Manual shifting an auto tranny?

[TweakerG]

I just bought an 87 camry and it has some trans problems. Mainly it shifts into 2nd gear way too early causing really slow accelleration. I've been just shifting through l,2,d to get around it. My question, is that going to hurt anything doing it that way? I don't have the time at the moment to actually fix the problem so this seems to be working until then.

[Kingdom934]

For my Gen1 camry, the '2' and 'D' selections are sluggish since it doesn't downshift anymore, lots of engine reving and what not until I get up to speed. ECT fuse keeps blowing out . It's been like that for at lease 3 years so far, just got to keep shifting it and planning ahead when tackling a hill.

Soo....I guess you could do that, but i've heard some people messing up their auto tranny...of course they did it when the tranny was actually shifting and working.

[toyomoho]

Trans shifting is controlled by electric operated valves actuated by the ECU. Could be a valve or wiring problem. If the fuse is blowing perhaps a short in the wiring or a valve is defective and drawing too much currant.

The valves should be accessible with the trans still in car. If you can find the service info you can test them. The ECU may be able to store trouble codes, if so you can check to see of any are stored, download them and localize the trouble area.

[TweakerG]

Once I have the time I'm going to pull the codes from the tranny since the OD light is blinking. Until then the manual shifting seems to be working for me.

[marc780]

Its not going to help the trans shifting it manually. Its not good for any auto to do it too much. But sounds to me like this trans is probably pretty much shot anyway. Try a fluid change because you have nothing to lose - and if this doesnt improve operation, start looking for a transmission...maybe you can find a functional junkyard one for cheap.