2000 Camry LE 2.2 hesitation to accelerate

[skewe]

I have a 2000 2.2 5SFE and I noticed that it is going to cause some major problems very very soon. It has 182,000 highway miles but it is in excellent condition other than this possible problem.

When I accelerate, I notice that it feels like the gear is slipping for 1 second and I feel a lurch forward before taking off. Based on my unprofessional experience, I might think that the gear is slipping. And when I say accelerate, I gradually do it.

Initially, I noticed that for the acceleration from a stand still and now, I notice it when i am accelerating when changing lanes.

Any ideas or suggestions before I bring it to the dealership?

[hill8570]

Well, basics first. Have you checked your tranny fluid level? Drive 'er around for a couple of miles to warm 'er up, park (leaving the engine running), and check the dipstick. Should be close to full. May have to wipe off the dipstick and retry a couple of times to get an accurate reading.

[skewe]

I have not checked the transmission fluid, thanks for the tip and I did not think of that.
It was changed like 2-3 years ago which makes sense for me to check.

I will do it shortly.

[skewe]

Just came back from the dealer.
$300 poorer

They spent an hr trying to find out the prob with no avail including pulling the codes.

Did a tranny flush and fuel injector cleaning/flush.
Did not fix it.

[fenixus]

how about replacing spark plugs? they can cause hesitation on accel if in poor shape. fuel filter was replaced recently too?

[hill8570]

Originally Posted by skewe

Just came back from the dealer.
$300 poorer

They spent an hr trying to find out the prob with no avail including pulling the codes.

Did a tranny flush and fuel injector cleaning/flush.
Did not fix it.

Well, bummer. Hope someone else has some ideas, 'cause I think you're looking at a tranny rebuild or replacement. $$$

[skewe]

Originally Posted by fenixus

how about replacing spark plugs? they can cause hesitation on accel if in poor shape. fuel filter was replaced recently too?

I will replace the plugs today or tomorrow.

Fuel filter was replaced about 1-2 yrs ago

[ICBCINTERGER2]

thanks for sharing.

[skewe]

Swap out the spark plugs. Initially, i was cleaning it but heck, I just swap it out. Drove it around the block, i think i resolved the issue. Was going to swap out the ignition cable with Original Toyota cable for 110$ but luckily I did not

Thanks

[fenixus]

glad changing the plugs solved it
don't bother with original toyota cables for $110 while you can get same good japanese NGK wires for half or 1/3 of the price.