1st & 2nd Generation (1983–1986 & 1987-1991)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1983-1986 & 1987-1991.
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My rusty but trusty 200K+ '90 Camry with a 3SFE and automatic trans sometimes has a mind of it's own. Most of the time it shifts OK, but sometimes it decides to start out in (what I think is) 3rd gear. If I drop it down into 1st, it'll go into 1st and I can manually upshift it. I changed what little trans fluid I could about 6K miles or so ago, and the level is OK on the stick. It might do this all day long, might do it once or twice, or might not do it at all for a couple of weeks. I tried searching here for a solution but couldn't find anything. Is there a simple fix for this problem?
The ECT transmission has 6 terminal connector and 2 wires going to the speed sensor; the L transmission has only 2 wire connector and only one wire goes to the solenoid.
Wrong gear start on L type is due to the stuck shift valve or disconnected TV (kick down cable).
On ECT type if no codes are stored reflecting bad connections to the solenoids, the shift solenoids can be restricted (dirty).
First , check the connector terminals (broken, bend pulled/pushed into cavities at the 6 terminal connector).
i am also having the same problem.i pulled the codes and all the codes pop up and they dont erease even if i disconnect the batt. or trans ecu.i tested the resistance on the speed sensor in the trans and it is out of spec but i am still trying to confirm it since a new one is 400 dollars.let me know if you figure anything else out
Well, I cleaned the connector with contact cleaner and applied dielectric grease. It seemed to shift normally most of the time, but sometimes start in third again. I couldn't detect any pattern to this shifting problem, except it would do it more after the car sat for a while after driving it...never when stone cold. I almost bought an aux. trans cooler, thinking that it only happened when the fluid got hot...that is, until yesterday. Even after sitting all night, the thing started in third right off the bat and did it all day. I'm going to try draining and changing some more of the tranny fluid and see if that helps. Is there some kind of trans fluid additive I can safely add? I still think it's an electrical problem, because when it shifts it's nice and crisp, just like it should be.
I had the same prob. I thought the tranny was going out, then I found out about pulling the codes. One of the solenoids was bad in the tranny. I went to the salvage yard and bought a core tranny. Usually the core trannys are bad mechanicaly, but their electronics are good (most of the time). I took out anything electrical and cleaned and stored them. Then I replaced the bad solenoid, crossed my fingers and she still shifts silky smooth 15k miles later. just my 2 cents. good luck!
I had the same prob. I thought the tranny was going out, then I found out about pulling the codes. One of the solenoids was bad in the tranny. I went to the salvage yard and bought a core tranny. Usually the core trannys are bad mechanicaly, but their electronics are good (most of the time). I took out anything electrical and cleaned and stored them. Then I replaced the bad solenoid, crossed my fingers and she still shifts silky smooth 15k miles later. just my 2 cents. good luck!
Great idea. How much should I expect to pay for one?
Someone will probably chime in with more information but here is a link to a description that toyomoho gave about pulling the transmission error code(s):
Someone will probably chime in with more information but here is a link to a description that toyomoho gave about pulling the transmission error code(s):
Thanks a lot. I read both of these and when I get the time, I'll try to pull the code. Yesterday the OD light was flashing, so according to the 2nd link there's a code stored in there. My only day off is Sunday and I spent last Sunday sweat soldering a plumbing leak in my house, so I couldn't work on the car. At least I didn't set the house on fire. Last Saturday the 'D' light on the dash went out. All the others were OK, and then it decided to come back on yesterday. I think I'll pull the battery cable today to reset the computers and see what happens. The guy I got the car from said it had the trans replaced sometime during it's life, and I believe him because the wire looms aren't routed or attached where they should be. I wish this thing was a stick shift.
Well...Before going to work this morning, I disconnected the battery cable for a few minutes. The car shifted like new all day. I'll see how long it lasts. If it's OK for a week or so I'll be happy. Then I'll install one of those quick battery disconnect switches on the negative post and just turn the knob when needed. Kind of a bandaid approach, but at least it's simple.
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starts in 3rd...sometimes
I wish this thing was a stick shift.
I'll see how long it lasts. If it's OK for a week or so I'll be happy. Then I'll install one of those quick battery disconnect switches on the negative post and just turn the knob when needed. Kind of a bandaid approach, but at least it's simple.
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