cold shift 2003 Echo the final solution???

[rylan]

I have a 2003 Echo 2dr 80,000 miles. I have read lots of threads about cold shifting problems. I am talking about the shift from 1st to 2nd NOT 3rd into 4th.

Solutions offered included:
1. checking A/T fluid level
2. Draining and refilling (Is there an A/T filter on the 2003 Echo?)
3. A flush. (It was about evenly split between it's a good thing and it will ruin the tranny.)
4. Replace the soleniods.

I have an appointment Tuesday with dealer. I am leaving it over night Monday so they can try it out cold. I just bought this car 2 weeks ago and have a 3 month 3,000 mile warrenty. I pay $100. they pay the rest.

Am I wasting my $100? Should I do something myself. Which solution is the correct one? Thanks one and all. Happy Left Overs Day! Rylan

[CJCride]

Best results seem to be drain and refill w/exact same amount you removed.
Repeat about 300 miles later.
No replaceable filter I believe.
Use the Toyota ATF for the model you have [T-IV] If i'm not mistaken.
Any tranny that dies from a fluid change was "bucket of bolts" anyway, I doubt that is the case w/yours.

If you are mechanically inclined and have the tools, Do it Yourself, it is 1 drain bolt & 1 fill bolt. You will need a funnel w/extension tube to reach the filler bolt hole.
This is the setup on the kid's 2003 Echo 4 speed.

Castrol makes the Toyota ATF T-IV for le$$, your choice.

Happy Thanksgiving.

[rylan]

I thought you refilled the automatic trans in the check level tube.

[CJCride]

Originally Posted by rylan

I thought you refilled the automatic trans in the check level tube.

You can fill from the dipstick tube but it takes a long time to transfer about 3 quarts through that narrow tube.

[rylan]

Makes sense thanks

[twiki]

Hi CJ,

So, you're saying they're essentially the same thing?

Originally Posted by CJCride

Castrol makes the Toyota ATF T-IV for le$$, your choice.

[CJCride]

Originally Posted by twiki

Hi CJ,

So, you're saying they're essentially the same thing?

Valvoline also makes a Multi-use ATF.

Ones Moms apple pie the other is her Moms apple pie.

[tstclr]

Anyone ever try Royal Purlple's synthetic trans fluid in their Echo? I ran it in my domestic and according to my scanguage it ran 50 degrees cooler.