RPM's too high in O/D?

[Bill_H2003]

Hi guys,

On a smooth, level road at 80km/h and with O/D engaged, what RPM should a 99 Camry be running at? Mine seems to be about 18-1900. That seems higher than before and might also suggest why my gas consumption is not so great.

Also, I've noticed that my rpm needle will bounce when I remove my foot from the gas. It drops low, then "bounces" back to a higher rpm. I would think the normal response would be to drop and hold... not bounce. Any comments?

Thank you.

[yotatechie04]

I've had the same thing happening with ours...have no clue why this happens. Possibly a faulty transmission sensor or something. I can explain the "bouncing" tach needle though. This is simply caused by downshifting after you let off the gas, it's completely normal, and should consider yourself lucky that it don't jump way up like ours does.

[Brian R.]

Originally Posted by Bill_H2003

Hi guys,

On a smooth, level road at 80km/h and with O/D engaged, what RPM should a 99 Camry be running at? Mine seems to be about 18-1900. That seems higher than before and might also suggest why my gas consumption is not so great.

Also, I've noticed that my rpm needle will bounce when I remove my foot from the gas. It drops low, then "bounces" back to a higher rpm. I would think the normal response would be to drop and hold... not bounce. Any comments?

Thank you.

Here's what may be happening. At 80 km/hr, you are right at the point where the torque converter lock takes hold. When you take your foot off the gas, you may be seeing the converter lock (dropping your rpm very low) and then, because you've taken your foot off the gas, you hit 72 km/hr which is where the converter unlocks and your rpms climb as a result.

If you want things to be more normal, do this below 70 or above 90 km/hr.

[jmrev]

its that the torque just like ^ said

[Bill_H2003]

Nice to hear that things are normal for a change. Thanks for your replies. Now all I need to do is figure out why my gas consumption is not good.

One quick question on a different topic though... What can happen if you have a partially obstructed exhaust system? How can you determine if this condition exists?

Thanks again.

[trexx85]

i find that if i have over drive off and the power button thingy on (cant remember the tech. term for it) that when i take off my camry will hit round 6k rpm and if i dont let off then it will redline. now i have an older 1993 xle v6 so i figure the car just cannot handle the gas flow needed to go to the engine as its older and probably not 100%. i have leanred to live witht he fact that i must let off the gasfor it to shift into 2nd gear.

and yes if you let off the gas the torque situation will happen.

[jmrev]

Originally Posted by trexx85

i find that if i have over drive off and the power button thingy on (cant remember the tech. term for it) that when i take off my camry will hit round 6k rpm and if i dont let off then it will redline. now i have an older 1993 xle v6 so i figure the car just cannot handle the gas flow needed to go to the engine as its older and probably not 100%. i have leanred to live witht he fact that i must let off the gasfor it to shift into 2nd gear.

and yes if you let off the gas the torque situation will happen.

speaking of that; the button is the ect; with the ect+o/d off than you will get into red line (if automatic trans) if you dont want to get into redline then start from L then shift to 2 and then go to D. thats my opinion.

[Brian R.]

You're welcome

[trexx85]

Originally Posted by jmrev

speaking of that; the button is the ect; with the ect+o/d off than you will get into red line (if automatic trans) if you dont want to get into redline then start from L then shift to 2 and then go to D. thats my opinion.

thats what i do and i dont think it hurts the tranny at al otherwise i would have problems right now as i tend to do this sorta thing quite often.

[Bill_H2003]

Originally Posted by trexx85

i find that if i have over drive off and the power button thingy on (cant remember the tech. term for it) that when i take off my camry will hit round 6k rpm and if i dont let off then it will redline. now i have an older 1993 xle v6 so i figure the car just cannot handle the gas flow needed to go to the engine as its older and probably not 100%. i have leanred to live witht he fact that i must let off the gasfor it to shift into 2nd gear.

and yes if you let off the gas the torque situation will happen.

The "ect" or electronically controlled transmission button does not exist on my 99 camry. I was told that the electronic control is now standard and there is no need to shut off this feature. The only reason I know this is from asking Toyota when my brother-in-law bought his 93 and didn't know what the "ect" button controlled. They told me that using the "ect" button will cause a slightly delayed and smoother shift. In the off position the transmission has a quicker and harder shift for a sporty feel.

[Bill_H2003]

One quick follow up question... What can happen if you have a partially obstructed exhaust system?

How can you determine if this condition exists and would it cause my rpm's to run higher than normal?

Thanks.

[trexx85]

i think you have it backwards, the ect button causes a sportier shift if you were to be driving like a stick and let the rpms go very high and shiftr to get the max power out of it.

when i have the feature enabled it gives me more lowend torque and high end power. still i find it pretty nice to know that bonestock 200 hp the v6 powerplant feels more like its pushing 230-240ish the way it drives. then again i have the xle, best you ca nget so i dunno others might not have such a smooth ride.

[Bill_H2003]

Originally Posted by trexx85

i think you have it backwards, the ect button causes a sportier shift if you were to be driving like a stick and let the rpms go very high and shiftr to get the max power out of it.

when i have the feature enabled it gives me more lowend torque and high end power. still i find it pretty nice to know that bonestock 200 hp the v6 powerplant feels more like its pushing 230-240ish the way it drives. then again i have the xle, best you ca nget so i dunno others might not have such a smooth ride.

You could very well be correct, although that is what the mechanic at my local dealership told me. My 99 camry does not have the "ect" button so I'm not speaking from actual driving experience. Thanks for the correction.

[trexx85]

actually i have some proof to it, i talked to a lexus/toyota tech guy over at the local community college auto program when i went to visit it a few months back.

he basically told me what i told you. it enables sportier driving iirc.