tranny shifting hard

[initial-T]

so my mom's camry has problems shifting. it upshifts and downshifts hard occasionally.

2001 camry ce. 90k miles.

never had tranny flushed. could that be the problem?

or what are other possibilities?

[97&02camryleI4]

I'd first check the ATF level and condition, then do a drain and fill. Also, drain and fill the differential while you're at it. I'd stay away from a flush if there never has been a tranny service done on it.

[initial-T]

so whats the difference between a flush and drain/fill.

[touringcamry]

Drain and refill changes about half the fluid. The fluid in the torque converter doesn't come out. Flush changes all the fluid in the system including that in the torque converter.

[toyoonly]

Why stay away from a flush? Why does it matter if hes had a tranny service done? (not disagreeing, just questioning!)

[97&02camryleI4]

Originally Posted by toyoonly

Why stay away from a flush? Why does it matter if hes had a tranny service done? (not disagreeing, just questioning!)

Reason why not a flush is because his tranny has 90k (which isn't a lot at all) but since he's said he's never done any work on the tranny (drain and refill at approx. 30k then at 60k), there might be accumulated debris or particles that have sealed itself against any leaks in the tranny. If doing a flush, the flush might cause these particles to be disloged into the transmission, thus causing a leak from where there was once a seal formed by the particles. I hope it makes sense but someone else can probably explain it better. It's some advice that I've learned and pass on when I hear members bring this question up when doing a transmission service.

[initial-T]

hmm ill look into doin this in the morning. its such a pain crawling under her car lol.