Reverse works fine but wont go in drive till 4k rpm

[ComputerNjip]

I have a 97 Camry 2.2 with 4 speed auto so far I have checked the fluid and there is no burnt smell and looks like it did when i put the fluid in it and the fluid is only about 2k miles old. The car seems like it is being held back. When I go to take off I have to rev the engine to 4k before it moves, but after that it really takes off. Once it is to about 40 mph it accelerates fine. What would cause the problem?

[TRD95]

Sounds like you might have a bad torque converter and/or a bad one-way clutch...


The converter contains a one-way clutch. If it jams and locks the stator, the converter wont be able to circulate the fluid properly between the impeller and the turbine. Hence, there will be a lack of power, and possible engine overheating. It'll also make the fluid very hot and lead to overall transmission failure. Keep in mind that the one-way clutch makes the stator only go, you guessed it, only ONE WAY! If it freewheels in both directions, the torque converter wont be able to multiply the torque properly and the car will bog when accelerating. That's when you must replace the torque converter.

[Mister_Perkins]

x2 ^^^^

I would bring it to a transmission specialist and have them diagnose your problem to make sure though.

[ComputerNjip]

The transmission has only been in the car for 2k miles. The transmission that was in the car when I bought it was shot because who ever changed the fluid in it forgot to put fluid back in the differential and left the fill plug off. So I got the transmission that is in the car now from a local reputable salvage yard that tests everything before they sell it. The torque converter is the one that came with the transmission. They said that when they drained the fluid that it was clean. I made sure that I replaced the torque converter seal and the axle seals. Thought that you should know more about the transmission itself.

[ComputerNjip]

The only problem is in my area where I live all of the transmission shops around wont touch foreign vehicles.

[JohnGD]

Including members of the ATRA automatic transmission rebuilders assoc?
http://atra.com/shopfinder

The inexpensive Aisin A140E isn't a complex transmission at all. No guarantee that any ATRA shop is going to be good, but beats a no-name corner garage.

For example, the one in PA is a bit far, but is an ATRA certified shop. The closest is probably Croteau's. About 30 miles form Mt. Upton, but doesn't look like a "certified" shop from the list.

Barry Sommers, PA:
http://www.goodshift.com/

Croteau's:
http://www.croteaus.com/

Originally Posted by ComputerNjip

The only problem is in my area where I live all of the transmission shops around wont touch foreign vehicles.

[JohnGD]

Before doing any work at least price out a Marshalls rebuilt transmission. These carry 3-year/100K mile warranty. Prices on rockauto.com too.

http://www.marshallengines.com/transmissions.htm
http://www.jasperengines.com/transmissions.php

If this is a salvaged transmission then anything can happen. Maybe it was on its way out.

Try putting it in L and 2 and see if it behaves differently. L and 2 engages an extra brake band. If it's the clutch packs slipping then the brake band may help. But if it's the converter then it won't. Just don't drive too fast in low gears. 15-25mph should allow you to test.

Originally Posted by ComputerNjip

The transmission has only been in the car for 2k miles. The transmission that was in the car when I bought it was shot because who ever changed the fluid in it forgot to put fluid back in the differential and left the fill plug off. So I got the transmission that is in the car now from a local reputable salvage yard that tests everything before they sell it. The torque converter is the one that came with the transmission. They said that when they drained the fluid that it was clean. I made sure that I replaced the torque converter seal and the axle seals. Thought that you should know more about the transmission itself.

[ComputerNjip]

Thanks for letting me know about the lower gears, but already tried that and got the same result. I guess I will have to get a new converter then.