Toyota Repair: THE OVERDRIVE SHIFT OF MY 1989 CAMRY, 1989 toyota camry, smog test

Question
Dear Brandon,
I am so happy there's people like you helping others.
I went to SMOG TEST ONLY but it fails because the Overdrive Function of my 1989 Toyota Camry, Automatic transmission, 4 Cylinder FAILED TO WORK AT THAT TIME.
It works erractically, OFF and ON.
When the O/D is working GOOD the transmission and the power is NO PROBLEM. When the O/D is not working,I have to press the gas pedal hard, then I feel the jerk like it's going to next Gear. Specially when the car is on stopped position and going to accelerate, the same thing, I have to put more gas,then it jerk then shift to next gear.
In your expertise, is this a solenoid problem inside the tranny or what IS GOING ON?

I did changed the thermostat thinking that its always open and the ECU does'nt read the right Temperature, but it's still the same results.

Please help me Mr. Brandon. Much appreciated.
Thank you very much,

Rey M. Medina  

Answer
It could be an intermittant solenoid problem. Generally when you have a solenoid problem, you'll loose different gear ratios. Not just one. (It's a pair of solenoids that turn off & on to generate 4 gear ratios.) If a solenoid, or it's wiring is intermittantly shorting. The ECU will catch this & trigger the O/D light to come on.

If your O/D light is on, you can check the code by jumping TE1 & E1 in a DIAGNOSTIC port & turning the key to on. (Use a paperclip, wire, whatever that's conductive) Count the flashes to see the number code<s>.)





I would start by changing the transmission fluid (Please follow the OEM instructions for reading fluid level. Drive around, park on a level surface, shift to all positions, with the engine idling in Park - the fluid level should reach the top hot mark.) And adjusting the kick-down cable connected to the throttlebody. Too loose, and the transmission will shift late, slowly & violently lug into gear. Too fast & it will shift early & agressively into gear. (Tight = sporty)


I would expect this to just be a kick-down (Throttle-valve) cable adjustment problem, but please take the opportunity to check the fluid level & change it. It uses Dexron-III. You can buy it in 4 quart Jugs (Super-Tech) @ Walmart for about $7.