Camry 2000 transmission problem

My 4 cylinder revs extremely high (over 4300 rpms) when it shifts gears. It is an automatic with 190,000 miles. I had a catalytic converter problem which was replaced 3 times and am waiting for the computer to reset for this problem. I think they need to replace the O2 cat sensor, and am mentioning it just in case it is related. I tried shorting the diagnostic E1 and T1 but the OD light didn't blink. This procedure was posted for a different model year camry. It takes a long time to accelerate to 55mph due to this gear shifting problem. Due to an oil leak, they just replaced my valve cover gasket. My oil light comes on if I am at a slow idle sometimes. My main concern as I drive this car to the ground, is the tranny. Thanks, Geoff

 

You could have a sludge problem, that would explain the oil light at idle. Have you had it checked for codes to see if there are any tranny-related? Shift solenoids are known to fail on those, but not prematurely (think one went on my wife's '95 Camry at about 150,000 miles), and you should get a code. Tranny serviced regularly?

If the valve cover gasket doesn't fix you leak, there are other known areas on your engine that can leak with higher mileage.

 

I did not get the tranny checked for codes. I tried shorting the E1 and T1 under the diagnostic service area under the hood to see if any were any codes but I don't think this is how it is done on my model. Or, I did it wrong. My tranny was serviced twice in the 190,000 miles. When I did it last time 50,000 miles ago, it leaked after for about 2 months after. I never changed the filter, just changed the tranny oil at that time. In regards to the oil leak, I also had A service station change the oil pan gasket which did nothing but delete my funds by $200. I changed stations after that. I then did the valve cover gasket, and they cleaned everything which is why I can now see where it is leaking. I did notice oil by a bolt near the belts, up high. The valve cover gasket helped since it does leak less (like it used to). Thanks.

 

You know a Autozone type stores will read your trouble codes with a scanner tool for free? No need to be jumpering pins.

 

I have a code reader for under the dash but I thought the codes for the tranny didn't have a reader, but you short wires and count the blinking Overdrive light. If they will read them at autozone, I will drive there.

 

As far as I know the tranny codes should come up just like engine codes with a scanner.

Other possible oil leak locations: Camshaft seal (the one where the cam exits the head and the pullet is bolted on). Don't know if 2000's still had a distributor, but if so that seal can leak also. Ditto oil pump drive gear shaft seal. Those leaks, especially the cam shaft seals, can be mistaken for pan gasket because the oil trickles down and ends up in the pan flange area before dripping off.

Your tranny probably has a cleanable screen vice a throw-away filter.

 

Another post said it has a transmission control module -http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl911g.htm
I think you are correct on my oil leak. Thanks, Geoff

 

I wouldn't bet on that info being the same; the question deals with a 1987 model, which would be OBD-I. Be sure to post back how it turns out.

 

You were right, tow guy. It didn't work. In the Haynes book I have, it says there is a code for tranny probs that would come up if the check engine light comes on. It isn't lit and when I scanned it the only thing that shows is the cat isn't ready yet. I may have the filter serviced. I am a bit nervous since sometimes this could make it worse. I would rather do this than add the additives. The tranny fluid is brownish but doesn't smell burnt. Thanks.

 

Entirely possible it's simply reached the end of it's life expectancy, although my wife's previous Camry ('95) was still shifting like new at 175,000 miles. What kind of shape is the rest of the car in? Just occurred to me that 190,000 miles on an 8 year old car is a LOT of driving; is there a fair amount of highway mileage in there or is it mostly around town? My instinct is that a filter screen service is probably not going to help.

 

Mostly highway driving. The car shows wear - and needs about $2000 in body work (all small things), oil leak, tranny prob, front drivers seat needs replacement for comfort, probably a new down stream O2 sensor, and the oil light coming on. The air conditioning and CD player work great. I will try (probably unsuccessfully) a new filter then plan on trading it in for a new car. Thanks for all your help.

 

Sounds like it's definitely starting to show its age. Even Toyotas wear out eventually, just not as fast as a lot of other cars.

 

A funeral was held for my camry today. 193,600 miles. I told the tow truck operator that it was original miles and an old lady did not drive it to church on Sunday. He stood firm on his offer. I took the $650. bucks and rented a car. Thanks all for your help. Its last sounds were like a wrench was thrown in the gears which I felt in the transmission gear shifter. Luckily I had less than a 1/2 a tank of gas in it.