1st gear whine

[jnbqm9]

I've got a 2000 Camry (4 cyl, automatic) that has a slight whine while in 1st gear. It almost sounds like something is straining. It only whines while in 1st gear, stops simultaneously with the transmission shifting into 2nd and doesn't make any noise at all while sitting still (both in gear and in park). I haven't done any mods to the car at all. Any suggestions???

[Kep]

I am pretty sure that the car requires the most force in first gear so it is working hardest at this interval. My first thought is changing the transmission fluid. How many miles on your car? When have you changed the fluid? Have you ever cleaned or replaced the transmission filter? Have you checked the transmission fluid level since you noticed this noise?

One other thought - tire noise. If you put the car up on stands does it still make the noise?

Kep

[marc780]

Kep about hit the nail on the head, if a fluid change doesnt help then its probably time to take it to a transmission shop

[jnbqm9]

130,000 miles, never (to my knowledge), no, and no. Hey, I heard you call me an idiot.

I haven't tried putting it up on stands. I don't think it's tire noise, though. It always stops making the noise right as its shifting into second gear. I have a hard time believing tire noise is that right on, every single time. I've only been driving the car for a few months and happen to notice the noise while driving through the parking garage at work, with the radio off and my windows down. Is changing the trans filter a big project? Checking the levels is easy. What's a good recommended time frame for flushing and replacing the trans fluid? Thanks for the help.

[Luckynumber5]

Try a simple fluid change, sounds like the torque converter is whining a little in first. Post back and let us know what the fluid looked like coming out.

[jnbqm9]

So, I finally checked the fluid and it was dark brown. I called the transmission shop (Aamco) to get pricing for a fluid change and was told I could come in for a free external check on the transmission to make sure nothing else was wrong. I prepared myself for a sales pitch and the only thing they told me it needed was a fuild change and filter replace (because of the color of the fluid). I was suprised they didn't try to sell me a new transmission. I asked them about a power flush, but the manager said he wouldn't reccomend that because it would probably tear apart the interior of the transmission. He also said the whining noise seemed to be coming from the rear wheel bearing. So, I had them change the fluid/filter and hopefully I don't have any more trouble with it. Thanks for the help!

[wtftoy]

Wow thats a good shop then, he even recommended NOT to do a power flush (most shops would = more money for them if you ever have more problems later)