91 Camry transmission slow to shift

[avman63]

I have a 91 Camry with 297K miles, it runs great except when the outside temperature drops to about 40 or lower. The problem is when it is cold outside the transmission won't shift into overdrive until about a mile down the road. The colder it gets the longer it takes. Once it does shift, it works great. Has anyone ever had this problem and is there a fix for it?

[Mike Gerber]

This is perfectly normal behavior. The electronically controlled transmission is kept out of overdrive until a certain temperature is reached. This helps the car reach normal operating temperature faster and therefore improves overall fuel mileage.

Mike

[avman63]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

This is perfectly normal behavior. The electronically controlled transmission is kept out of overdrive until a certain temperature is reached. This helps the car reach normal operating temperature faster and therefore improves overall fuel mileage.

Mike

Then why does it only do it when the temperature drops below 50 degrees? If it is normal does that mean I have a problem with my xmsn, because it shifts just fine above 60 degrees even when just started.

[JOET/CAMRY]

Originally Posted by avman63

Then why does it only do it when the temperature drops below 50 degrees? If it is normal does that mean I have a problem with my xmsn, because it shifts just fine above 60 degrees even when just started.

The answer that Mike Gerber gave you is 100% correct. In really cold weather the transmission takes alot longer to shift into 4th gear overdrive than it would in hot Summer weather. Thats just the way it is. I own a 1989 Camry with 255,000 miles on it and it transmission does the same thing in the cold winter weather as You're describing.

JOET/CAMRY

[Mike Gerber]

My 94 Camry also does the same thing and I have owned it since new. Talk to other Camry owner's of your generation and ask them and I'm sure they will tell you their's behaves the same way.

Mike

[avman63]

Thanks for the info guys, just wasn't sure it was supposed to do that. I had a guy at work who said the same thing about his 91 Camry just wanted to make sure it wasn't broke. This is a great car.

[jdmccright]

The transmission fluid is warmed up by passing through the radiator...in there is an internal "cooler" to keep the fluid temperature regulated. But during cold days, the PCU will keep the car from upshifting to warm the engine up sooner, warming up the coolant and thus the tranny fluid. This helps prevent wear on the internal seals as they become more brittle in the cold weather. Once they are warmed up, they are more pliable. It also gives you warm cabin air sooner too.

Just take it easy while driving the engine cold and it'll last a long time.

Hope this helps!

[avman63]

Just take it easy while driving the engine cold and it'll last a long time.

:sarcasm1: How long is a long time it already has 297k Miles on it. I plan on keeping it as long as it will last and I can still get parts for it if I need them.

[jdmccright]

:sarcasm1:Should last you at least 298k.