2003 Corrolla slipping tranny on highway!

[sirbry]

Ok Thanks,

Newbie here, there was a newbie section and it timed out on me and I lost it. So hopefully, this is the right place for a newbie message.

If not, please be kind in pointing me in the right direction.

I hope I'm starting, this message, in the right place?

My Mom has a 2003 toyota corrolla.

Today while on the highway, all of a sudden the engine revved high and the speedometer dropped while accelerating into traffic. The car was already cruising at about 40 or 50 mph.

I pushed the over drive button and that did not help, but when I turned it off, it was able to maintain a speed of 60-65 mph. The speed limit on that road is 65.

As soon a I got home, I checked the fluid levels (hot) and they were above the "Hot" double notch indicator. The color of the fluid too, was a wine colored rose.

Not an expert, but I thought that it would be darker and lower (fluid level), if that was the problem.

What should I do?

I would like to know what could be the problem?

The car only has the "little old lady mileage of 52,000 miles.
And you know how they are all about getting it serviced regularly!

Thanks for any and all help!

Signed,

Stumped?

[juicedz]

Tranny fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles if I'm not mistaken. That's what I read yesterday but you might wanna double check anyways. The color should be pink/red. When I drained mine out it was brown and smelled like something had died in the fluid. I've also noticed some surging on the highway with my car while having the cruise control set. However, my rpms do not raise and the speed remains constant. It's almost as if I hit a quick gust of wind and then it goes back to normal, all within about .5 seconds. Here's a question for the techy people...Was it the manuals or automatics on this generation car that were notorious for grenading after 120k miles? Hopefully the manuals.

[sirbry]

I forgot to mention it's an automatic transmission.

The colors are fine and it's about time to change.
So I will do so.

Yes I experienced the head wind effect, too.
That was just prior to the racing engine, dropping speed, event of yesterday.

So is it all just a fluid change problem?

Originally Posted by juicedz

Tranny fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles if I'm not mistaken. That's what I read yesterday but you might wanna double check anyways. The color should be pink/red. When I drained mine out it was brown and smelled like something had died in the fluid. I've also noticed some surging on the highway with my car while having the cruise control set. However, my rpms do not raise and the speed remains constant. It's almost as if I hit a quick gust of wind and then it goes back to normal, all within about .5 seconds. Here's a question for the techy people...Was it the manuals or automatics on this generation car that were notorious for grenading after 120k miles? Hopefully the manuals.

[mikered30]

Might want to get a flush and add lubegard red.

[sirbry]

So do I go to the dealer or a place that does a flush & fluid change?

Any suggestions, I won't be attempting a DIY on Mom's car, though.

Lot's of places offer a fluid & filter change, but I'm not sure if a change counts as a flush, too?

Originally Posted by mikered30

Might want to get a flush and add lubegard red.

[mikered30]

You can go to a local trusted mechanic if you want, no need to lighten your wallet at the dealer. You can add the lubegard red yourself, it is super easy.

You can do a couple of drain and refills yourself, it is up to you. A flush is more thorough and gets all the old fluid out.

[sirbry]

So a fluid flush at a service ctr. or oil change place is ok?

How much should I be looking to spend on this?

One day I'll do it on my own, too.

Going to get it done on Monday.

I did think that, if belts or linkages (showing my age or ignorance?) need to be done. A dealer would be a safe bet.

Originally Posted by mikered30

You can go to a local trusted mechanic if you want, no need to lighten your wallet at the dealer. You can add the lubegard red yourself, it is super easy.

You can do a couple of drain and refills yourself, it is up to you. A flush is more thorough and gets all the old fluid out.

[silver04rollas]

Do you have a 5 speed manual or automatic?? If it is a manual, what gear did you use to accelerate merging into traffic?

[juicedz]

Originally Posted by sirbry

I forgot to mention it's an automatic transmission.