3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I just inherited a 1993 Camry from my Mom. It drove perfectly for a couple of weeks (and she never had a problem with it) and all at once it backed out of it's parking space sluggishly and then, after a few miles of highway speeds, at residential speed it started slipping into neutral. I have to pull over, shut down for about a minute, and then restart it. It goes for a block or two and then does the same thing. Can this be a solenoid/electrical problem? The mechanic says it's the whole transmission and the lowest he'll quote is $1500. While the car looks and drives nice, It's only worth around $2k to $2.5k so I'd have to junk it if that's the case. I'm hoping that it's really something that can be fixed for about $500?
Well, the first thing you have to check is the ATF condition and level. If the level is low you can experience that problem. I'd go as far as having the pan dropped, cleaned, and strainer replaced. An ATF strainer/gasket kit is about $15. A gallon of Dexron III ATF is about $10 (WalMart).
You should also check the shift cable, just to make sure the transmission isn't falling into neutral from drive.
Check the throttle linkage as well. It helps to regulate ATF line pressure.
However, all of the above are correct, then it's probably something inside the transmission. If this is the case, try driving in L or 2 (but don't exceed 15 in L or 25 in 2). See if things are better. If so you probably need a rebuild.
But before then, try a High Mileage ATF like Valvoline MaxLife. And see if this helps.
The rebuild kit with new steel plates is about $200. A rebuilt torque converter about $120-150. The rest is all labor. If you can come out under $1200 rebuilding this one with a decent warranty (> 1yr/12K) that may be worth a try. But some shops charge that to put in a junkyard pull and give you a 3-4 month warranty the junkyard gave them. Then it's not worth it.
Of course, unless you can pull your own with the help of a mechanically inclined friend. Then it's much cheaper. But call an ATRA shop to get a quote and find out.
I just inherited a 1993 Camry from my Mom. It drove perfectly for a couple of weeks (and she never had a problem with it) and all at once it backed out of it's parking space sluggishly and then, after a few miles of highway speeds, at residential speed it started slipping into neutral. I have to pull over, shut down for about a minute, and then restart it. It goes for a block or two and then does the same thing. Can this be a solenoid/electrical problem? The mechanic says it's the whole transmission and the lowest he'll quote is $1500. While the car looks and drives nice, It's only worth around $2k to $2.5k so I'd have to junk it if that's the case. I'm hoping that it's really something that can be fixed for about $500?
Well, the first thing you have to check is the ATF condition and level. If the level is low you can experience that problem. I'd go as far as having the pan dropped, cleaned, and strainer replaced. An ATF strainer/gasket kit is about $15. A gallon of Dexron III ATF is about $10 (WalMart).
You should also check the shift cable, just to make sure the transmission isn't falling into neutral from drive.
Check the throttle linkage as well. It helps to regulate ATF line pressure.
However, all of the above are correct, then it's probably something inside the transmission. If this is the case, try driving in L or 2 (but don't exceed 15 in L or 25 in 2). See if things are better. If so you probably need a rebuild.
But before then, try a High Mileage ATF like Valvoline MaxLife. And see if this helps.
The rebuild kit with new steel plates is about $200. A rebuilt torque converter about $120-150. The rest is all labor. If you can come out under $1200 rebuilding this one with a decent warranty (> 1yr/12K) that may be worth a try. But some shops charge that to put in a junkyard pull and give you a 3-4 month warranty the junkyard gave them. Then it's not worth it.
Of course, unless you can pull your own with the help of a mechanically inclined friend. Then it's much cheaper. But call an ATRA shop to get a quote and find out.
Well, the first thing you have to check is the ATF condition and level. If the level is low you can experience that problem. I'd go as far as having the pan dropped, cleaned, and strainer replaced. An ATF strainer/gasket kit is about $15. A gallon of Dexron III ATF is about $10 (WalMart).
You should also check the shift cable, just to make sure the transmission isn't falling into neutral from drive.
Check the throttle linkage as well. It helps to regulate ATF line pressure.
However, all of the above are correct, then it's probably something inside the transmission. If this is the case, try driving in L or 2 (but don't exceed 15 in L or 25 in 2). See if things are better. If so you probably need a rebuild.
But before then, try a High Mileage ATF like Valvoline MaxLife. And see if this helps.
The rebuild kit with new steel plates is about $200. A rebuilt torque converter about $120-150. The rest is all labor. If you can come out under $1200 rebuilding this one with a decent warranty (> 1yr/12K) that may be worth a try. But some shops charge that to put in a junkyard pull and give you a 3-4 month warranty the junkyard gave them. Then it's not worth it.
Of course, unless you can pull your own with the help of a mechanically inclined friend. Then it's much cheaper. But call an ATRA shop to get a quote and find out.
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When it dies the car will be junked. 
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