96 Camry LE Auto transmission problems

[dougy]

I have a 96 Camry - 4 cyl-LE Wagon with 99,800 miles that I bought new in 1996. I have had the AT transmission fluid replaced every 15,000-30,000 miles during the 11 years of owning it. After a long trip of 700 miles last summer, I noticed the AT did not want to shift up easily. It would hold in the lower gear and not want to shift easily. I had the AT fluid changed and it seemed to be better. Although it still shifts hard about 20% of the time. I notice if I let the AT shift at 2,500 rpms and below, it generally shifts smoothly. But if I start out from a stopped position and hold the accelerator down to maximize acceleration it will often hold in gear and/or shift hard. I do not use the "power" button on the AT. Last week I had the transmission changed again, and they found brass or metal filings in the bottom of the pan. The mechanic said the AT was failing and a new re-mfg transmission with oil cooler and all associated parts would cost $4,219 including labor and parts. The re-mfg AT would have a 12mo warranty or 12,000 miles. I do not know what to think about replacing the AT. I love my wagon and don't really like the new Toyotas as well as what I have now. My car looks and drives like new except for the AT sometimes shifting hard. Could there be some other reason, other than needing a new AT that I have this hard shifting problem?
doug

[DressUpYourPet]

sounds like an internal problem alright, although you maintained it well perhaps the shop is right and the transmission is worn out.
I would get a junkyard or used transmission for this car instead. Some place specializing in selling used trans may even test it for you before you buy it. If all you have in your area is a pick-a-part junkyard, youd have your work cut out for you hauling a transmission out of a junk car (preferably one with lowest mileage you can find in the place). But i'm certain i wouldnt put $4000 into a 1996 car either.

[ghettosled]

$4200 for a transmission is absurd! on a previous FWD car i had a place rebuild the transmission and torque converter and everything was done and installed for $1300. the car came with a 12-month 15k mile warranty. thought the transmission did go out again after 15 months and 19k miles later...

[Sniperdude]

Holy shit, Batman! 4,219.00? You can get one done for like less than 1K. Go somewhere else.

[Doctor J]

Most likely during the long trip the normal wear particles were lifted up by the fluid and restricted the solenoids in the valve body. For as long as transmission is not slipping or not making any noises, IT WIL NOT FALL apart. The mechanic is telling you bull.
In the worse possible case you may need the valve body exchange or rebuilding which is $250 plus the 2 hour labor.The problem is, many tranny shops are trying to rob the customer out and sell him either a used unit from the local salvage yard (which is claimed to be shipped directly from Japan) or rebuild the tranny with the poor quality parts.

[dougy]

Doctor J and others thank you for responding. My Camry seems to be running much better after the last flush which was done about a month ago. I haven't had any hard shifting problems since then. The tranny has been shifting very smoothly with no noises. I have been driving it extensively in both city and highway driving. Hopefully it will last another 100,000 miles.
Thanks again.
doug

[DressUpYourPet]

And i think i'd avoid pushing down the accelerator in drive while holding the brake down too