AT Tranny Problem

[wannawangan]

1988 Camry LE AT 4cyl 3S-FE

I just want to get some input as far as what the potential problem may be. Whenever I set the car in drive (D-position), the engine revs normally but the car's auto-clutch doesn't seem to bite. It feels like it's slipping. My guess is that the torque converter is shot. I'd like to get some input as to what this may be prior to taking it into the tranny shop.

Thanks,

**
David

[Kep]

It definitely sounds as if you have a transmission problem. Whether it's the torque converter or something else I wouldn't know. However, some suggestions. Make sure that you find out what the estimate will cost with the car put back together (sometimes they just want to make the estimate and then, if you don't have them fix it, give you the parts in a box). Also, check into used transmissions. Here in Houston there is an importer that gets medium mileage engines & transmissions from Japan and they are very competitive. If you do go with a transmission shop repair get the warranty in writing!

If you can tolerate down time you might want to try flushing the transmission out and putting in synthetic fluid and an additive (Cargo makes a transmission additive) or these new high mileage transmission fluids. HOWEVER, this may result in the transmission becoming unservicable (It can dislodge sludge and particles inside the transmission which, in turn. can plug up its passages. Not good.).

I have had limited success with frequent fluid changes using a high mileage fluid which is supposed to help clean the old transmission and provide a higher friction fluid. I started last year and have gone through about 15 or 20 quarts two at a time. Next I'll ad the Cargo Transmission additive and then I plan to switch to the synthetic. I figure that when it finally dies I'll replace it with a low mileage used one. This is taking longer but I am on a shoestring budget.

Kep

[OEMonkey]

Originally Posted by Kep

However, some suggestions. Make sure that you find out what the estimate will cost with the car put back together (sometimes they just want to make the estimate and then, if you don't have them fix it, give you the parts in a box).

It's called teardown. Any estimate that includes a teardown requires the shop to put everything back together if the customer declines any further repairs done to the vehicle. So, getting your vehicle w/ parts in a box will never happen in California. California has the Bureau of Automotive Repair that protects the consumer. Unfortunately, not many ca. residents know about BAR when they encounter shady auto repair shops.
http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/stdhome.asp

[wannawangan]

I will probably consider getting a used tranny locally. Otherwise, I may just scrap the car and get late model Camry. Preferably, one with 4-wheel disc brakes!

That link to the BAR website was quite informative! I will definitely use that as my standard for choosing an automotive repair shop. Thanks for the link!