Another "need help" thread...

[emsantos27]

Hey everyone, I'm John, and I first wanted to say thanx to everyone who contributes on these forums since I was able to find a few answers about my wifes 91 celica overheated problem a few weeks ago. But now I'm back, unforunately, with another issue that, after searching on here, I can't find a specific solution for.

As I mentioned, she has a 91 celica gt, auto trans, with I think the 2.0. A few weeks ago she noticed that when getting on the freeway that it wouldn't seem to shift into 4th gear and she'd be stuck at 60 mph with it taching just over 3000 (which is where it is usually at around 80 mph).

Long story short, a mechanic said it was the overdrive solonoid since we'd just recently started noticing the light on the panel coming on for a split second every so often (which we told him). He said he'd have to pull the transmission pan and replace the solonoid, and that he'd also check to see if the magnets were clean and if the tranny was in reasonably good shape.

So I'm wondering, can I drain and take the pan off myself and replace it easily? I've done brakes and plugs/wires etc on our cars for a while so I'm somewhat "handy." Or, could I easily just unplug the overdrive system completely and save the money on purchasing a new one? If so, where would I find it?

I read on these forums that toyota's temperature influences the O/D and that it won't turn on until the engine is warm. This issue happens intermitantly, usually about 70% of the time now regardless of outside temperature or how long it's been on. I've also tried turning off the OD during the problem with no effect on "fixing" it. Though, when the problem isn't there, turning it off still "works."

Any suggestions would be more than appreciated and I'm more than happy to answer any questions that could help. I wish I'd had more time to introduce myself and I know it's annoying for the first post people make when they join to be a "help me" thread...but...yeah...

thanx in advance,

John

[RobMilkshakes]

Dropping the transmission pan is relatively simple. If you're comfortable doing brakes, then you should have no problem. Just be sure that you top off the transmission with the correct fluid and the correct amount after you put it all back together.

Honestly, I am far from an expert on automatic transmissions, but it does indeed, to me, sound like the solenoid is malfunctioning or that there is an error in the control circuit for the transmission.

[emsantos27]

Thanx Rob. I'm hoping if I end up doing it that it's really that easy. You wouldn't happen to know if there's a gasket that I'd need to replace that perhaps I should get beforehand? Then again, since I don't remember there being any leaks I could probably get by with using the old one...assuming there is one.

[RobMilkshakes]

Well since the gaskets are torqued to a decent amount its a good idea to replace it as the old one will likely be either older and broken down, or just misshaped from being previously torqued down when being installed. At a local parts store a transmission filter kit should run approx. $15 and will include the filter and gasket. Drop the pan, check/clean the magnets, replace the filter, possibly inspect the solenoids (if you plan to), replace the gasket, reinstall the pan and refill.

[bumperbozo]

take a high res photo of the pan as soon as you drop it because you may decide you don't know how much metal shavings is too much and you may want to get an expert opinion.