Tranney Hesitation

[Wrenchy]

2001 Avalon- I just finished a MAJOR tune- plugs, adjust valves, timing-kit, waterpump-kit. I also did a COMPLETE pan-removal, cleaning and fluid refill on the tranney. I used the same synthetic fluid I have been running for 52K miles with zero problems.

The engine is running better than when new, no problem with power. But, a while ago, before all this, I started having a problem with the tranney-shift.

The tranney shifts fast, and very tight, no problems. Also, when changed, there were very tiny (normal) particles on the magnets. The fluid was slightly dirty, but not burnt, no bad smell. I have had this car since new, and never abuse the tranney.

The problem is ALL gears shift fast, and very tight, EXCEPT the final top-gear. The engine often climbs to 3000-3400K and hangs there, not shifting into top gear. If I drop OFF the gas (dropping down RPMs/vacuum), the tranney will immediately drop into top gear, fast and smooth, with no hesitation. If I dont, the car will often cruise quite a ways before the tranney finally catches top gear.

I have been "wrenching" on my cars for 30+ years, and I am stumped, although I'll admit I am an engine/brake/suspension guy and know very little about AT's. Any ideas? Why won't top-gear drop in? Why are all the other gears shifting perfectly, fast/smooth, but not the top gear? Any ideas would be appreciated- Wrenchy

[silverxls]

mine has done something similar but is very rare, and in only one place, an interstate entrance which then climbs a hill for at least half mile. rarely, at the top, it doesnt seem to want to make the final shift to OD. i just simply hit the OD button on the shifter off and then back on and it shifts right in. beats me why.....

[tr7driver]

Please post if you figure anything out. I recently had the tranny on my highlander flushed and now I'm noticing the same behavior.

[20001avalon]

good day. lots of quirks with my 01 av. seems like most are common as they are mentioned in most of the sites. my tranny hes is recent, having 190,000 km (120,000 miles). it's from 2nd to third and does exactly what you describe. let off the fuel and you shift with power to spare. keep it down and you're going nowhere. i haven't tried it yet but am thinking i've added too much tranny fluid the last time i drained via the plug. haven't taken it to a dealer yet. really prefer not to. will try to drain some fluid and set to the dipstick cold level.

[kegunder]

Hey Wrenchy,

Sorry to hear about that issue. I'm sure you're better at checking the txn. fluid than me, but maybe you should recheck. I had a few messed up readings myself after I added new fluid to my car. Give it plenty of time to even out.

BTW, what fluid are you using? The synth stuff isn't cheap, but perhaps the formulation has changed and another brand will be better for you.

[20001avalon]

good day. thanks for the advice. not sure if i'm going to try the synthetic stuff. toyota has excellent track records on their driveline with standard(?) stuff so i'll stick with that. tranny hes happened this weekend through secong gear. you can hold it 3/4 down and when it feels like it you go nowhere. almost like a rev limiter. you don't speed up you don't slow down and nothing sounds or feels like it's spinning. weird. let off 20% and you're in third and no sign of it in third or o/d. on another note, i've got a '92 camry V6 LE and i'd put that car new up against any newer toyota. I thought the avalon was my dream car and it's nice but there's very little i like more about it than my camry. toyota doesn't change form the sake of change like chev. build something different and they'll buy it. toyota= build something good consistently and they'll buy it. hopefully that still stands.