2001 Echo Automatic Transmission Problems

[toyotae29]

I drive a 2001 Toyota Echo. I got this car in January, and just recently I noticed the transmission doesn't want to shift into 4th gear. I get up to speed, about 45mph, and the transmission revs and doesn't want to shift until I reach about 60 mph. It only does this the first time I get up to speed and then come to a complete stop. After that, the car works perfectly. Does anyone know what could be happening and what to do to fix it?

[ECHOKnight2000]

Well I know that when the car is cold (engine/transmission) it is DESIGNED to not go into the overdrive gear (4th). its emissions reasons, so the car warms up faster. So that part is normal. So once the car gets to "normal" operating temp, then it will shift into 4th. Personally I find it annoying but that's the way it was designed so I have to live with it. Depending on temp outside obviously like any car it takes longer or shorter to warm up. it not shifting when the car is cold? Then that's probably the reason, look and see the idiot light for temperature is blue and then goes off when it does shift.

If its doing it when the transmission is warm, then you have a problem. You mentioned reving, well it could be slipping. If your transmission is slipping then you need a new one. Hopefully not! Not cheap even for a rebuild.

Best of luck!

Matt