Weird Shifting

[jezzz]

Hi, I just bought a 97 Camry auto trans with 164k miles on it

I'm starting to notice that when accelerating from a stop/shifting from 1-2 2-3 it has a little trouble...and revs pretty high. Sometimes the rpms will go up to 2500+ before shifting and it just doesnt seem as smooth as it should be although at higher speeds it seems fine and runs really smooth.

I've checked the fluid right after driving for about 20 minutes and it seems normal although I'm no expert...

Anything else I could check before I start thinking the transmission is bad?

[JohnGD]

Check the throttle linkage adjustment. I'd even consider dropping the pan and inspect the debris. Clean everything (leave no lint) and change the strainer and go from there.

[slavie]

Sounds to me like your tranny is starting to slip.
With my 99 Camry, one day it just started slipping almost out of nowhere, with the 1st gear. Within 2 days, it was almost non-drivable. Took it to my mechanic who suggested changing the transmission filter first, but it was of no help. For these Camry's, anywhere north of 150+ and the transmission is usually due for a rebuild.
If it makes you feel any better, this happened to me just short of 96k miles, so yours did alright. Cost me $1350, w/ 12 mo unlimited miles warranty.

[JohnGD]

Right, if the linkage is properly adjusted and cleaning the pan/new strainer don't help the transmission is probably a goner.