Toyota transmission (green light, auto, best, exhaust)

[Fletchman]

I own a 1992 Toyota Camry. It's been a great car with only a few problems since I've owned it, but it's aging and has almost 217,000 miles.

Recently, the Check Engine light came on. Then I noticed that it has not been shifting as smoothly as it used to. Then I checked the transmission fluid. It is brown and has a burnt smell to it.

I looked up information and found that the transmission may be going bad. So, today I took it to a transmission place. This is the same shop that rebuilt the transmission for the previous owner in 2003, so I trust their work.

Anyway, they told me it's "normal" for a Toyota to have brown transmission fluid and that the transmission is still "good". They told me that only if the shifting gets worse should I bring it back in. I should note that the mechanic did drive it around. He said that the "Check Engine" light was on probably because of a broken oxygen sensor and that it was not the transmission. He said the tranny fluid was still "clean".

Anyone had any experience with Toyota transmissions??? Frankly, I am confused because it seems like everything indicates a transmission problem, but the transmission place says no. I am thinking about getting a second opinion from another shop.

[cdelena]

Having the transmission fluid and filter changed on a periodic basis is important. Some vehicles that have marginal configurations and are used in severe duty can use the service every 40,000 miles while others may go 100,000 without a problem. I would say your car is overdue.

The check engine light is a separate issue and the only way to know what action to take is have the code read... many auto supply stores will to that for free.

[Fletchman]

I'm just really confused that a place that does nothing but transmissions gave me a green light. The mechanic seemed very competent and, like I said, this is the same shop that rebuilt the transmission for the previous owner in 2003 and hasn't had any problems. In fact, this mechanic was more concerned about a rattle I've had in the front left wheelwell area.

In a way, I am relieved. But, at the same time, I want to make sure the transmission won't die on me. I am looking at purchasing a newer car next year but I want to make sure this car is OK for the next six to nine months.

I've pretty much decided I will take it to another shop and see what they say.

[texdav]

If as you say the tranmission fluid has a burnt smell that is a indication that it has overheated.If it is not shifting right I would have it checked by another mechanic especailly if the one that did the job gave a warranty. The check engine like can be a bad sensor or alot of other thigns effecting exhaust gases.

[M3 Mitch]

OK, I think this is the A140E transmission, I have one of them in my 87 Camry. This transmission is fairly sensitive to over-filling so don't do the "mechanic in a can" thing.

I had one fail and it's more practical to put in a junkyard used transmission than to rebuild the one you have.

The fluid in mine stays pink for a long time, I'm really surprised the shop you went to didn't at least propose to change the fluid.

The extra firm shifting may be just that you inadvertently engaged "performance" mode on the dual mode transmission.

Offhand I'd suggest changing the fluid, although, there are anecdotes of failing transmissions starting to slip worse with new fluid.

The CEL is completely different, I'm thinking on a 92 you still have the system where you can put a jumper wire in the diagnostic plug under the hood and get the code yourself. In any case most chain auto parts stores will read the code for you.

What part of the country are you in? If this is a rust-free car, it could be well worth fixing, if you are in the Rust Belt, probably not.

[trlhiker]

I would say to get the tranny flushed and see how it runs after that. Don't do a drain and fill, get it flushed. Toyota tranny fluid is not brown and it should never be brown.

[Fletchman]

I live in Ohio. Don't want to be stuck with any major repairs while I am attempting to save up to purchase a newer vehicle.

Yeah, the transmission place told me it is "completely normal" for a Toyota to have brown transmission fluid. They did not recommend any fluid change or a new filter. In fact, they said the current fluid was "still clean".

It has not been shifting "extra" hard, but hard enough for me to get worried. The mechanic said he noticed it has a "slightly harder than normal shift" but that the transmission was "still good".

I will, however, take it to a different transmission place and see what they say.

[M3 Mitch]

If you are talking about the rather firm shift from first into second, I think they all do that.

You could consider the flush or just a drain and refill, but there are anecdotes out there about changing the fluid in a failing tranny and this "finishing it off". Makes no sense to me, but the tales are out there.

Do make certain your fluid level is correct, check it fully warmed up, engine running with transola in Park, just make sure it's between the 2 notches. It does not necessarily need to be right up to max. full. If it's over full, the plug has a neat feature that if you loosen it about one turn, you get a slow drain (there is a channel cut into the threads) which should allow you to carefully drain say 1 cup full of fluid at a time, to get it to the right level.

I have to agree with other posters that my Toyota fluid is not brown, the few others I have seen were not brown, and I don't agree with your shop that brown, burnt-smelling fluid is normal.

Since you are in rust country, this car is probably nearing the end of it's useful life, you may want to just minimize miles, drive gently and hope for the best.

[ryanek9freak]

I have noticed that on ORIGINAL FILL toyota trans fluid, that it tends to turn brown rather prematurley, even though it isn't at the required service interval.

I worked at a Toyota dealership for 5 years. Your mechanic is partly telling the truth. I've only seen that on original fluid though. You said it's been rebuilt before, so obviously it isn't the original fluid.

I'd have it flushed just be safe.

[hutchinsonp]

where is the transmission at on a echo to check oil