3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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I have a 98 ES300 with the V6 1MZ-FE engine with 293K miles.
There is a patch of road that is a decline when I get to the speed limit I lift off the gas and the car continues the speed, usually between 35-40 MPH.
When the car slows down to a point where I have to press on the gas the car does not respond. I can see the tach go higher but the car feels like it's in neutral. If I pull off to the side and slow down and start again, it's fine. It drives normal.
Anyone experience this or is this sign of imminent transmission failure?
+1 on fluid check, look at color,level,and smell..1 automatic transmission in nearly 300,000 miles?? That would be impressive.. How long have you had the car? What kinda maintence has the transmission had? Have you tested the throttle position sensor?
+1 on fluid check, look at color,level,and smell..1 automatic transmission in nearly 300,000 miles?? That would be impressive.. How long have you had the car? What kinda maintence has the transmission had? Have you tested the throttle position sensor?
I'm the original owner of this car bought in 98.
Everything on it is original including the trans.
I checked the transmission level and it's fine but it is about time for me to replace the oil.
I don't think it's the throttle position sensor because when I press on the gas the engine does respond. The tach will go up.
Just to clarify, this only happens when I am going downhill. It does not happen on flat or uphill roads.
It could just be your transmission downshifting out of Overdrive into 3rd for some reason
Yes I do think it has something to do with shifting out of OD.
If I kept accelerating as I reached the speed limit and went over, the car does not do this. It will just go faster.
The thing is, why does it not engage into 3rd gear if it downshifted from OD?
Maybe it's nothing to worry about but then on a car with this many miles it's about time for everything to be replaced so I try to do everything to prevent any major damages.
How often did you change ATF and differential fluid? No longer than 30,000 miles? In city driving the Dexron III should be changed every 15K miles.
I'd drop the transmission pan and replace the strainer too. While in there inspect the debris at the bottom of the pan. If the ATF level is good, then according to your first post the transmission was slipping.
I'm not quite sure about why a difference in even downhill and flat however.
The Following User Says Thank You to JohnGD For This Useful Post:
How often did you change ATF and differential fluid? No longer than 30,000 miles? In city driving the Dexron III should be changed every 15K miles.
I'd drop the transmission pan and replace the strainer too. While in there inspect the debris at the bottom of the pan. If the ATF level is good, then according to your first post the transmission was slipping.
I'm not quite sure about why a difference in even downhill and flat however.
I change the transmission oil every 30K or so.
Differential fluid? I didn't know I had a differential on a front wheel drive.
Please let me know if I'm mistaken.
I drive mostly highway miles about 80%.
The A541E has a separate drain for the differential, it's facing the firewall about the level of the subframe. 10mm hex allen bit. It shares the same fill with the transmission through the dipstick tube.
So you have been doing drains/refills? Or did you drop the pan. If changing the strainer and running with the correct level of Dexron III doesn't help, then it's to an ATRA member shop.
I recommend an ATRA transmission rebuilders assoc member shop to examine the thing. They may be better than the corner garage, but no guarantees.
I change the transmission oil every 30K or so.
Differential fluid? I didn't know I had a differential on a front wheel drive.
Please let me know if I'm mistaken.
I drive mostly highway miles about 80%.
The Following User Says Thank You to JohnGD For This Useful Post:
+1 on Johns post.. I am impressed by the miles that you have gotten out of this auto transmission. That to me is a testimit to maintence and a quality product combined..
The A541E has a separate drain for the differential, it's facing the firewall about the level of the subframe. 10mm hex allen bit. It shares the same fill with the transmission through the dipstick tube.
So you have been doing drains/refills? Or did you drop the pan. If changing the strainer and running with the correct level of Dexron III doesn't help, then it's to an ATRA member shop.
I recommend an ATRA transmission rebuilders assoc member shop to examine the thing. They may be better than the corner garage, but no guarantees.
I have never changed the trans oil myself as I have always taken it to either a dealer or an Indy. But this time I will attempt to do it myself cause I really want to learn how to do it.
As for your recommendation to take to a transmission specialist, I think that's a bit premature.
I am not planning on spending much money on this car as it not worth it to me. If I can fix something myself I will do it, otherwise I'd rather sell it if it's gonna cost major bucks.
I've heard many horror stories of people taking cars into tranny shops and walking out spending $1500 for a new rebuilt one.
Sure, ATF and strainer change are easy and there are plenty of threads here. But if the problem involves the valve body then it would be quite involved. If the clutch packs and brake bands are slipping, then you're most likely looking at a shop or another car if this one isn't worth fixing. And a competent shop can tell you exact what is wrong for a diagnostic fee, not just suggesting a rebuilt.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OceanView
I have never changed the trans oil myself as I have always taken it to either a dealer or an Indy. But this time I will attempt to do it myself cause I really want to learn how to do it.
As for your recommendation to take to a transmission specialist, I think that's a bit premature.
I am not planning on spending much money on this car as it not worth it to me. If I can fix something myself I will do it, otherwise I'd rather sell it if it's gonna cost major bucks.
I've heard many horror stories of people taking cars into tranny shops and walking out spending $1500 for a new rebuilt one.
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