97 camry v6 tranny problem?

[97camryxlev6]

Recently purchased a 97 Camry xle v6 with 220km. Seems to have issues with transmission. Between approx. 1000-2000rpm the car has a constant surge up and down like a slight hesitation.

Engine has recent tuneup and is problem free, was suggested that current issue is a transmission problem.

It seems fine when rpm exceeds 2000rpm. No rough shift, doesn't get stuck in any gears. The car also idles fine.
Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

[JohnGD]

Are there MIL codes?

Does the engine surge when in P and N at those RPM ranges?

How about in L and 2 going through those RPM ranges (but at lower speeds)?

[97camryxlev6]

So far no engine light.
The problem occurs in D, L, and 2. In P and N there are no issues. I've tried with and without Overdrive and traction control.

[JohnGD]

If it's fine in P and N it's probably not engine related (however, this only tests the engine with no load).

Test in a safe area. Try pulling the ABS/Trac relay. ABS/Trac lights should come on and become disabled. Does it still surge in those rpm ranges?

If not, I wonder if it's the torque converter clutch. There is an electrical connector to the driver side of the NSS. Disconnect it to go into limp mode. Shift into L (for 1st gear) and see if the problem is still there. Don't shift into other forward gears because it will be using high gear and lug the engine.

How's the condition and level of the ATF? When was it last drained/refilled?

Originally Posted by 97camryxlev6

So far no engine light.
The problem occurs in D, L, and 2. In P and N there are no issues. I've tried with and without Overdrive and traction control.

[97camryxlev6]

The ATF is full and a light pink color. I'm not sure when it was last changed, that is something I was planning on doing anyways.
Check engine light is on, I'll post the codes when I get a chance to pull them.

[TheJourneyman]

Start simple and pull your pcv, a new one costs peanuts, and even it's wrong you just did some simple maintenance. Lots of low rev variations are caused by mixture problems, these can come from various complicated systems made of simple parts. MAF/Throttlebody, Intake/Vacuum leaks caused by worn gaskets, blowback from blocked or partially blocked pcv....many more. All easy fixes, all cheap to fix, and easy to access.