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Hello Ted,
I want to get your opinion on what may be going wrong with the automatic transmission on my 97 Camry. I'm sure it is the same as all automatic transmissions, but mine is a Camry and it may or may not be different than other makes.
I bought the car new in 97, and it only has 49,000 miles. I only drive it on weekends and trips and occasionally in between times. It has never been wrecked and has been well maintained.
The problem is that sometimes when I put it in gear it doesn't move. The trans. "slips" for a little bit before it will finally take hold and start moving. I have never changed the fluid or filter since I've had it.
In your opinion will changing the fluid and filter help? Or do you think it has some serious problems that may need an overhaul or something ? I'd like to get it taken care of before I take it too far away from home and get stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Can you give me your opinion of what may be going on?
Thanks,
Gary in WV
Answer -
The first step for any automatic transmission diagnosis is to check the fluid, is it up to the full mark(at idle)and is it clean,or does it smell burned, check this and get back to me.
Hey Ted,
Sorry it has taken me a few days to get back with you. The trans. fluid doesn't really look or smell burnt. It is kind of dark red and clear ( or free of floating particles), and it is at the "full" mark. Someone told me that any vehicle that sits for long periods of time allows the trans. fluid to drain down into the pan and when you start it back up, and put it in gear, it takes a few seconds for that fluid to re-circulate up into the 'nooks and crannies' . It sounded logical to me, but you would know whether or not this is an accurate excuse for what is going on. From my own experience, I have owned cars that have sat for long periods of time and have never had an automatic transmission slip or fail to go into gear like this. But the difference is that I have never owned a late model car before buying this 97 model. I have always owned older models, and the old saying 'they don't make them like they used to", may apply to this situation. What do you think?
Thanks,
Gary
AnswerI think you have a transmission problem, I don't agree with the explanation that the fluid needs to get into all the places and it will take time to do this, transmissions are designed with valve bodies that prevent drain down of the hydraulic circuits so there should be absolutely no delay,I recommend that you have a Toyota dealer check and make a diagnosis.
