4E-FE Transmission problems? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

triniguy · 05-20-2007, 12:04 PM

I'm wondering whether anyone can help me diagnose this problem. I have a Corolla DX wagon imported from Japan with a 4E-FE engine (1.3L), with 3-speed automatic transmission.

My car was working super fine until I carried it to the A/C shop for re-gassing and air condition tune up. However as soon as I was driving out and put the gear into drive I found that it jerked into gear. That NEVER happened before. The shop said they didnt do anything.

It was difficult to get the car into 2nd gear on my way home, and the only way it got into 3rd was I had to rev the car probably up to 3500rpm (it doesnt have a rpm guage) - almost from 40km/h to 60km/h - and then lift my foot of the gas pedal for it to go into 3rd gear.

I tried re-positioning the throttle valve cable but that didnt help. I dont want to think its a transmission problem because the car has less than 99,500 Kilometers. Secondly there was no indication that this would happen. It always shifted smoothly into gear. Thirdly, all gears, that is Reverse, and Drive instantly engages when I shift. There is no delay. I also recently had the transmission oil changed by the TOYOTA dealership. I didnt change the filter though.

I'm am currently waiting for an appointment with a transmission specialist, since I dont want to damage the engine by over-revving.

Has anyone any clue to what this problem is?

90 GP · 05-20-2007, 06:03 PM

Did you check your transmission fluid level to see if it is low?

triniguy · 05-20-2007, 06:19 PM

Yep fluid level was great. No leaks anywhere. I make sure to take care of all of those things

punter · 05-20-2007, 06:40 PM

Could be some wiring has be left unpluged. Have a search around and check all the wiring/cabling on the gearbox.

90 GP · 05-21-2007, 04:47 AM

When the dealer replaced the tranny fluid did they drain the differential too? Tranny and differential have separate drain plugs and more importantly different fill plugs. Did they remember to refill the differential when done? The fill plug for it is in tight quarters near steering rack.

Flashmn · 05-21-2007, 07:09 AM

If you read the OP's first post, he went for an AIRCONDITION SERVICE, not a transmission service, when the problem arose.

Revhead Kev · 05-21-2007, 07:26 AM

Is the aircon compressor or piping anywhere near the kickdown cable from the throttle wheel to the transmission ?
Maybe they have somehow pushed it out of the way and it is now caught on something.
This would have the effect of being adjusted too tight and delay shifting as though your foot was hard on the accelerator.

triniguy · 05-21-2007, 07:27 AM

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all he helpful hints.

Someone recently suggested that the vacuum modulator hose may have been disconnected in the process of the service. So I'll check that and report back later.

triniguy · 05-22-2007, 10:05 AM

Hi guys,

Well I took the car to a former TOYOTA mechanic. He owns his own garage now and he diagnosed the problem in 10 mins.

The idiots who serviced the A/C accidentally pulled the throttle cable out of its housing in the transmission, effectively shortening its length and creating a difficulty in upshifting.

If this ever happens to you make sure to look at where the throttle valve cable meets the automatic transmission, and examine whether the cable came out of the recess in the transmission body. It's supposed to fit snugly in the transmission and not wobble about.

What the mechanic did was push it back into the hole, and walla! Smooth shifting again!

punter · 05-22-2007, 11:04 PM

Thought it would be something like that, they have to remove alot of wiring/cables to get at the AC lines.

triniguy · 05-25-2007, 07:43 AM

Thanks Punter, revhead and everyone else.