Toyota Repair: Transmission slow to shift, toyota celica gt, piston seals

Question
Hi Ted,

I have a 1997 Toyota Celica GT (2.2L 5S-FE engine) with 174,000 miles on it. Recently on cold mornings, I occasionally notice that after backing up, the transmission is slow to shift from Reverse to Drive. If I press the gas too quick, the engine revs but the car doesn't move right away. Once driving, the shifting is fine. I am the original owner and this is the orig trans. I had the dealer perform I believe 2 flushes in its lifetime (machine fluid exchange and conditioner). I'm wondering if another trans fluid exchange will help this condition. I am also getting conflicting reports of whether trans fluid changes should be done at all. I had an AAMCO Dealer recently tell me its a waste of money and not recommended by Toyota and its a dealer gimick.

Thank you,

Anthony

Answer
Have you checked the fluid level and condition? On this model Toyota recommends changing the fluid at 60,000 mile intervals, the manual does not say anything about flushing the transmission but this is one thing I have to agree with that the dealers recommend, I would say maybe at around every 100,000 miles.
At this time it's hard to say if a flush or fluid change will help as what you are experiencing could be a sign of the transmission losing internal pressures due to worn clutches or apply piston seals.