Gen 3 bad idle/shift

[babylon123]

Hello all. 94' Camry LE 4 cyl. I just noticed on monday went from a cold start and noticed the idle in Park kind of jerks down about ~100 rpm every couple of seconds makes a somewhat odd sound. Checked all the fluid levels oil/transmission etc. I noticed the coolant looked a little low so I added more but problem still persist.

The car is an automatic and I noticed when I drive the car down the street the revs go up to ~2.5-3k then the car shifts like there is a delay in the shift causing the car to drive a little rough. Feels like an engine/transmission problem. I did have the starter replaced in january so I'm sure it is not that. I plan on taking it over the mechanic on thursday and explaining, any idea what it might be?? thanks.

[fenixus]

coolant level will tend pointing lower in cold Winter (thermal contraction) when compared to same amount in Summer.
It's easier to check coolant level more precisely on fully warmed up car (should be at FULL/HOT mark), e.g. after 15 min driving on highway or 30 mins locally or so.

Was the car warmed up (coolant temperature gauge at NORM on dash) when you experienced delayed shifting? automatic transmission delays upshifting gears until engine is warmed up above like 140F or so.

Idle speed jerking up and down by 100rpms may indicate a dirty/sticky IAC valve in Throttle Body, try this for starters:
How to: Cleaning Throttle Body -4 Cylinder Engines- With Pictures

[babylon123]

I cleaned the throttle body 1 year ago with that same spray. I suppose I can try doing that again. I have driven the car in cold weather previously but never experienced the rough shifting.

[babylon123]

Also another problem that I am having. The hood of the car only stays up for about 30-45 seconds then it falls. Do I need to replace the hood attachment springs or is there a place to put a metal rod to prop it up like most cars?

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by babylon123

I cleaned the throttle body 1 year ago with that same spray. I suppose I can try doing that again. I have driven the car in cold weather previously but never experienced the rough shifting.

Originally Posted by babylon123

Also another problem that I am having. The hood of the car only stays up for about 30-45 seconds then it falls. Do I need to replace the hood attachment springs or is there a place to put a metal rod to prop it up like most cars?

you may need to unbolt the whole Throttle Body and then remove IAC, clean it and replace both gaskets, just like described in the DIY:
5sfe IAC Removal (lots of pictures)

Hood supports are hydraulic hinges, you would need to replace them.
For time being you may buy a telescopic rod and keep it in trunk and use it when needed to support hood up there. Most mechanical shops use them always even if hinges are good ... probably they got bumped too many times on the head with falling hoods

[JohnGD]

Try the IAC cleaning link first. You may also want to check the engine coolant temp sensor (the 2-wire thing, not the 1-wire gauge sender). Both can cause idle problems.

Does the rough shifts happen when cold? Does it disappear when warm? If so I would double check the engine coolant temp sensor.

Otherwise, when was the last time the ATF was changed and strainer replaced? The transmission may be slipping. The starter shouldn't affect the shifts, but check to make sure the throttle linkage is reconnected if the shop remove things to install the starter. Therefore it helps to be able to do these checks yourself.

Originally Posted by babylon123

Hello all. 94' Camry LE 4 cyl. I just noticed on monday went from a cold start and noticed the idle in Park kind of jerks down about ~100 rpm every couple of seconds makes a somewhat odd sound. Checked all the fluid levels oil/transmission etc. I noticed the coolant looked a little low so I added more but problem still persist.

The car is an automatic and I noticed when I drive the car down the street the revs go up to ~2.5-3k then the car shifts like there is a delay in the shift causing the car to drive a little rough. Feels like an engine/transmission problem. I did have the starter replaced in january so I'm sure it is not that. I plan on taking it over the mechanic on thursday and explaining, any idea what it might be?? thanks.