Auto tranny having problems going into 4th - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

machman · 12-15-2004, 05:27 AM

My girlfriends 1990 Camry auto 3s fe is beginning to have problems going into 4th gear. Its like sometimes it doesn't want to go into 4th. I am wondering if it has something to do with the cold weather(below 30F during the day) we have been having. Never seem to have a problem with in until it started turning cold.

We took it to a tranny shop and they drove it and it didn't act up with them of course. But said that the problem might be a sensor and it would be something that Toyota would need to look at. This shop was well recommended by the local mechanic.

Any help appreciated.

88 LE · 12-15-2004, 05:46 AM

The tranny will not shift into 4th gear (O/D) until the engine gets to a certain operating temp.

Theres 2 switches. O/D oil pressure and O/D water temp.

The O/D oil pressure switch is on the top of the tranny. O/D water temp switch is on the water neck that bolts to the right side of the cylinder head.

syang · 12-15-2004, 06:04 AM

i have a truck that is having the same exact problem when the engine is cold it won't shift into 4th gear. not until it's warmed up till like half way on the temp gauge. could be be the same problem as the camry???

machman · 12-15-2004, 09:16 AM

That makes since to me.

I just called my GF to tell her what you guys said and she told me that the temp gauge hasn't been gettting up into the normal operating range since it has been cold. I plan on getting a new thermostat and seeing if that fixes the problem.

Thanks guys.

JasonH · 12-15-2004, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syang

i have a truck that is having the same exact problem when the engine is cold it won't shift into 4th gear. not until it's warmed up till like half way on the temp gauge. could be be the same problem as the camry???

You have a truck that is operating normally, so no you don't have the same problem as the Camry. If your truck no longer warms up to the same place it used to eventually, then you have a problem.

jason

machman · 12-17-2004, 07:53 AM

Well, i went to replace the thermostat in my GF's car and it didn't have one in it. I purchased a NAPA T-stat. So I feel certain that is why the car wouldn't heat up and let the tranny shift into O/D.

Thanks for your help.