1999 Solara - RPM running high?

[VBrockel]

I have a 1999 Solara - stock - 66,000 miles. It was my mothers' and she only drove it on Sundays.

It is running at 3000 RMP when traveling 70 MPH. Is this normal? A friend recently indicated that this was high.

If not normal, what could be the issue?

Thanks so much!

[pmesfun]

Yeah it is, V6 or I4? Is the O/D off or is it flashing? Have you tried changing the transmission and differential fluid?

[fenixus]

3k rpm for 70mph is way too high, something is wrong. I see 3k rpm on both 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder engines when driving at or slightly above 80mph (cruising on flat road, not climbing uphill or such).

pmesfun makes a good point, the over drive gear may not kicking in?

do a simple test, drive around to make the engine fully warmed up, then while cruising at or above 40mph, click the O/D button on shifter and note if it makes any difference. disabled O/D should light up "O/D off" on instrument panel, but most importantly you will feel car jumping to lower gear and increasing RPMs a bit.

draining & refilling the transmission (and differential, it's separate on 4 cylinder model) is ALWAYS a good idea. you could power flush if you want, but that's more challenging and if you let the shop do this they may charge you an arm and leg (dealer does around $200).

one more question, is the a Checking Engine Light on on instrument panel? if so, get the computer scanned at nearest Autozone or Advance Auto. write down the codes and post back.
EDIT: just noticed you are from California, they no longer do free code checking in stores over there for some reason...