What is wrong with my 2002 Camry?

[Geolandarch]

Hello everyone. I am new here and am looking for some answers about my camry. I'm worried about the safety of my pregnant wife and could use any advice you can provide. She drives a 2002 Camry (base model) it has 98K miles on it most of those being highway miles. Today she called me concened that while driving the car all of a sudden jumped to 4 rpm when it usually runs around 2 rpm when driving between 65-70 on the highway. She was able to slow down and speed up but the car keeps running high. I also had an incident last week where I tried to put it into reverse and it wouldn't go for about a minute then finally it slammed itself into reverse.
I have no idea what is going on here and was hopeful that you guys could offer some insight on what it may be. She wants a new car because of this. I'm leaning toward fixing this as it is a more cost effective method for a car with less than 100k and we own outright.
Thoughts?

[RickF]

I'm sure you mean the RPM jumped from 2000 to 4000 rpm suddenly. This sounds like it jumped out of OD (over drive). When was the transmission last serviced? Sounds like the fluid might be dirty or a filter in the tranny might be clogged.

The '02 model was a very good year. I would agree that getting it repaired is a good way to go... especially with a new baby on the way ($$$).

[touringcamry]

I concur about the transmission fluid. Could be low or dirty.


Check the fluid level at normal operating temperature on level ground with the engine running.