transmission troubles

[jklckeller]

My daughter has a 1993 camry with 200,000+ miles on it. A couple of month ago, it stopped shifting out of first gear and would not accelerate. We replaced the fluid and the filter and the car was running fine. Yesterday it suddenly started doing the same thing. If she turns the car off and then restarts she can go forward, but it still will not shift out of first gear. After a short distance or if she stops, the car slips out of gear and she has to start the process over again....turn the car off, then on, drive a short distance...etc. We have not had this car long and the filter was really clogged when we changed it a couple of months ago. I don't think it was maintained well before we got it.
Would it make sense to change the fluid and filter again or is something else going on? I was just thinking that maybe there is still alot of stuff in the transmission and the filter is clogged again. Suggestions??

[toyomoho]

Did you replace all the fluid. Just draining the pan removes about 1/3 the total amount.

[jklckeller]

I wasn't there when they did it, but I believe they just drained the pan and changed the filter. Would it need to be taken to a shop in order to get all the fluid out, or could it be a do it yourself thing?

[new echo owner]

You may have more than just fluid problem with the transmission. What is the condition of the fluid in the transmission now? Any warning light?

N.E.O.

[Dave's]

JMHO, but it sounds like a shift solenoid is sticking. Should be able to check by: 1. Ignition switch on but not started 2. Verify O/D light works correctly (comes on when switched to off and vice versa) 3. Set O/D to on 4. Jumper E1 to TE1 on the diagnostic connector (S/B one near passenger side firewall or under dash left of steering wheel) 5. If O/D light flashes, count the sequence. (6 space 2 = 62.) 62 is the #1 solenoid which should have a black wire and 63 is #2 which should have a white wire. Pan has to come off, then they're easy to remove. They can be tested with one of those rubber-tipped air nozzles set to about <60psi. Stick it in the end hole and apply 12vdc to case and wire briefly. It should click solidly and air should come out the side holes until voltage is removed. Could get other error codes but I'm betting it will be one of those two.

[jklckeller]

To NEO, yes, the check engine light came on. the fluid looked normal when we checked it. To Dave, we will check the shift solenoid thing. Thanks for your suggestions. I'll let you know what comes of it.

[new echo owner]

If you do have a check engine light then that is a good place to start. Dave's probably correct about the shift solenoid. One other thing you may want to look at is the Park/Neutral switch; a leaking battery can sometimes cause corrosion to the connector and the switch to do interesting things.

N.E.O.