Transmission problems?

[Camry 88]

My '88 Camry has some issues when it comes to a cold transmission.
The other day, when I was leaving for work, the auto. tranny shifted fine going into 2nd and 3rd gears. It took 6 miles before it upshifted into 4th. The whole time the engine was racing.

This happened two other times each taking 6-8 miles before upshifting into 4th.

Today, I ended up driving it the whole way to work (35 miles) in 3rd gear. It never upshifted into 4th. I talked to one of the other mechanics at work about it and he suggested a tranny flush. So, a tranny flush and $115 later, after work I drove it out to where my dad works and it shifted fine. After I left my dad's work, I drove it the 15 mi. back to town. It did it again! The whole way into town in 3rd gear.

Is there a clog in the system that only happens when the fluid is cold, or could there be a sensor that is going bad?
Any Ideas would be appreciated.

[Doctor J]

For better answer to your post please provide info about the engine (4 or 6 cylinders) and transaxle type (with power/normal button near the hand brake (a140e --ECT) or A140l

[Camry 88]

Yes it is the a140e - ECT transmission and it has the 2.0 4 cyl. engine.

[Doctor J]

Ok thanks for info:
steps to follow up
a) check the trouble codes:
1) locate diagnostic connector under hood
2) bridge ECT and E1 terminals, turn ignition on
3) count nblinks of the O/D off light
If code present post it here
Make sure car goes ok in reverse,
if not the O/d gear mst be repaired
If yes
Unplug the electrical connector from transmission
shift to D and ---slowly!!! accelerate to 25 mph
if tranny is slipping same as above

If ok
check the overdrive switch circuit
unplug the connector from the ECT computer with check for 0 ohms between OD2 terminal green orange wire and the body "ground" with O/d switch in on position; !!! do this testing in D position or try to move gear selector lever to catch broken or torn wire!!!
Also check continuity between OD 1 terminal of transmission comp and and ECT terminal of engine ECU Yellow-black wire.

[zythr]

Isn't there lock up in 3 gear?

[Doctor J]

it locks up above 45 mph in 3rd and 4th gear

[Camry 88]

Ok, thanks!

I talked to the mechanic that our family takes our cars to. He says it is probably a thermostat failure. I noticed yesterday that the temp gauge is also acting up too. In town it showed that the engine had heated up, but as soon as I hit 40-50 mph, the temp gauge quickly went back down. Plus, I've noticed that the defroster only works on the windshield somewhat. It dosen't do anything on the side windows (a lot of wiping windows while driving). Our mechanic says that a faulty T-stat can cause the T/C not to lock up.

Does this sound like something possible?
If so, this could be the cheapest repair I've ever done!

[atobe]

that is possible.. since the ecu won't shift into 4th unless the coolant temp is high enough. worth a try only 15$ to change the thermostat

[Camry 88]

Originally Posted by atobe

that is possible.. since the ecu won't shift into 4th unless the coolant temp is high enough. worth a try only 15$ to change the thermostat

Thanks! I hope a new thermostat takes care of it.

[white90dx]

Cold weather in Iowa recently, yeah?

The transmission is sensing that the motor is cold and trying to help it warm up. Get that thermostat fixed and you will have better heat in the car and a transmission that shifts into 4th once the car starts to warms up.

I barely notice the "doesn't shift into 4th" thing around here since it only takes half a mile or so to warm the car up enough... welcome to southern california.

-Charlie

[Camry 88]

Good News!

I replaced the thermostat and it runs great. This thing heats up quick now!
It shifts great and the defroster works great now too.

One of these days I'm going to post a picture of my Camry for all of you to see. Untill then, thanks for all the information and ideas!