Hello all, my name is Mike. I've been having some problems with my Corolla, and I'm here to ask for your input. Your advice will be greatly appreciated.
2003 Corolla, 180K, automatic transmission. Two months ago, on my way to work, the transmission started to flair in between shifts (I'd have to nurse it into gear by feathering the gas pedal). Later that day, the tranny went: the car would run and drive for about 3 minutes, but the clutch would suddenly stop engaging and the engine would just rev. If the car sat for a few minutes, this scenario would repeat itself.
My mechanic suggested a new transmission (which basically meant junking the car), but I wanted to try a few things first. The tranny fluid was dark and smelled like it was burnt, so I flushed it and replaced the filter. I noticed a lot of metal fragments in the pan. After that, everything was Kosher; the car ran well, until two days ago when the same thing started happening again.
So, what do you think is happening, how did changing the fluid help, and what part of the transmission seems to be the culprit?
Sounds like you need a new/rebuilt tranny, especially since you said you saw metal particles in the fluid (not a good thing) Fluid probably provided temp protection for the bands in the tranny.
The Following User Says Thank You to zythr For This Useful Post:
Yes, but why does it work for a few minutes at a time? Does it have something to do with temperature, or is it because the fluid is not moving through the tranny?
EDIT: also, the check engine code (p0500) is for a vehicle speed sensor -- I think that the speed sensor is fine, but the erratic behavior of the tranny is tripping it to give a code.
How many times was the fluid changed prior to this last time?
I do not know. But I am curious as to why a fluid changed fixed the problem for two months. It seems almost like the fluid isn't circulating through the transmission, which would explain why the tranny works for a couple minutes at a time -- after it sits for a while the fluid settles back into the pan.
Does $1000 sound about right to install a rebuilt tranny?
I do not know. But I am curious as to why a fluid changed fixed the problem for two months. It seems almost like the fluid isn't circulating through the transmission, which would explain why the tranny works for a couple minutes at a time -- after it sits for a while the fluid settles back into the pan.
Does $1000 sound about right to install a rebuilt tranny?
The circulation is probably being blocked by all the particles and friction disk material clogging the pump/filter inside the tranny. When it sits for awhile, that crud is likely to settle on the bottom of the pan until its run again. Changing the fluid removed all this stuff, and it took two months for it to return. Same exact thing happened to my Infiniti a couple years ago at 150k miles. It worked for 6 months after changing the fluid, I ended up selling it at auction still working fine but starting to act up again at that time.
If you want to try a few things first, Get a flush and screen and pan cleaning and add lubegard red and call it a day. Not much else you can do beside a new tranny. Might want to look into a magnafine filter and adding an extra pan magnet.
If you do this work your self or know a buddy who is inclined, it will save a ton of money. If you have to go to a mechanic to do it, you will pay a lot more and may not be worth it if you decide to junk it. If you are capable, might want to try 2 drain and refills and add the lubegard red before you decide to junk it.
I do not know. But I am curious as to why a fluid changed fixed the problem for two months. It seems almost like the fluid isn't circulating through the transmission, which would explain why the tranny works for a couple minutes at a time -- after it sits for a while the fluid settles back into the pan.
Does $1000 sound about right to install a rebuilt tranny?
when you say you flushed the tranny, did you actually open the hose from the tranny to the radiator and see fluid squirting out when the engine was running? If you did then I would say your fluid is circulating through the tranny.
I would also buy an inline filter and install it in that hose to filter out all those metal shavings. I bet there are still metal shavings in the atf which might be causing your tranny to jam and not shift or keep the clutch engaged. You may also have to flush it again and put new fluid in.
Hello all, my name is Mike. I've been having some problems with my Corolla, and I'm here to ask for your input. Your advice will be greatly appreciated.
2003 Corolla, 180K, automatic transmission. Two months ago, on my way to work, the transmission started to flair in between shifts (I'd have to nurse it into gear by feathering the gas pedal). Later that day, the tranny went: the car would run and drive for about 3 minutes, but the clutch would suddenly stop engaging and the engine would just rev. If the car sat for a few minutes, this scenario would repeat itself.
My mechanic suggested a new transmission (which basically meant junking the car), but I wanted to try a few things first. The tranny fluid was dark and smelled like it was burnt, so I flushed it and replaced the filter. I noticed a lot of metal fragments in the pan. After that, everything was Kosher; the car ran well, until two days ago when the same thing started happening again.
So, what do you think is happening, how did changing the fluid help, and what part of the transmission seems to be the culprit?
Thanks very much,
Mike.
If particles were in the pan and dip stick, I recommend not doing any more flushes.
If you have a little experience on mecanic's, go to a transmision shop, buy the new set of clutches , in this case 20. and which shouldnt be more than 80 dollars. and find a friend that can install them for you.
thats if you can take out the tranny and mount it back on, if not just take it to a shop or buy a one from a junker.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
