88 Camry 4 cylinder automatic, gear slipping/transmittion problem!

[Camrydud]

Hi all,

My family got the 1988 4 cylinder Camry about four years ago used because there was a need for a second car at that time and someone we know was selling it. Over the years, it became fairly regular used vehicle when the other one is being used or maintenance.

About a month or so ago, the 88 Camry starting to have problems of engine stalling/shut off when the car is bring about to a complete stop, i.e. at red light or stop signs. Took to the mechanic and he said it might cost somewhere in the $400 or so to fix the problem. Might, because he has yet to get a complete look over. At that time, it was also in need of an oil change so we just let him change the oil first while wondering if the car should be fixed or save the money and get a newer car.

Well, after oil change, the car starting to have bigger problem. When put into drive and step on gas pedel, no matter lightly or hard, the car WOULD move, but slowly. Most of the time the engine would be revving as if it was shifted into neutral. Once it picked up speed, it should stay in third possibly second gear. The problem could be solved sometimes by shifting into lowest gear and with overdrive off, but only when the car is happy. Otherwise, if the car is come to a complete stop, it is hard to get it going again. The reverse is affected as well.

To shorten the problem, it seems that when accelerating from a complete stop, it does not seem to get into proper gears and stepping on the gas pedal only makes the engine rev loudly for a second or so before it goes again.

Not only that, when the car is parked, unburned gasoline smell is very noticeable.

Also, not sure if it is related, but it is also leaking coolant from somewhere around the engine area. Only realized it after sawing the coolant dripping from a small pan like thing near the water temperature sensor (based on the result after Googling, it seems like that is the sensor).


Please help in diagnose the possible problem.

Thank you in advance.

[dem2757]

pictures would help a lot!

and for the oil change was it engine oil or transmission fluid oil change?

[white90dx]

Have you checked the transmission fluid level and color?

Check for fuel leaks around the gas tank, and along the fuel lines that run under the car.

We'll need a better description of the coolant leak to tell you how serious that one is.

-Charlie

[Camrydud]

Thanks for the reply.

Originally Posted by dem2757

pictures would help a lot!

and for the oil change was it engine oil or transmission fluid oil change?

It was just regular engine oil change.

Originally Posted by white90dx

Have you checked the transmission fluid level and color?

Check for fuel leaks around the gas tank, and along the fuel lines that run under the car.

We'll need a better description of the coolant leak to tell you how serious that one is.

-Charlie

I have checked the transmission fluid color, it was pinkish, though it seems to be slightly on the low side.

There is no fuel leaks as far as I can tell. I will try to get a picture up if possible but it might not be easy to tell as the engine is all greasy and the leak seems to be on the fairly inner part.

Coolant leak is a problem, but it does not have that much impact at the moment. Today, bigger problem just occurred, the car is unable back up. When shift into reverse, the car would not move. Stepping on the gas pedal it would seem as the car is on neutral. The car is still able to go forward though, just not backward. Does that pretty much describe transmission problem?

Thanks for the help.

[atobe]

sounds like the shifter cable needs adjusting

[Camrydud]

Originally Posted by atobe

sounds like the shifter cable needs adjusting

Would you mind telling me where can it be located? And is it easily accessible? If it is possible, I will try to fix it myself, but I have yet to fix much of anything on it myself and we do not have any way to haul the engine out if needed.


Thanks.

[holmesnmanny]

First of all, do NOT go back to that mechanic. You don't diagnose a problem by not finding the problem then saying it's going to cost x amount of money to try to diagnose a problem you still haven't found.

Worst-case scenario, they just screwed up your car to try to get you to spend more money to fix problems they just caused.

[atobe]

ok i re-read your post it does sound like a trans problem... get the fluids to the right level first and see if it helps.. and the shifter cable is located on the front of the trans near/under the starter area.

[dem2757]

reverse going most likely means your overdrive/1st/reverse clutch is gone.

[Camrydud]

Originally Posted by holmesnmanny

First of all, do NOT go back to that mechanic. You don't diagnose a problem by not finding the problem then saying it's going to cost x amount of money to try to diagnose a problem you still haven't found.

Worst-case scenario, they just screwed up your car to try to get you to spend more money to fix problems they just caused.

Well, my brother is looking for a new mechanic anyway.

Originally Posted by atobe

ok i re-read your post it does sound like a trans problem... get the fluids to the right level first and see if it helps.. and the shifter cable is located on the front of the trans near/under the starter area.

I rechecked the transmission fluid and it does go to the "hot" part of the stick so there should be enough, but there are some black stuff at the tip of the stick when pulled out. Well have to work on locating the cable next since I have yet to jack up the car.

Originally Posted by dem2757

reverse going most likely means your overdrive/1st/reverse clutch is gone.

Yikes. Though it still do go forward, does that mean anything?


Sorry, I am not really a car guy so there are many things I have to learn. And just trying to see if it is possible to narrow down the problem and get a scope on how bad it might be. Because if the cost to fix the problem is fair, I can convince the family to keep it for a while. They are talking about replacing it, but I hate to see this car go yet.