Solution for slipping transmission

[dylanborns]

We have a '92 camry with an auto transmission thats at 199,000 miles. Last winter, I noticed on really cold mornings, the trans would slip, and the car would be slow to react until it warmed up. When the weather was warmer, it wouldn't do it at all and would drive normal. This winter, the issue was more prevalent, to the point of really slipping at stoplights, then forcefully kicking in. We've had some warm weather lately and its still happening.
With the miles it has on it, and the value of the car, I'd rather not put a huge amount of money into a trans. change or rebuild. I asked a mechanic about flushing the trans on one of our other vehicles, and he said not to do it if its never been done before. He said it could actually do more harm then good. I don't know that its ever been flushed so I don't want to take the chance.
The car gets limited use, and we don't put many miles on it per year, so I'm looking for another solution. I've seen the transmission additives that reduce or fix slipping, but I've never used them on a vehicle, so my question is can anyone give me some suggestions on a good additive.
Thanks

[jdmccright]

You don't mention the last time the transmission fluid was changed, but 30k miles is about the interval for this car. If the fluid is old or has alot of miles it may be due for a change. Give the fluid a look and see if it is colorless or brown and has a burned smell. New fluid is clear and red. You also don't mention the fluid level, low level can cause erratic operation and accelerated aging of the fluid.

I agree with the shop guy, don't do a flush if it has never been done. Just do a drain and fill with a filter change. If the fluid has been neglected then after the first change drive a few hundred miles, then drain/fill it again...repeat a third time to replace all of the fluid.

The transmission fluid is heated/cooled via a heat exchanger inside the radiator. Some hesitation in shifting during cold weather is normal when the engine is cold, and it won't upshift to 4th/OD until the engine coolant temp starts to rise. This is done intentionally to help warm up the fluids to operating temperature. This is normal and will be less noticeable as it gets warmer.

[dylanborns]

Ok, thanks. I'll take a look at the color this weekend. I checked the level which was fine, but didn't know about the color. I know it hasn't been changed since I bought the car years ago, so its probably worth just doing it. I'll take a look through my chiltons manual to see how to do it. Thanks for the info.

[biggflintmi]

Originally Posted by dylanborns

Ok, thanks. I'll take a look at the color this weekend. I checked the level which was fine, but didn't know about the color. I know it hasn't been changed since I bought the car years ago, so its probably worth just doing it. I'll take a look through my chiltons manual to see how to do it. Thanks for the info.

Its easy just jack it up like your doing an oil change and remove the transmission pan. The filter will be right there and you can look at your new one to see what it looks like. Replace the filter and clean the gasket area of any fluid and dirt. I like to clean the whole pan along with the magnets. Put on your gasket and your pan and all you need to do is fill it with new fluid and check your level. Hope that helps.

[Mike Gerber]

The transmission pan should also have a 10MM allen head drain plug to make draining the pan easier and cleaner to do.

Mike