My 2000 ES300 (96,000 miles) threw a P0768 fault code: Shift D - solenoid electrical.

The car runs fine, however - great in fact. Acceleration, shifting, Reverse, Drive - all work like they always did.
Is it possible this is a phantom code? or intermittent?
Will the CEL turn off on its own (if repaired) or do I have to clear the codes.

Before I take it to a transmission place - I wanted to check here on what others experienced.

 

Don't know the maintenance history, but here are a few basic items to check that may trigger the fault;
Insufficient fluid level
Dirty or contaminated fluid
Clogged transmission filter

 

'maybe' the fluid was changed 50,000 miles ago - maybe (I don't recall). And that would at least 10 years ago.
Fluid color is not red, but it's not 'burned' either. Smells o.k.
Fluid level is within the range - towards the high side even.

 

I would recommend a fluid and filter change. It's overdue and a possible cost effective fix for the problem.

 

Why do people keep saying, "fluid doesn't smell burnt" what does burnt ATF smell like? I've never come across it, it does smell really bad if the fluid sits for years or even decades but that is not a burnt smell.

 

I went ahead and cleared the fault code, started the car and drove it for about 30 minutes (highway/ side street) running errands and the CEL never came on.

Since the transmission is running fine, I suspect a stuck valve or something intermittent.
When I say it doesn't smell "burnt", I mean it still has the same smell as new ATF (or very close).

Regardless, I will take HomerJay's advice and change out the fluid and filter. The magnets on the bottom will be diagnostic.