New '08 owner, transmission questions

[mcshave]

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to say hello. I just purchased a used 2008 Touring edition with 41K miles. I really like the car so far and think it is quite the sleeper car in terms of value and performance.

I have read through many posts on this forum about the transmission issues with the '05-'07 models. I've seen just a few posts on the '08 transmissions but had some questions about mine.

I've noticed 2 things about the transmission thus far that are unlike other automatics I have driven.

1. I like to shoot for high mileage when I drive and coast quite a bit in around town driving. When I try to coast in the Avalon after I release the gas the car doesn't downshift and it feels like the engine is braking the car. It seems like to keep the car going I almost always have to be giving it some gas.

2. There is a slight acceleration lag when punching the gas, nothing serious like the safety issues I've read with the '05-'07 but still noticeable.

Has any experienced these issues with the '08 model and if so were you able to get the dealer to do anything about it, perhaps with flashing the ECM? I saw there is a TSB about the 2008 drivetrain but couldn't find out if it covered either of these transmission issues.

Thanks and really glad to have found this forum,
Greg

[tfelton]

Welcome to the world of Avalon. Assuming you don't have any pressing mechanical problems just sit back and enjoy the car; it's a great car. I have an '08 Limited with, obviously, the same transmission as you. I do not find any lag at all when punching the gas. The car is very responsive to the gas pedal. I also find that when taking my foot off the gas, depending upon speed, the car will brake with the engine, such as when coming to a stop because of a light, etc.. If I'm going a faster speed it doesn't so I will down shift if needed. I'm sure there's people with a more technical explanation that will post a reply.

[neil5]

Originally Posted by mcshave

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to say hello. I just purchased a used 2008 Touring edition with 41K miles. I really like the car so far and think it is quite the sleeper car in terms of value and performance.

I have read through many posts on this forum about the transmission issues with the '05-'07 models. I've seen just a few posts on the '08 transmissions but had some questions about mine.

I've noticed 2 things about the transmission thus far that are unlike other automatics I have driven.

1. I like to shoot for high mileage when I drive and coast quite a bit in around town driving. When I try to coast in the Avalon after I release the gas the car doesn't downshift and it feels like the engine is braking the car. It seems like to keep the car going I almost always have to be giving it some gas.

2. There is a slight acceleration lag when punching the gas, nothing serious like the safety issues I've read with the '05-'07 but still noticeable.

Has any experienced these issues with the '08 model and if so were you able to get the dealer to do anything about it, perhaps with flashing the ECM? I saw there is a TSB about the 2008 drivetrain but couldn't find out if it covered either of these transmission issues.

Thanks and really glad to have found this forum,
Greg

First get a can of this stuff and put in your tank. Costs about 20 bucks. Used by all the big boys on Porsche, BMW and Ferrari's

[roysleight]

What stuff? You didn't say what it is or leave a link.

[hghflyrjd1]

I have the 09 Limited and i get that braking while stoping.

[mcshave]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think Neil5 was referring to Bg-44k, which looks like a fuel system/engine cleaner. I think I'll give it a try. Still though I am still concerned about the transmission. I don't know if I'm just not used to the car or there is actually something wrong with the transmission.