickly as you can so you dont spill any.
If you have already run the car then the transmission pump has filled the torque converter for you, but I imagine your pan level is very low.
As Smaay said you should park the car on as level a surface as is practical(if it doesnt drive then do your best) and check the transmission dipstick with the engine running and the car in park.

And for gods sake if you havent already done so, remove the pan and replace the filter. The filter costs $10-15 and includes a gasket. Make sure to clean the magnet on the pan if there is one, most cars have a magnet to catch all the naturally occuring metal flakes. Its supposed to be done every 20,000-50,000 miles depending on your climate along with a total fluid change. Heat makes tranny fluid break down.

Of course my celica is a manual but this is all common knowledge about automatic transmissions.

This post has been edited by Special_Edy: Jan 27, 2013 - 3:18 AM

Yes, I filled the torque converter. I even changed the filter at 230k. I know how to repair cars, I just dont know much about the internals of an automatic transmission. Anyway I found a transmission from japan from the 5S with 30800km on it the camry and celica tranny engine combo are the same right? I am going to go with the transmission replacement and hope for the best.


Thanks guys