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 dropped the pan and replaced the screen, there was quite a lot of crud in the pan and also on the magnets. Anyway, the tranny shifts and works fine, except for one thing. For example, if I'm driving at say 30mph, and lift the gas pedal, the RPM's drop very quickly. It's almost as if the transmission is not in gear/between gears. If I feather the throttle and don't let the engine drop back to idle this does not happen.
Or another scenario would be, going 30mph down a hill, lift the gas, and the RPM's drop and sometimes come back up quickly. It's like the engine is momentarily decoupled from the drivetrain. Other times the transmission will hunt, like it's not in any gear at all. This only happens when when I am not pressing on the gas at all, coasting basically. If I go say 50mph and lift the throttle, it won't happen or it seems to happen much less.
Is this an engine management problem, or something going out on the transmission? Like I said, the tranny shifts fine, no strange noises, car has good power. Going 60 or 70mph the car feels fine. Bad torque converter? I have never experienced this in a car before could use some suggestions.
I'll double check the fluid, but the level does not seem to make any difference. When I initially filled and road tested, after testing the fluid was a bit low. I topped it off but no change.
I'm reading the service manual now, but I don't know exactly what to look for. Is this considered a problem with engine braking?
I used conventional fluid because I did a flush, will put in the good stuff when I'm done. I checked the throttle cable, it seems fine. But I did notice that when I pull on the tranny cable, I hear a bit of a noise coming from the transmission is this normal? Like a slight buzzing sound.
The battery had been pulled for some time when I was doing other things to the car so I doubt doing it again will help. I did another road test, the RPM drop happens in 3rd and 4th gear only.
I used conventional fluid because I did a flush, will put in the good stuff when I'm done. I checked the throttle cable, it seems fine. But I did notice that when I pull on the tranny cable, I hear a bit of a noise coming from the transmission is this normal? Like a slight buzzing sound.
The battery had been pulled for some time when I was doing other things to the car so I doubt doing it again will help. I did another road test, the RPM drop happens in 3rd and 4th gear only.
I don't think its normal, but if the transmission shifts fine, I wouldn't worry.
What was the condition/color before you changed it?
I was wrong I still have the RPM dip like you said, but after draining some its not that noticeable anymore?
This was my problem. Is this whats wrong?
skip to 1:30
It's like that, but more pronounced. As soon as I take my foot off the gas, the RPM's drop like a rock, to about 1000. I tried to take a video but my camera is screwed up, I'll trying using my phone even though the quality is terrible.
The condition of the fluid was not that bad, but there was quite a lot of metal in the pan and on the magnets. But I've seen way worse, I'd say it was about normal for a poorly serviced transmission.
Sounds like the one-way clutches at work and normal. You can verify by driving up to 30 in the "2" position. The typical shift point from 2-3 is around 25, so going 30 in 2nd is fine too. The "2" position engages an additional brake band meant for downhill engine braking. Without it the engine free wheels, this is to help MPG.
As far as RPM coming up quickly my guess is downshifting. Try a longer stretch of the road and just let it coast and downshift from 55MPH for 4-3 downshifts or even down to 2 if you can all by itself. You should be able to tell better away from the shift points. Also, accelerate gently and take note of the shift points.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 71Corolla
I dropped the pan and replaced the screen, there was quite a lot of crud in the pan and also on the magnets. Anyway, the tranny shifts and works fine, except for one thing. For example, if I'm driving at say 30mph, and lift the gas pedal, the RPM's drop very quickly. It's almost as if the transmission is not in gear/between gears. If I feather the throttle and don't let the engine drop back to idle this does not happen.
Or another scenario would be, going 30mph down a hill, lift the gas, and the RPM's drop and sometimes come back up quickly. It's like the engine is momentarily decoupled from the drivetrain. Other times the transmission will hunt, like it's not in any gear at all. This only happens when when I am not pressing on the gas at all, coasting basically. If I go say 50mph and lift the throttle, it won't happen or it seems to happen much less.
Is this an engine management problem, or something going out on the transmission? Like I said, the tranny shifts fine, no strange noises, car has good power. Going 60 or 70mph the car feels fine. Bad torque converter? I have never experienced this in a car before could use some suggestions.
Car has 90,000 miles BTW.
The Following User Says Thank You to JohnGD For This Useful Post:
Thanks for the info. It's hard to convey what the tranny is doing without actually being in the car. It just "feels" off on lift throttle, imagine putting the car in neutral then back into drive, that's what it feels like. Or to put it another way, the engine is turning slower than if there was a direct connection to the wheels, which corrects itself in a second or two. I realize every auto transmission does this, but it's so much more noticeable in this car.
The way I replicate it the best is to drive down a gentle slop, lift the gas, and that's where the tach drops sharply, then the tranny "engages" again. If I drive at just the right speed, it will do this quickly, on, off, on, off once every 2-3 seconds.
Okay here's a video I took. When the tach drops, then comes back up in revs, that's not me getting back on the gas. Turn the sound down it adds nothing
Yup, just like what happened/happening with mine. I really haven't found a definite solution, but I am going to try a blend next time. Did you do the diff also?
Yes I did the diff. Although no matter how hard I try, I can't find a definitive answer if the A540E/A541E shares fluid with the differential and transmission. No matter, I drained the diff and filled it.
I'm going to try a better fluid in a few days, like I said I used the cheapest Walmart fluid to do the flush. I doubt a different fluid will make any difference but maybe it will surprise me.
Yes I did the diff. Although no matter how hard I try, I can't find a definitive answer if the A540E/A541E shares fluid with the differential and transmission. No matter, I drained the diff and filled it.
I'm going to try a better fluid in a few days, like I said I used the cheapest Walmart fluid to do the flush. I doubt a different fluid will make any difference but maybe it will surprise me.
Me too, my auto tech teacher said they do, but he is a Honda tech. I used SuperTech also, didn't noticed a difference. I'm planning on using Valvoline MaxLife next time. Hopefully its goes away, kinda of feel like the car is pulling back(or forth) when you release the pedal. Right?
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
A540E Transmission question
1999 Toyota Avalon
Linear Mode
