Question1989 Toyota Camry 4-cylinder, automatic transmission, barely moves in reverse, engine is reving but slow movement. Also at times car is very slow climbing hills, and will not automatically shift into lower gears. This has gone on over the last month, month and a half. The reverse problem is a constant, while the slow movement uphills with no automatic shifting to a lower gear is on and off.
AnswerHave you checked the fluid level and check to see if it smells burned or looks dark or black. If the fluid is low there may be a leak, add fluid to see if it helps, if the fluid is at the normal level there is a serious internal failure, the transmission clutches are slipping, it is not advisable to try to repair this transmission because of the cost of parts and the labor involved, depending on what parts are needed it can run up to around $2,500.
May be more if hard parts are damaged and there is metal contamination.
Considering the age of the car I would advise two alternatives, locate a good used transmission or a remanufactured unit from an independent rebuilder and have it installed or if you want to spend more money than the car is probably worth you can have the toyota dealer install a toyota remanufactured transaxle, this is the most expensive way, probably around $4,000.
