Dummied by Toyota: Help my dad

[Skeg]

Alright so here is the story of how my dad was completely shanghai'd by Toyota today.The car is a 2004 Camry XLE V6. After taking out a $14000 loan my dad purchased it after leasing it since new. My dad is pretty fanatic about his cars so it was very well cared for.

However, the transmission has been giving us some problems. Apparently the transmission control unit wouldn't down shift into 1st until after you came to a complete stop and then "BANG" and the car would jerk forward into first. We've had it in a couple of times for them to reprogram the transmission unit and the problem would go away temporarily.

Today the Toyota dealership tells us that the transmission needs to be replaced at a cost of $5000. After ADDING the cost of a new transmission they new camry SE 4cylinder at a price of $300 a month or $7000 for the 2004.

I have a feeling my dad doesn't really know what to do here. I say that he accept the money he has lost and run with the 7 grand far, far away from Toyota.


I was referred here by the car lounge.

pics for clicks

[njerald]

Originally Posted by Skeg

Alright so here is the story of how my dad was completely shanghai'd by Toyota today.The car is a 2004 Camry XLE V6. After taking out a $14000 loan my dad purchased it after leasing it since new. My dad is pretty fanatic about his cars so it was very well cared for.

However, the transmission has been giving us some problems. Apparently the transmission control unit wouldn't down shift into 1st until after you came to a complete stop and then "BANG" and the car would jerk forward into first. We've had it in a couple of times for them to reprogram the transmission unit and the problem would go away temporarily.

Today the Toyota dealership tells us that the transmission needs to be replaced at a cost of $5000. After ADDING the cost of a new transmission they new camry SE 4cylinder at a price of $300 a month or $7000 for the 2004.

I have a feeling my dad doesn't really know what to do here. I say that he accept the money he has lost and run with the 7 grand far, far away from Toyota.


I was referred here by the car lounge.

pics for clicks

Are you outside the Powertrain warranty in Canada?

and I don't understand the mumbo jumbo about a SE.

[EchoHoLiK]

Sounds like that stealership tries to rip your dad off.

Here's what you do: go to another Toyota dealership for a 2nd opinion, and don't mention anything about the previous dealership to them, or what that previous dealership was recommending.

[njerald]

There is a US TSB listed for the V6's that may be applicable :

TC003-05 or TC005-05, June 2005, AT Downshift Lag

[CharmCityES]

i believe this is the TSB youre looking for

Toyota Supports ASE Certification

Page 1 of 4

TC008-03

Title:

ECM CALIBRATION: SHIFTING
ENHANCEMENT (1MZ-FE, 5-SPEED A/T)

Models:

’03 Camry

Technical Service
BULLETIN

November 14, 2003

To enhance ATM shifting, the Engine Control Module (SAE term: Powertrain Control
Module/PCM) calibration has been updated.

NOTE:

��

Version 10.1a 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 will result if any Repair Procedure steps are omitted
(specifically steps 4 and 6 on page 4).

��

2003 model year Camry vehicles equipped with 1MZ–FE Engine and 5–Speed
Automatic Transmission (ATM).

OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2

TC3001 Recalibrate ECM Engine & Transmission 0.8
89666–06A10
89666–06210
89666–33420
89666–33460
89666–33461
89666–0#140
89666–06211
89666–06A30
26 99

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.

TRANSMISSION & CLUTCH

Introduction
Applicable
Vehicles
Warranty
Information
ECM CALIBRATION: SHIFTING ENHANCEMENT

– TC008-03 November 14, 2003

Page 2 of 4

SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS (SSTs) PART NUMBER QUANTITY

Toyota Diagnostic Tester Kit*
01001271 1
12 Megabyte Diagnostic Tester Program Card
with version 10.1a Software (or later)* 01002593-005 1

* Essential SSTs.

NOTE:

Additional Diagnostic Tester Kits, Program Cards or SSTs may be ordered by calling
SPX/OTC at 1-800-933-8335.

MODEL ECM (CPU) PREVIOUS CALIBRATION ID NEW CALIBRATION ID

2003 Camry
Main 33343000 or
33343100

33343200

5–Speed ATM
Sub 53330000 or
53330100

53330200

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 latest
ECM (PCM) calibration – go to step 2.

THESE MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED
AS APPROPRIATE BY EPA AND CARB
DEALER CODE: DATE:
CHANGE AUTHORITY:

TSB TC008–03
33343000
89666–06A10

Replacement
ECM (PCM)
Part
Number
Calibration
ID(s)
TSB Number
Date
Completed
Dealer Code

THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE:

Figure 1. Location of Authorized Modifications Label on 2003 Camry

Required
SSTs
Calibration
Identification
Chart
Repair
Procedure
ECM CALIBRATION: SHIFTING ENHANCEMENT

– TC008-03 November 14, 2003

Page 3 of 4

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 10.2a software version, and may
differ from subsequent software versions.

Figure 2. Determining Current ECU Calibration

ECU REPROGRAM
MAIN MENU
SYS: ENG + ECT
1: GET CAL FROM PC

2: CURRENT ECU CAL

3: UPDATE ECU CAL
4: CAL ON TESTER
5: CLEAR CAL DATA

A

CURRENT ECU CAL

B

CALIBRATION ID
33343000
53330000

NOTE:

��

If Calibration ID matches “Previous Calibration ID” as shown in Calibration
Identification Chart on page 2, proceed with flash reprogramming.

��

If Calibration ID matches “New Calibration ID” as shown in Calibration
Identification Chart, this vehicle has already been programmed. Refer to Repair
Manual for diagnosis.

3. If ECU calibration ID is not the same as the “New Calibration ID” listed previously,
proceed to Flash Reprogram ECM (PCM).

Flash Reprogram ECM

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:

ECU damage may occur if 10A fuse is
NOT removed.
Repair
Procedure

(Continued)

Flash
Reprogram
Procedure

ECU–IG Fuse
Figure 3. Instrument Panel J/B Assembly

ECM CALIBRATION: SHIFTING ENHANCEMENT

– TC008-03 November 14, 2003

Page 4 of 4

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 below are the 10.2a software version, and may
differ from subsequent software versions.

NOTE:

Failure to reset the ECM memory will result in continued ATM shifting concerns.

DO YOU WISH TO
RESET THE ECM?

[YES]

to CONTINUE
[NO] to EXIT
2: CUSTOMIZE
3: ECU REPROGRAM
FUNCTION SELECT FOR
NORTH AMERICA

B

*APPLICATION SELECT*

A

1: DIAGNOSIS

DIAGNOSTIC MENU
ENGINE

C

DO NOT USE THIS
FUNCTION UNLESS
INSTRUCTED BY
REPAIR MANUAL.
RESET MEMORY

E

RESET MEMORY
NOTICE

D

[YES]

F

1: OBD/MOBD
3: CARB OBD II
4: BREAK–OUT BOX
5: NVH
6: AUTOPROBE
7: 02 RPM CHECK
8: SNAPSHOT REVIEW
9: SETUP
0: GAS ANALYSIS

2: ENHANCED OBD II

1: DATA LIST
2: DTC INFO
3: ACTIVE TEST
4: SNAPSHOT
5: SYSTEM CHECK
6: RESET MEMORY
7: MONITOR STATUS
8: CHECK MODE

6: RESET MEMORY

ONLY USE AFTER
REPLACING THE ENGINE,
AUTO TRANS, OR ECM
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES.
EXECUTING THIS
FUNCTION WILL RESET
THE LEARNED VALUES
IN THE ECM.
RESET MEMORY
RESETTING COMPLETE
PRESS

[ENTER]

Figure 4. ECM (PCM) Learned Values Reset

5. Start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature before test–driving.
6. Test drive vehicle to confirm proper vehicle operation and to readjust the ECM
“Learned Values.” Drive the vehicle using light to moderate acceleration.
Allow the vehicle to shift fully through all the gears, and at various shifter
positions (D, 4, 3, 2, 1).
7. Enter the required information on the Authorized Modifications Label and affix it to the
vehicle at the location shown in Figure 1 (page 2). The Authorized Modifications
Label is available through the MDC, P/N 00451–00001–LBL.
8. Calibration update is complete.

NOTE:

The effect of the new calibration may become more apparent after several days of driving
as the ECM (PCM) “learned values” are reestablished from the customer’s driving.
Flash
Reprogram
Procedure

(Continued)

[njerald]

Doesn't look like June 2005 date.

[CharmCityES]

this is for a 1mz 5 speed trans
i wasnt referring to your post sir. this is a tsb in my listing from TIS.

[Skeg]

Originally Posted by njerald

Are you outside the Powertrain warranty in Canada?

and I don't understand the mumbo jumbo about a SE.

Hey, sorry about that, what I was trying to say was that if we gave them our 2004 (knowing that it has a transmission problem) they would then offer us a 2008 SE 4 cylinder at $300 a month.

And yes its outside of the power train warranty.

Thanks for the replies everyone, now do I take that TSB to the dealership?



Also - I have doubts that the transmission is completely fried as it shifts smoothly from first all the way through the gears. It is just timing of the down shifting that is of concern.

[njerald]

Originally Posted by Skeg

Hey, sorry about that, what I was trying to say was that if we gave them our 2004 (knowing that it has a transmission problem) they would then offer us a 2008 SE 4 cylinder at $300 a month.

And yes its outside of the power train warranty.

Thanks for the replies everyone, now do I take that TSB to the dealership?

The TSB is probably for the USA only. There may a similar TSB in Canada. What do the repair sheets from previous repairs say was fixed/done?

Also it is usually only "free" when done within the warranty period.

Your best defense maybe that the repairs that were made by Toyota within the warranty period, did not fix the problem and you should appeal to Toyota Canada with all the details (problem, dates, mileages, work done, dealership, etc.) and ask that it be fixed right, for no cost, even though it is now outside of the warranty.