Transmission Slips/Rough Shifting

[fallecker001]

I just bought a 1999 Toyota Avalon XLS, 3.0L V6 Automatic with 106K miles. After driving it around for the past week or so, I have been noticing that the transmission is hesitating, slipping, or even shifting roughly at times. Many times when driving slowly through the neighborhood, I let off the gas, coast a little, and when I press the gas again, it hesitates slightly before it "clunks" back and I feel it pulling again. It never goes out of gear, and rpms don't rev high, but it just doesn't seem right.

Also, when I am slowing down, coming to a stoplight, it seems to wait too long before downshifting into the next lower gear. It almost loads up, then clunks down into the next gear.

Other times, when accelerating slightly, below 40mph, it just shifts roughly between gears. I expected much smoother shifting in an Avalon. On the Highway, it's all fine, I just notice this at lower speeds.

I have read a lot of the posts about transmission problems, but so far, none of them sound exactly like what I am experiencing. Can anyone help? Do you think I need a Tranny Fluid and Filter Change? Could it be a sensor or some sort of electronic problem??

Thanks,
CNF-VA

[smuook]

I don't have this problem but you might want to look here... they seem to have endless threads about similar issues:

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/dir...index=.ef2150b

[funnysam]

i used to have this problem even after using Mobil One...
but after going for 10k and realized i over-filled it, i drain some and make sure the level is just in between hot max and min (right after getting to working temperature, around 5mi i think.) I ran for 300mi afterwards and the ride is now extremly smooth smooth.

[fallecker001]

Thanks for the tips guys.

I checked the tranny fluid level and it seems just fine. Right where it should be.

Guess I'll just take it to the dealership and see what they have to say.

Thanks Again,
CNF-VA

[fallecker001]

FYI:

Got a Tranny Fluid Flush and all seems to be working much better now. I guess it was due, as my car has 109,000 miles on it!!

Thanks for the tips!
CNF-VA