Transmission Question

[brielly]

I just bought a 94 camry 2.2 auto w/ 114000 miles. I noticed the other day that it doesn't like to shift into fourth gear unless I let up on the gas pedal just a bit. This happens when fully warmd up, ect off and O/D on. Does this indicate a major tranny problem or is there just an adjustment that can be made?

[don24mac]

First, I would assume you've checked the transmission fluid to be sure it's clean and at the proper level.

It may not be a transmission problem at all. It could be your engine if it's not putting out as much power as it should. For it to shift into overdrive, the transmission needs the engine to be at the proper RPM, with the proper vacuum, throttle position, etc.

Before you make any adjustments to your transmission, make sure your engine is running as well as it can be. Spark plugs, air filter, PCV valve, etc.

[Strider327]

I agree, check the engine first before anything.

[Bossman]

Change the trans fluid and clean the screen and see what effect that has on shifting. When I owned my 92 4-cyl auto trans Camry, they recommended that I have this trans service done every 15,000 miles. I did and I never had a problem. At only $29.95 or so, you can't go wrong.

[brielly]

Te fluid looked clean and was at the proper level. I'll be tuning it up this weekend although it seems to run good and has decent power. I'll be looking into a tranny flush soon as well. The other gears shift very smoothly. Around what rpm should it shift into 4th during normal acceleration?

[Brian R.]

Might be a bad thermostat. Engine temperature controls the shift points.

[brielly]

I finally got the car to where i could accelerate from 0-70 and it did shift ito fourth by itself. The shift seemed a bit late to me- 65 mph and 4000 rpm. Does this sound right or should it shift into 4th sooner? I still have to let off the gas to get it to shift at lower speeds/rpm's while driving in slower traffic. I'm just so used to stick shifts that 'm not sure of what is normal for an automatic.

[amerikim]

Your 4th gear is more an overdrive gear than a 4th in traditional sense. Its called into play when you are in steady state cruise or after you have exceeded a certain rpm in third. It doesn't shift into fourth so easily at low speeds. Your car is fine.