Toyota Repair: shift cylenoid, metal particles, salvage yard

Question
Ted I sent in a question yesterday and you needed the diagnostic code it is p0770 has something to do with a shift cylenoid? I'm not sure what that means but I'm sure you do. Could you please tell me where would be the best place to have my car repaired? Dealership or transmission shop? And do you know what a repair like that runs?
Thanks again,
Christine

Answer
The PO770 code indicates that there is a problem with the torque converter lock-up solenoid, in most cases this is due to metal particles that circulate in the fluid and clog up the solenoid and making it inoperative, the solenoid is almost never the problem. The metal particles are usually coming from parts that are failing in the transmission, this will require transmission replacement.
A remanufactured transmission and the labor at the toyota dealer can cost around $2,500-3,000, another alternative may be to locate a used transmission at a salvage yard, the best way to go would be to have the toyota dealer replace it because of warranty concerns, I would advise against having your transmission overhauled because it may cost a lot more, most of the time when the transmission fails there will be damage to the transmission case.
Don't fall into the trap that someone states they can repair it for you at a lower price, trust me on this, if you are going to keep the car replace the transmission with a remanufactured one with a good warranty or get rid of the car by trading it in while it still runs, think about it. Sorry but that's the way it is, it's your decision.