Gear Lever slightly tight shifting from P to RNDL

[jpbear]

HI All,

I have a Camry LE 1998 with about 61k on the clock. In recent days I started to feel that the gear shift lever seems a little tight when shifting from P to D or P to any other option. However once shifted to any other mode, the lever shifts smoothly. There is no other problem with the transmission or driving or mileage. Any advice as to whether this tightness / sluggishness is something to be concerned about?

Second, The Transmission oil is brown - its not pink or red. I do know know if any oil change was done in the tranny at 30k, do you think it is advisable to do a transmission flush and refill at this stage? Would there be any danger of 'Fluid shock' by changing the old oil with the new?

Thanks in advance.

[DOHCammer]

Originally Posted by jaganpvs

HI All,

I have a Camry LE 1998 with about 61k on the clock. In recent days I started to feel that the gear shift lever seems a little tight when shifting from P to D or P to any other option. However once shifted to any other mode, the lever shifts smoothly. There is no other problem with the transmission or driving or mileage. Any advice as to whether this tightness / sluggishness is something to be concerned about?

Second, The Transmission oil is brown - its not pink or red. I do know know if any oil change was done in the tranny at 30k, do you think it is advisable to do a transmission flush and refill at this stage? Would there be any danger of 'Fluid shock' by changing the old oil with the new?

Thanks in advance.

If it only has 60k, I would definitely change out that fluid. Fluid "shock" usually occurs to much higher mileage cars with worn clutches. You shouldn't have that problem if the trans functions normally. As far as your tight shifter, I would look at your shifter cable. Try to lube it up at both ends and see if it helps. We sell a lot a Gen 4 shifter cables that break because of this problem.

[CX889]

Shifter cables? Where is it located because mine has a similar problem.

[brownyy]

this may sound like a stupid question but when you finish driving and out it in P, apply handbrake then release brake pedal? Only thing i can think is car is rolling slightly though gears and locking, as your handbrake might be a little warn out?

Mine did it, until i tightened it, i had to stop driving foot on brake, neutral, handbrake on, release foot brake (slight roll onto handbrake), put into park...? good luck dude

[jpbear]

Thanks everyone.

Browny, I have to say my hand brake is worn out, atleast it has to be after wifey drove the car 12 miles with handbrake in 'ON'. .

DOHCammer,

Thanks for the suggestion, will go for a tranny flush then. Hope it will work out well.