[Don Powell]

1 owner
160,000 miles. replaced engine because of a exhaust valve having a hole in it. Then the transmission clutch packs when out somewhere to another planet. So I replaced it with a used one that has a 90 day warranty. Now the new/used tranny goes into gear and the rest of the gears without going anywhere. When I was trying to shift into park it made a real loud clicking noise. Sort of like the noise that happens when your driving your car at low speed and accidentally shift into park.

So I am at a point of confusion. The camry is a 2001 camry xle V-6 with the transmission being a A541E tranny.

I NEED HELP PLEASE

 

[mcgowaw]

i suppose you've ensured the fluid is at the correct level?
as a side note, and since you mentioned it, i'm curious why you'd replace an engine with a bad exhaust valve?
tony

 

[Don Powell]

It was cheaper at the time to get a new used engine than to have a valve job done. And the fact of me being in college gives me no time to spare to work on my vehicle.

The valve was failing and losing compression for about 3 to four weeks and at the time I wasnt to sure what it was. When I dialed in on it, it was to late for it had removed half of the valve and lodged that piece somewhere in the engine.

The previous owner had went over a big curb and tore the bottom half of the radiator off. Instead of buying a brand new one he had gotten one from the junk yard, which ended up overheating. He then put silica into the mix and created a bigger problem by clogging a water port or jacket. thats when I received the car. Since then I done a lot of work to it and drove it half way across america and back. That is when it started losing compression.

The car is special to me, that is the only reason that I keep dumping money into it. however this is the last time in my last effort to keep it going. I dont know anything about transmissions but if I did then you know the out come of that. I would be here asking for advise. I pick up on things pretty quick, and my perseverance to get it done it way above the norm. So I am willing to put in the time inbetween my college work work scheduel. And at least I know how to read, understand and direct my self to fixing the problem, but with that I cant find a ot of info on my problem. When I ask people in the trade if I need help, they tranny shops around where I live will not give me the wealth of knowledge or even direct me in the right direction. All they want is my money. Around $2000 or more to rebuild it. I know its not that much for the parts, as for the labor, 125 to 150 buck an hour for shop time. Thats crazy money. I respect that it is a special condition with a needed specialization but come on now that is highway robbery legalized, and they wont divulge the information. That leads me to the alternative.

Thanks for responding and sorry for this long post.

don

 

[pgh mike]

Trust me, a trans rebuild is not really a DIY. Also, don't be too surprised when they won't tell you how to do it yourself since that's how they make their living.

 

[Kingdom934]

Did you do the transmission swap or did a shop do it?

So any gear (except park) will do that? The new (used) transmission never worked at all, right? It so, sounds either some kind of alignment issue with the NSS or some crazy catastrophic transmission issue with the used one. you should at lease have reverse or drive (ideally both), but not having both is pretty bad.

Trust me, a trans rebuild is not really a DIY. Also, don't be too surprised when they won't tell you how to do it yourself since that's how they make their living.

I've seen videos of a tech rebuilding a transmission. I'm all for a DIY, but damn, transmission rebuilt looks complicated. I respect these folks doing this on a daily basis.

Also with any kind of repair fields, people who do this for a living won't assist in technical troubleshooting (unless you pay them) because of liability as well. I've seen people in situations where they assist clients with troubleshooting and they keep on asking for information (for free) and then turn it around to the tech saying 'you told me this...but it didn't work/broke it/made it worst'. Best place to get free help (or cheap) is online fourms, youtube/online guides, or looking of the FSM. Transmission rebuilding imo is not a DIY unless you got a work bench area and a lot of freetime/backup car.

https://techinfo.toyota.com/

You can get access to the FSM for your car via online.
Subscription Term Standard Professional
Diagnostic Security Professional*
2 Day $15 US $55 US $55 US
Monthly $75 US NA NA
Yearly $400 US $1095 US $1095 US

https://techinfo.snapon.com/TIS/Register.aspx

 

[JohnGD]

First it sounds like a problem with the shifter cable and engine/transmission mounts. Double check those first. For example, is the neutral safety switch pointing at the right positions, are the correct gear indicators light up on the instrument panel, etc. You should not be hearing those clicking noises like the parking cam/pawl are engaging. If not, that old transmission probably is developing a burnt clutch pack or two as well. Do make sure the old time transmission linkage on the throttle is properly adjusted so you have the correct line pressure.

Have you considered a reman (including torque converter) with 3-year warranty? $1523 + $600 core + about $130 freight. I believe return freight is included, not sure. Also call Jasper see who has the better deal. http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=4762155&cc=1375196&jsn=389

http://www.jasperengines.com/

Or I'd recommend getting an ATSG transmission rebuild manual from eBay or your local Transtar transmission parts warehouse and read it over. It's probably the quickest with a reman and less uncertainty in the rebuild process yourself. https://www.transtar1.com/contact#find-a-branch