Wondering if anyone else had this problem. Google hasn't been much help.

With the car in "D", it starts out in 2nd gear. It never downshifts to "L". All other gears seem to work fine.

1st gear works fine if the selector is in "L"

 

You state that you can manually force the trans to downshift into 1st?

One test is to disconnect the wiring harness plug going to the electric solenoids on the trans, then run the trans through the gears manually. If the trans responds to this it may be the 1st gear shift solenoid (No 1 Solenoid), its wiring, etc.

The trans computer has its own self test feature. Look in the engine compartment for a small plastic box (about 2 x 1 inch). Might be mounted on one of the strut tower mounts of the chassis.

Inside the box are electrical terminals. Find the T1 and E1 terminals.

Turn on ign switch, make sure O/D switch on gear selector is on (pushed in).

Use a section of electrical wire to connect the T1 and E1 terminals

The O/D indicator light on the dash console will start to blink.

If no trouble codes are stored the light will flash at a steady rate.

If codes are stored the light will flash then out in a series of flashes equating to numerals. All codes are 2 numeral. Example: Light is off for a few seconds, 4 flashes, light is briefly off, 2 flashes, light is off for a few seconds = code 42.

If more then one code they will be flashed out from lowest to highest (all codes are 2 numerals). Once the code(s) have been flashed out, the readout process will repeat.

If codes are stored post back with them.

Code 62 is a problem with the No 1 solenoid, wiring, etc.

 

that sounds complicated... I haven't been to that one yet.

 

Yes I can manually force 1st gear by putting it in "L".

Isn't the TCM/ECM combined in the 96 Camry since it's OBD2? I didn't think it had a separate TCM with codes

 

Yes, combined but you may still be able to read out the trans codes as described above. Worth a try, look for the small box and determine if has the two terminals.

ODBII was for the cars emissions systems as mandated by EPA.

Toyota may have been slow to combine the trans and auto emissions diagnostic systems.

If you can force the car into low gear the issue may be the electric solenoid, wiring, etc.

 

It came through the OBD2, P0750. Shift solenoid A malfunction.

I tested them both and could hear them both clicking.

 

The message is stating the gear the trans is on does not match the gear the computer has selected.

The valve the solenoid controls could be stuck open, closed, clogged or plugged.

The trans pan needs to removed to access the valve.

The valve can be removed the checked with air (71 psi) for leakage. Pressurize the port on the front of the valve that installs into the valve body.

Also check the port in the valve body for plugging.

The No 1 and No 2 solenoid valves are close together and have the same wiring harness.

Wire might be violet from ecu to solenoid plug, the white to No 1 sensor.