A960E Transmission Solenoid Kit, 9-Piece Set

A Lexus IS250 or IS350 that thumps into second, flares between gears, shudders at a steady 40-50 mph, or drops into limp mode with solenoid codes is a common search, and the Aisin A960E six-speed behind those cars is the reason. This is a new nine-piece set that replaces every solenoid on the A960E valve body at once. The photo shows four long-body linear solenoids (two with black connectors, two with brown) and five compact tabbed on-off solenoids (two black, one blue, two green), so you can line each new part up with the one you pull out.

What the solenoid kit does in an A960E

The A960E is Aisin's rear-drive six-speed, part of the same family as the A760E, A761E and the heavier AB60. It shifts entirely by computer. Sonnax describes four on-off solenoids, S1 through S4, that the transmission computer switches to command each gear, plus an SR on-off solenoid on the same feed circuit. The long linear solenoids are current-controlled: they set line pressure, control each clutch apply during clutch-to-clutch shifts, and modulate converter lockup. On this family the on-off solenoids are fed regulated line pressure straight from the manual valve with no orifice, which is unusual, and it means a leak anywhere in that feed shows up as solenoid trouble even when the solenoids are fine.

Symptoms that point to the solenoid set

• Harsh 1-2 or 2-3 upshifts, or a flare where RPM rises before the next gear catches
• Late or delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse
• Converter shudder at light throttle once lockup applies
• Solenoid performance codes P0751, P0756, P0761 or P0766 for S1 through S4, which set when the gear ratio does not match the gear commanded
• Limp mode or a fixed gear after repeated ratio errors

How to confirm before you buy

A performance code is not proof a solenoid failed. Sonnax notes the same P0751-P0766 codes set when a holding clutch slips, and it documents a specific A960-family leak: the bore plug behind the SR solenoid sits right above that solenoid's exhaust port, and when it loosens it dumps solenoid feed and line pressure to exhaust. Their fix is an O-ringed, threaded plug, and the original often falls out during cleaning because nothing holds it in. So check fluid condition, road test with a scan tool watching commanded gear against actual ratio, and measure each circuit at the case connector. Our guide to testing solenoids without a factory scan tool covers the electrical checks, and the converter clutch shudder guide helps separate a lockup solenoid from a worn converter. If the valve body itself is worn, the A960E valve body with nine solenoids fixes bores and solenoids together.

Fitment

Listed fitment is the A960E (also catalogued as TB-60 series) in the 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 2.5L V6, 2007-2012 IS350 3.5L V6, 2005-2006 GS300 3.0L and 2005-2007 GS430 4.3L V8. Toyota used several close relatives of this unit, including the A761E behind V8 engines in this era, and they do not share every solenoid. Before ordering, read the transmission ID plate and compare connector colors, tabs and the numbers on your old solenoids to the photo. If you are not sure, send us your year and VIN and we will check it, especially on V8 GS models.

Install notes

• Drain the fluid, drop the pan and filter, and swap the solenoids one at a time so each new unit goes into the same bore and bracket.
• While the valve body is exposed, check the SR solenoid bore plug and its retainer; a loose plug will bring the codes right back.
• Lube new O-rings with ATF and snug the retaining bolts lightly into the aluminum valve body.
• Refill with Toyota Genuine ATF WS. There is no dipstick, so set the level at the fill plug at the specified temperature using the factory procedure.
• Clear codes and reset the transmission adaptive values, then drive through all six gears so the computer relearns clutch fill times.

Toyota WS is available as a six-quart pack of Toyota Genuine ATF WS. For higher-mileage cars with burnt fluid or slipping clutches, a full rebuild with the IS250 master rebuild kit is the better repair. See our adaptive relearn guide for what to expect on the first drives.

Does this fit my 2010 Lexus IS250?

Yes, the listed fitment includes 2006-2012 IS250 2.5L V6 with the A960E six-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive cars can use a different version of the unit, so confirm the transmission ID plate and compare your old solenoids with the photo, or send us your VIN.

What is in the nine-piece set?

Four long-body linear solenoids for line pressure, clutch apply and lockup control, and five compact tabbed on-off shift solenoids, covering every solenoid on the A960E valve body.

I have a P0751 or P0756 code. Do I need all nine solenoids?

Not necessarily. Those performance codes compare commanded gear to actual ratio, so a slipping clutch or a leaking bore plug behind the SR solenoid can set them with good solenoids. Diagnose first, but replacing the full set while the pan is down avoids a second job.

What fluid does the A960E use?

Toyota Genuine ATF WS. The transmission has no dipstick, so the level is set at the fill plug at the specified fluid temperature.

Do I need to do a relearn after installing?

Yes. Clear codes and reset the transmission adaptive values with a capable scan tool, then drive through all six gears with gentle throttle so the computer can relearn clutch fill.

• Solenoid Testing Without a Factory Scan Tool
• Torque Converter Clutch Shudder Diagnosis
• Adaptive Relearn After a Valve Body Job or Rebuild
• Bench Testing Transmission Solenoids