My Pictures aren't posting the way I intended, but I did post them.

 

the pictures are great

yep close up the box and test drive

if that solenoid is not to spec -- it will throw a fault code

that looks like a piece of circlip or drive plate edge

too small and wrong shape to be a chip off a gear cog ... def not off the diff -

interesting there are two rebuild kits U241E one for bonded pistons and non bonded pistons ?
http://cobratransmission.com/index.p...1245_1406_1407


a good exploded view of the box..The U241E .. to track were a piece that size may from ( need to print it out then enlarge )

 

A major concern is the large metal bits and large amount of debris you swept out and put on the paper towel. This code can also be caused by internal trans issues (the debris a result), a bad torque converter or plugged up valve body (assume a result of the debris).

Check the debris with the magnet in pan for steel or not. The "sludge" could be clutch plate material. How much debris, if any is on the pump intake screen.

The computer has a code for this solenoid (S4) resistance being to low (8 ohms or less). Are you finding any other codes such as P0982?

Your options are limited.
Replace solenoid which may not be the problem. Might compare resistance characteristics with solenoid DSL (normally 11-13 ohms). Does resistance of DSL also drop below 8 ohms with continued checking. Just check at the plug, no need to remove.

Was there any debris on the working end of the S4 solenoid and inside the hole it installs into?

Clean out trans and pan best you can with a solvent and button up. Then spend $99 for a Toyota dealer with appropriate diagnostic equipment to give their opinion. Suggest not going to trans shop as many seem to have only one fix for all problems, a replacement trans.

 

The end of the solenoid was clean. I ordered a replacement solenoid from Capital Core it was $60.00 as opposed to $238.00 from Dealer.

I removed the magnet from pan and rubbed it on the paper towel. You can see the picture of Paper towel, The magnet and piece of metal next to it. The black grit was stuck on Magnet. I didn't see anything metallic or unusually on filter.

I have been noticing that car seems to have something funny going on driving at highway speeds and letting off gas. This has been going on for months.

If it doesn't fix it, I will probably by a salvage transmission. I just need to figure out best way to swap transmission without lift.

 

If I buy intelligent tester 2 would I be able to run similar diagnostics?

 

if you intend to keep the camry for a long time a diagnostic scanner is a good investment

if not then its better to go get a one time diagnostic

how many kms has the auto box done and has it been serviced annually

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just thinking a head a bit
depends on if you have a concrete work place and tools to DIY

does your PDF repair manual show how to remove the gearbox... my pdf is hopeless for the 2002-2006 years

some people hire an engine crane
or buy one for the job then sell it straight after
you may be looking at $ 2000 approx for the replacement work from a workshop

 

I do have a big garage and a lot of tools. I have swapped engines and transmissions in other cars, but not Camry's. Mostly Mazda RX's and Subaru's.

The pdf in posted earlier in this link has some info on removing transmission, but it's not very specific.

I found a very interesting video titled "one minute transmission swap" it's time lapse video of guy swapping transmission in 2002 Camry. He removed hood, and pulled the transmission up with cherry picker. I have always lowered transmission I removed, but they are usually rear wheel, or all wheel drive. I know you need to remove subframe and rack to lower 2003 Camry Transmission.

My Camry has 180,000 miles (99% highway), and it has had transmission flushed 3 times, but nothing else.

I won't take my car to transmission shop. I will pay someone to swap transmission if I can't do it myself. I found two used transmission for locally for $350 with 90,000 miles.

I'm really hoping the solenoid fixes it.

 

I did stop at a local transmission shop to see if they had the Solenoid. The guy their told me they usually replace the entire valve body with re-manufactured valve body including new solenoids. He said parts are $775 and didn't tell me labor costs.

They would rebuild for approx $2800. I think this was total cost including install. I can't afford this. So, he might as well told me it was $20,000. I'm forced to learn how to repair this problem because of financial constraints.

 

If you get to the point of replacing the trans post back as may be able to help on info.

 

I replaced Solenoid S4, new filter, and go my car back together. It drives great, and I was excited to be back on the road. I was driving around all afternoon. I made at least 6 trips ranging from 10 minutes around town, to 30 minutes each way of highway.

When I was pulling onto my street after driving all afternoon the CEL came on for same code P0766, but the car doesn't seem to have any symptoms. I reset CEL with my scan tool, and took my daughter to run some errands. The CEL has not come back on.

I don't know what to think. I found a couple of used transmissions locally that have 97,000 or 113,000 miles. The local Salvage yard wants $350 for 90 day warranty, or $550 for 3 year warranty. I don't think the warranty covers any labor, just the transmission.

I think buying or renting Cherry picker, and transmission jack would be the most expensive part of swapping the transmission myself. I might have to buy Intelligent tester 2 if I need to reset transmission learning??

I have also been looking for a car with a similar transmission to come in at pull & pay. Thinking I might be able to snag a Used Valve body from a lower mileage car. I need to find a list of valve bodies that are compatible with my transmission.

I'm hoping that the new solenoid, fluid keep me problem free. When I was having problems previously I was able to turn off overdrive on shifter, and drive without experiencing drive-ability problems, but I was worried about damaging the transmission.

Huge Gratitude to everyone on this site that has helped me out.