Transmission problems need some help.

[mk2-1jz]

This started a few days ago, but has only happened twice, I've stopped using the car temporarily until I figure out what is causing this.


1988 Toyota Camry 170 000 miles
2.0 3sfe
Automatic 3 speed with overdrive.


A few days ago I was driving, and while accelerating the car lurked oddly, it gave me the impression the transmission shifted hard, lifted the motor and slammed it back down because of a broken engine mount, I thought. The mounts look ok. That wasnt so bad, it was an odd feeling but didnt break anything....so


Then yesterday I was driving at about 45 mph on a gentle curb getting onto the straight on the service road and I hear a little bit of metal clamouring in the engine compartment, I say to myself, thats not a good sound, no more than 10 seconds later and all of a sudden the car makes a HUGE bang from the front end and scares the SHIT out of me, the second it startled me I shoved it into neutral. But everything seemed fine...

Now the noise was NOT like hitting a pothole in any way. The whole front of the car lurched, it almost felt like the underside of the middle of the engine smashed into a huge piece of concrete.

I was cruising at 45, no gas just cruising. I would assume the car was in OD by now. I drove it home, all seemed fine.

I checked the engine mounts they SEEM fine, but I have yet to jack it up and look properly, but by putting the car in gear and watching the engine, its not moving excessively to indicate a broken mount.

BUT when I put the car in park on a slight incline the car moves about 1.5 feet before it catches park, this just started happening with the introduction of this bang.

What could the problem be?

I'm thinking a bolt came loose in the diff part of the transaxle and is jamming in the gears.... thats what it feels like anyway...

[mk2-1jz]

ok a more simplier question.

What is the difference between an a140L and an a140E

I need to know if the spare transmission I have is going to work. The one on my car is an A140E with BOLTED axles. My car has the ECT

The spare I have I only know is from a 1991 camry LE and it has CLIP IN axles. Im almost sure this car had the ECT as well.

will they swap over? I checked the number of bolts that hold the pan and in both cases in 15. I cant see all the bolts that hold it to the engine and their placements.

anyone have any information or can point me to a place where I can find it? thanks

[toyomoho]

The "H" version is hydraulic controlled. The "E" version is controlled by the trans computer. Would suggest not replacing one with the other.

A bolt coming loose in the diff is unlikely. Typically the cause of diff failure is lack of diff fluid. Typical dramatic trans failure is due to abusing the trans or running out of fluid.

Suggest you check all fluid levels. Check fluids for metal debris. Check the drive axles.