[Stephanie8519]

So I was wondering if this is normal, when it's cold outside( like most winter nights Chicago ) and my Camry sits overnight I let it warm up for maybe 5 soild minutes so it's warm I side for my kids before we leave for school. When I drive the car seems to shift a little weird / rough almost like lunging forward a little when it shifts, the behavior stops after about 5 to 7 minutes of driving, the temp on the gauge is almost half at that point. It only happens when it sits in the cold. The car has 42, 000 miles with no previous problems. I tried to make a appointment with the dealer, I have the Toyota Platinum Extended Warranty that I purchased with the car new, but was informed that if the mechanic doesn't "feel" the behavior I would have to pay 200 dollars for the mechanics time despite the fact I have a zero deductible. So I am a little hesitant to take it there. Is this normal behavior of the Camry because the cold is affecting the fluid until its hot? Also I am not sure if the fluid is full because I was also told that's a charge to check. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[denzyota]

Do you know if the transmission fluid has ever been messed with? Sounds like low tranny fluid behavior.

 

[kevcules46]

If you have extended warranty, they shouldn't be charging you anything to look at a problem! Remind them of that.
My 2017 Camry does the same thing. Shifts weird and too soon it seems when cold and even still when hot.
My brother in law (toyota tech) says they normally fill the tranny fluid level a little higher than normal in these Camrys for the very symptoms you're having. It helps with the cold shifting . You could try adding a little fluid or at least have it checked. Good luck

 

[rl1990]

Cold transmission fluid doesn't flow or lubricate as well as hot fluid and harsher shifting is normal. Most transmission wear is when it's the fluid is cold. This is one of the reasons Toyota installed a standard transmission fluid warmer/cooler on our generation car. It helps warm the fluid faster.

 

[Vangm25]

In order for a vehicle to reach normal operating temperature faster, the ECU will tell the engine to do everything possible to warm it up whether that is higher idle or long shifting. While the vehicle warms up and you are driving, take your time until it is fully at normal operating temperature. Don't just floor it.

 

[Greasymechtech]

Fluid level needs to be checked.

If over 30k miles, should seriously consider an ATF exchange.

Maintenance and level isnt a warranty issue.

Your cold shift quality sounds normal.

 

[dtownfb]

it's normal. Your Camry will warm up faster when driving rather than letting it sit idle. Even letting it "warm up" for 5 minutes, it's not helping the transmission fluid warm up. A better practice is letting the car idle for 30 seconds to a minute and then drive. Just take your time the first few minutes.

Put a couple blankets in the car so the kids don't freeze.

 

[Vangm25]

it's normal. Your Camry will warm up faster when driving rather than letting it sit idle. Even letting it "warm up" for 5 minutes, it's not helping the transmission fluid warm up. A better practice is letting the car idle for 30 seconds to a minute and then drive. Just take your time the first few minutes.

Put a couple blankets in the car so the kids don't freeze.

I do find it amusing that when I was still in school that after school and after work that some people will just floor it out of the parking lot. I usually get to my car, turn it on, plug in my phone, get the music playing, then drive and depending on the temperature, I may or may not push it.

 

[dddd]

These cars have a very particular specified method for checking the trans fluid level that 1) discourages non-mechanics from messing with it and 2) is intended to result in the most accurate fluid level when done by a knowledgeable mechanic.

The reason for this is the design intent to lower the engine and transaxle in the car but which leaves less vertical space for a generous volume in the sump. So the fluid volume and resulting fluid level (which changes with temperature) must be kept in as narrow a range as possible for the transmission sump/pickup to work properly and 1) not churn/aerate the oil at highest temperatures and 2) not fall too low to be picked up without drawing air at the lowest temperatures.
So this car's odd transmission pan with it's standpipe level checker (used only within a prescribed temperature range) and without having a dipstick actually all makes perfect sense. Additionally, Toyota discourages even periodic servicing of the fluid under less than severe conditions perhaps because of these fluid level concerns.

I wouldn't be surprised if this design operated properly only under a narrower-than-normal temperature range (that Toyota/Aisin nevertheless considered adequately broad for their sales territories).

Perhaps a check/correction of fluid level could be done at the lower end of Toyota's temperature range scale such that the level might end up a bit higher than where it is now, and where the cold-running behavior might be improved(?).

 

[Stephanie8519]

Fluid level needs to be checked.

If over 30k miles, should seriously consider an ATF exchange.

Maintenance and level isnt a warranty issue.

Your cold shift quality sounds normal.

I wasn't tryi

These cars have a very particular specified method for checking the trans fluid level that 1) discourages non-mechanics from messing with it and 2) is intended to result in the most accurate fluid level when done by a knowledgeable mechanic.

The reason for this is the design intent to lower the engine and transaxle in the car but which leaves less vertical space for a generous volume in the sump. So the fluid volume and resulting fluid level (which changes with temperature) must be kept in as narrow a range as possible for the transmission sump/pickup to work properly and 1) not churn/aerate the oil at highest temperatures and 2) not fall too low to be picked up without drawing air at the lowest temperatures.
So this car's odd transmission pan with it's standpipe level checker (used only within a prescribed temperature range) and without having a dipstick actually all makes perfect sense. Additionally, Toyota discourages even periodic servicing of the fluid under less than severe conditions perhaps because of these fluid level concerns.

I wouldn't be surprised if this design operated properly only under a narrower-than-normal temperature range (that Toyota/Aisin nevertheless considered adequately broad for their sales territories).

Perhaps a check/correction of fluid level could be done at the lower end of Toyota's temperature range scale such that the level might end up a bit higher than where it is now, and where the cold-running behavior might be improved(?).

Sure sounds like a great idea to have it checked, I actually live across the street from the Toyota dealership but having them just check the level they want 200 dollars, no work or fluid added just to check it. I would have to save up a few dollars as things are tight now for me. I have the platinum extended warranty and would never expect or argue with the dealer to add fluid or change it out for free under warranty as I would think that changing the trans fluid is preventive maintenance which would be at my own cost. Initially I told the service writer that I was just wanting to have the level checked at which he told me that it was cost 200 dollars because "somone has to pay my guy"... Just thought that was kinda steep for checking.

 

[kevcules46]

They can check the level in 15 minutes or less. Ask how much they pay "their guys" an hour. Sounds like about $800/hr. If the dealership idiots don't want to help you, go see a trusted mechanic elsewhere. I wouldn't even consider paying $200 for that simple fluid level check. Good luck...

 

[Vangm25]

They can check the level in 15 minutes or less. Ask how much they pay "their guys" an hour. Sounds like about $800/hr. If the dealership idiots don't want to help you, go see a trusted mechanic elsewhere. I wouldn't even consider paying $200 for that simple fluid level check. Good luck...

Simple as in dip stick in and dip stick out or simple as in warm the car to normal operating temperature, place on hoist, lift the vehicle, remove the ATF bolt, and do the weird ATF straw check thing?

 

[kevcules46]

Simple as in dip stick in and dip stick out or simple as in warm the car to normal operating temperature, place on hoist, lift the vehicle, remove the ATF bolt, and do the weird ATF straw check thing?

Yes ....either one , but I'm assuming having to remove the bolt (dipstickless)and seeing if fluid comes out. Real difficult!
PS.....the car is already at operating temp when you drive into the dealership.Put it on a hoist, remove the bolt.....any fluid coming out? That must take all of 10 mins. I've done this to my Camry.....Its simple! I rarely charge myself either!

 

[denzyota]

Transmission fluid temperature DOES rise while idling, just not as fast as while driving.

 

[kevcules46]

Transmission fluid temperature DOES rise while idling, just not as fast as while driving.

Yes it does , because the transmission fluid lines run through the radiator.

 

[dddd]

The fluid needs to be checked at 105F degrees, which is almost cold compared to a normal operating temperature of 180F.
So the mechanic either waits for it to cool sufficiently, perhaps checking it a few times every ten minutes, or they can check it the next day, starting with a cold car and letting it idle for a few minutes until it's about 105F degrees.

The car needs to be level, and then the plug screwed out when the pan reaches 105F.
If oil drips slowly but steadily from the drain then the oil level is sufficient, otherwise the front wheel is removed to access the filler plug and add fluid.

Not a big job, but add in some time for the temperature to get stabilized at 105F.
Probably an $80 job at most indie shops(?), and the cost of the needed fluid would only be a few dollars max if it turns out to be a half-quart low.

The key is to be sure that the mechanic takes the right approach here, uses only the right fluid, and at the right temperature!

 

[denzyota]

Unless I’m mistaken, the 2015 SE was available only with the 4 cylinder engine, and would have the U760E tranny. If this is correct, the temperature range for checking the fluid level is 95-113 degrees.

 

[carcrazee]

sounds normal to me.. i work at the dealer and ive driven tons of 15-17 camrys in the snow/cold mornings and they all seem to shift a bit hard in the cold when not fully warmed up, even my own does this(i have a 2016 4cyl camry) just needs to simply be warmed up from what it sounds, wouldnt be a bad idea to do a drain and fill though , even though its not really necessary til about 60k ish

 

[Stephanie8519]

sounds normal to me.. i work at the dealer and ive driven tons of 15-17 camrys in the snow/cold mornings and they all seem to shift a bit hard in the cold when not fully warmed up, even my own does this(i have a 2016 4cyl camry) just needs to simply be warmed up from what it sounds, wouldnt be a bad idea to do a drain and fill though , even though its not really necessary til about 60k ish

Glad to hear somone else has had the same shift feeling, don't get me wrong as I said it goes away after 5-7 minutes of driving. Funny tho the service writer and mechanic at the Toyota dealer I live near said the polar opposite as you stated, they said something along the lines of " I work on these types of Camrys every winter and have NEVER felt the transmission feel any different regardless of outside temperature and sitting over night... This was also the same dealer that I brought my car in a year ago for a check engine light, I called to make a appointment they said yes as long as the lights on when I come in I don't have a charge under warranty, they plugged the computer in and told me it was soomething with the fuel mixture ( not loose gas cap) turned the warning light off with the computer thing and hit me with 157 dollar bill. It's been a year and the light has never came back on.

 

[carcrazee]

Glad to hear somone else has had the same shift feeling, don't get me wrong as I said it goes away after 5-7 minutes of driving. Funny tho the service writer and mechanic at the Toyota dealer I live near said the polar opposite as you stated, they said something along the lines of " I work on these types of Camrys every winter and have NEVER felt the transmission feel any different regardless of outside temperature and sitting over night... This was also the same dealer that I brought my car in a year ago for a check engine light, I called to make a appointment they said yes as long as the lights on when I come in I don't have a charge under warranty, they plugged the computer in and told me it was soomething with the fuel mixture ( not loose gas cap) turned the warning light off with the computer thing and hit me with 157 dollar bill. It's been a year and the light has never came back on.

that tech might not pick up on the small details then.. this is something ive noticed and been noticing on so many camrys over the years, even the rav 4's do it(same engine/transmission). sounds like u should have a planB as far as what dealer you go to for more opinions/different opinions in the future maybe? some dealers wave a check engine light if its something minor like a gas cap or relatable small things and send you on your way