Lexus RX300 - Shift Solenoid E

[Rekha51]

So I was driving my 2002 Lexus RX300 when I noticed a check engine light and a VSC indication come on. I had to keep driving to go home, and at the conclusion of the trip, the rpm began to wiggle between 3000-5000, and I noticed that it wasn't going up from 2nd gear. I almost got home, attached the OBD scanner, and discovered the P0770 - Shift Solenoid E issue. The automobile stopped shifting into any gear (including reverse) on the last mile to home.

My mechanic told me that, while the code states it's the solenoid, it's extremely possible that something else in the gearbox caused metal shavings and took out the solenoid, and the only way to diagnose it is to disassemble the entire transmission. According to him, diagnosing this is more expensive than buying a new car (about $3000, with 192K miles).

I believe him (I know he has over 20 years of expertise and we've always worked with him), however there are tens of YouTube videos providing simpler techniques to identify this. For example, cleansing transmission fluid and inspecting it for metal particles. If it is the solenoid, it appears like I can have it repaired in a couple of hours. Other fixes I've done on this car appear to be far more difficult.

What am I overlooking? Should I believe the mechanic and save my time, or is he mistaken?

Thank You.

[m4rkw]

I’d get a second opinion, once the unit is apart you’re all-in on either whatever he says the full repair cost is, buying a new transmission or scrapping the car. I’m fairly sure there are some transmission issues that can be diagnosed without completely disassembling the unit but I’m no expert. If another transmission specialist with a good reputation says the same thing then fair enough.