2007 Toyota Tundra Transmission Problems: Symptoms, Codes P0751 & P2714, and Fix
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The following vehicle study is a real-world example of diagnosing and repairing a Toyota transmission issue. Our customer, Jake, stated that his check engine light had been on in his 2007 Toyota Tundra for the past three days. The 4LOW, traction control, and VSC OFF lights were also on and blinking. When driving in stop-and-go traffic, the transmission felt like it was slipping from first to second gear.
After performing a health scan of all modules in the vehicle, there were 2 faults found in the engine control module: P2714 Pressure Control Solenoid ‘D’ Performance or Stuck Off and P0751 Shift Solenoid ‘A’ Performance or Stuck Off. The next step was to review freeze frame data, code set criteria, and check TIS, Toyota’s Technical Information System, for any applicable technical bulletins. There was one TSB related to the Tundra’s fault codes.
The bulletin instructions led us to verify the transmission fluid level first, and if the level is satisfactory, then to replace the transmission and update the engine control module’s programming. The current calibration ID of the ECM was checked, which confirmed that the update had not been previously performed. While verifying the fluid level, a sample of the transmission fluid was collected, and it was quite dark with visible pieces of metal in the fluid.
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We called our local Toyota dealership for pricing and availability on a remanufactured transmission, and the truck’s owner was called to discuss the shop’s findings. Jake needed to talk the repair over with his fiancée, as this was an expensive repair on a higher mileage (210,000 miles) truck. In the end, they decided to move forward with the transmission replacement since they had recently ordered a custom camper top for the Tundra and already had a road trip planned for their honeymoon.
The transmission removal and replacement procedures were straightforward on this Tundra, with two points worth highlighting. The first being that to verify both the alignment pins (also called straight pins) are installed on the rear side of the engine block. It is possible for one of the pins to remain in the transmission bell housing and be overlooked. A missing alignment pin can result in incorrect engine-to-transmission alignment and potentially damage the flex plate, torque converter, or the input shaft.
The second installation note to mention is presenting the option of replacing the starter motor to the owner. The starter is tucked behind the right-side exhaust manifold on this 3UR-FE, and while it is not quite as buried as the 4.7-liter starter under the intake manifold, at 5 hours book time, it is a labor-intensive job. This option makes sense, especially on higher-mileage vehicles, to replace the starter with the transmission at no additional labor charge. Jake and his soon-to-be bride authorized the new Denso starter motor, as it was an original part, and they had no intention of getting stranded on their upcoming road trip.
After the OE-rebuilt transmission was installed and the cooler was thoroughly flushed, it was time to reprogram the ECM. Before starting the programming session, ensure that a charger is connected to the battery to maintain proper voltage levels. The updated calibration file is accessed through the Technical Bulletin.
The Calibration Identification Chart has hyperlinks for each of the updated files. Once the correct file is selected based on the vehicle’s two- or four-wheel drive configuration and the presence of a tow package, the Calibration Update Wizard uses on-screen prompts to guide the user through the reprogramming procedure. A successful programming session will result in the following message, and the updated calibration ID will be shown on the Health Report results screen. With the reprogramming complete, the transmission needed to be filled with the correct amount of WS transmission fluid.
Since this Tundra was equipped with a trailer towing package, the fluid thermostat needed to be bypassed during the fluid filling and level check procedures. There is a shaft, or plunger, in the center of the thermostat body that needs to be pushed in approximately 6 mm, and then a pin can be slid through the cross-drilled holes, keeping the plunger in the depressed position.
An easy way to determine if there is a tow package present (not just an aftermarket trailer hitch that was added at some point) is to look for a transmission fluid temperature gauge in the instrument cluster. This indicates a factory-installed tow package including the fluid thermostat. With all electrical loads, such as air conditioning, audio, and lighting, turned off and the transmission fluid at the correct temperature of 99–111 degrees F, the level check was performed. Toyota ATF WS was added through the refill hole until fluid trickled out of the overflow tube in the transmission pan.
After the fluid level is correct, be sure to remove the pin in the thermostat. The truck was road tested, and the repairs were verified. Jake came by later that day with his fiancée and picked up the properly shifting Tundra, and they drove off into their happily ever after.
