Automatic Transmission Issue - 2004 Camry SE 3.3 V6

[coffee]

I would like to apologize if I started this thread on an old topic. I could not find the older threads. They must be burried way too deep. Anyway ...

Please help. I need advice from Toyota technician …

I have a 2004 Camry SE (3.3V6 Gen 5) with 70,000+ on odometer. I read a few postings about how to reset the ECM on the vehicle – specifically, to correct the harsh/sudden shifting on the automatic transmission during operation in low speeds – somewhere along 10 – 30 mph.

I understand up to a point that I need to disconnect the battery for about a minute or two and then reconnect the battery. Next, I need to reconnect the battery and drive the car as I normally would. The ECM would re-learn to shift appropriately according to my driving.

I am not clear on a couple of things:

1) Do I need to drive the vehicle (after reconnecting the battery) pass the point of 45 mph or more for the first time where the automatic transmission should have shifted through all five gears?

2) AT WHAT POINT does the ECM set itself (if ever)? Is this a one-time procedure or do I have to drive the vehicle a few more times before the ECM is set? How many times more do I have to drive over 45 or more?

Thanks. Your advice will be greatly appreciated.

[JSM1284]

Go to the dealer, And have the TSB applied free of charge:


TRANSMISSION & CLUTCH
TC003-05
Title:
ECM CALIBRATION: SHIFT FEELING
ENHANCEMENT
Models:
'04 - '05 Camry (3MZ-FE, 5-Speed A/T)
June 3, 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 3MZ-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.

[coffee]

Many many thanks for the quick response JSM1284.

I made an appointment to have my vehicle serviced at the Toyota dealer where I purchased my vehicle in 2004. It was disappointing that the service specialist and I had to bang heads about whether I was still covered by the TSBs' warranties.

I told him that I was covered for the ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CALIBRATION: TRANSMISSION SHIFT FEELING ENHANCEMENT (NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10015490) dated June 2005. The Applicable Warranty for this TSB is in effect for 96 months or 80,000 miles. My vehicle is covered since I have 43 months and only 70,000 miles on my car.

++++++++++

Hey JSM1284,

I tried searching the web for the applicable warranty for STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE (NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10019873) dated February 2006; but had no luck.

Would you be able to help and furnish me with the applicable warranty on this particular TSB?

Thany you again in advance.

[JSM1284]

STEERING
ST001-06

Title:
STEERING INTERMEDIATE
SHAFT NOISE

Models:
'03 - '06 Camry, '04 - '05 Highlander, & '04 - '06 Solara,

February 16, 2006
TSB REVISION NOTICE :
^July 20, 2006: 2004 - 2005 model year Highlander vehicles have been added to Applicable Vehicles. Production change effective VINs for the Highlander have been added to the Production Change Information table. The Parts Information has been updated to include the Highlander.

Previous versions of this TSB should be discarded.
Introduction

Some customers may hear a clunk, pop, or knock type noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. A new intermediate shaft has been developed to address this concern.
Applicable Vehicles
^2003 - 2006 model year Camry vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown in this TSB.
^2004 - 2005 model year Highlander vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown in this TSB.
^2004 - 2006 model year Solara vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown in this TSB.


Warranty Information
Applicable Warranty*:
This repair is covered under the Toyota Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 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.

[coffee]

Again, many many thanks for the quick response JSM1284.

One more question if I may ...

QUOTE: Warranty Information
Applicable Warranty*:
This repair is covered under the Toyota Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.

The above TSB - Reviced Notice was dated February 16, 2006. I purchased my vehicle in May(?) 2004. I now have 70,000+ miles on the odometer.

How would you argue this case to the service specialist? Had I been notified about this TSB back then, I would have had my vehicle repaired sooner before the 36 month or 36,000 mile warranty window expired. I received no notice at all from the dealer from which I purchased my vehicle from in the first place.

(geez, i hope your not going to say that i'm out of luck here.)

[JSM1284]

Im sorry, but you are out of luck.

[coffee]

aw nuts!

Thanks again JSM1284.

aw nuts!

[coffee]

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