2004 SEV6 shifting problems...

[wagoncart]

Purchased a loaded SEV6 with 60k a couple months ago. It's a pretty car, but I'm a little concerned about the transmission's behavior. I previously owned a 2000 Camry LE 4 banger and even at 140k it shifted effortlessly. So it comes as a surprise that my new car hesitates, hangs, and then snaps into gear. This happens mostly at lower speeds, between 20 and 40 I'd say. It's actually given me a noticeable jolt a couple of times. This seems out of character for a Camry, no? I couldn't find any info on TSB's for this. What could be going wrong?

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

^ check the EGR valve...mine does the same and it's not the tranny..it's the EGR Valve..either clean it or replace it. I'd do it yourself as the dealer here wants 600 bucks for the job.

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by Punks_Not_Dead5

^ check the EGR valve...mine does the same and it's not the tranny..it's the EGR Valve..either clean it or replace it. I'd do it yourself as the dealer here wants 600 bucks for the job.

Did you clean yours yet?

[IPDaily]

Originally Posted by Punks_Not_Dead5

^ check the EGR valve...mine does the same and it's not the tranny..it's the EGR Valve..either clean it or replace it. I'd do it yourself as the dealer here wants 600 bucks for the job.

does that even help? because i've been to the dealer with mine before and they say the car's operating the way it's supposed to...

[scsikid]

Guys I wrote this in another thread. I hope it helps some of you out.

=========================================

I have over 97,000KM's on my 2003 Camry V6 SE. I called the dealer and told them about the TSB. I spoke to a mechanic and he said he knew all about it to just schedule an appointment and it would be covered under warranty. When I went into the dealership they didn't know what I was talking about but they would let me know if it was covered under warranty. As I suspected the service manager called me and said it wasn't covered under warranty and to reflash the ECU it would cost $101. I said no, I'm not having it done, your mechanic said it was under warranty and left it at that. 5 minutes later the manager calls me back and says ok it's covered, my mistake.

Looks like they tried to double dip, get $101 from me, and claim it under warranty with Toyota. When I said no, they likely realized it was better to get something then nothing.

Never the less my car's shift is much better. I notice a little bit of hesitation but not much when going from 1st to 2nd but not nearly as bad as it use to be. The mechanic said its covered up to 130,000KM's and if necessary they would replace the transmission. For some reason, my drivers side window makes some buzzing noise when rolling it down now.

Didn't find the actual TSB for this, but fortunately the dealer knew it.

[JSM1284]

You can still have the TSB done free of charge.

TRANSMISSION & CLUTCH
TC005-05
Title:
ECM CALIBRATION: SHIFT FEELING
ENHANCEMENT
Models:
'04 - '05 Camry (1MZ-FE, 5-Speed A/T)
June 21, 2005
Introduction
To improve the transmission shift feeling during specific operating modes, the Engine Control Module (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) calibration has been revised. These improvements include:
^Reduced downshift lag when accelerating at speeds from 10 to 20 mph.
^Less gear hunting when driving on/off accelerator pedal at 20 to 30 mph (for example: during heavy rush-hour traffic).
^Improved response rate during heavy acceleration from a stop.
NOTE :
^Version 12.2a or later Diagnostic Tester software is required to perform this procedure.
^Before proceeding, verify the ECM (PCM) calibration has NOT been updated by checking for the Authorized Modifications Label (shown in step 1 of the Repair Procedure).
^Harsh ATM shifting may result if any Repair Procedure steps are omitted (specifically steps 2 and 4 of "Flash Reprogram ECM").
Applicable Vehicles
^2004 - 2005 model year Camry vehicles equipped with 1MZ-FE engine and 5-speed automatic transmission.

Warranty Information
Applicable Warranty*:
This repair is covered under the Toyota Federal Emissions Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 96 months or 80,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.
*Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer's specific complaint.

Parts Information

Required SSTs

Calibration Identification Chart
Repair Procedure

1.Check for the Authorized Modifications Label affixed to the vehicle in the location shown in Figure 1. Confirm if ECM (PCM) calibration has been updated. If not the latest ECM (PCM) calibration go to step 2.

2.Connect the Diagnostic Tester to the vehicle and select CURRENT ECU CAL from the ECU REPROGRAM MAIN MENU. Determine the vehicle's current ECU calibration (see Figure 2).
-The sample screen prints seen below are the 12.2a software version and may differ from subsequent software versions.
3.If ECU calibration ID is not the same as the "New Calibration ID" listed previously, proceed to Flash Reprogram ECM (PCM).
Flash Reprogram Procedure
Flash Reprogram ECM (PCM)

1.Remove the 10A ECU-IG fuse from the Instrument Panel Junction Block assembly. This action prevents possible activation of the ABS relay, resulting in ECM Reprogramming failure.
NOTE</B> :ECU damage may occur if 10A fuse is NOT removed.
2.Follow the procedures outlined in Toyota TSB No. SS002-01, "ECU Flash Reprogramming Process," and flash the ECM (PCM) with new calibration file update.
3.Reinstall the 10A ECU-IG fuse in the Instrument Panel Junction Block assembly.
4.Reset the ECM (PCM) learned values using the Diagnostic Tester. Refer to the procedures below.

-The sample screen prints seen are the 12.2a software version and may differ from subsequent software versions.
NOTE :Failure to reset the ECM (PCM) memory will result in continued ATM shifting complaints.
5.Follow the procedures outlined in TSB No. EG045-04, "Entering VIN During ECM (PCM) Replacement and/or DTC P0630," and write the VIN to the ECM (PCM).
6.Start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature before test-driving.
7.Test drive vehicle to confirm proper vehicle operation.
8.Enter the required information on the Authorized Modifications Label and affix it to the vehicle at the location shown in Figure 1. The Authorized Modifications Label is available through the MDC, P/N 00451-00001-LBL.
9.Calibration update is complete.
NOTE</B> :
^Select premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher for optimum engine performance.
^The effect of the new calibration may become more apparent after several days of driving as the ECM (PCM) "learned values" are re-established from the customer's driving.