Questions and Answers

Shifty Toyota Camry Q. Question 1: took my 1992 Toyota Camry in for an oil change about a month ago and while there had the transmission and differential fluid changed as well. Since that time I have been experiencing problems getting my car to upshift from third to fourth. It shifts fine up to third, but then it will often stick there, even at high speeds and RPMs of 3,000 to 4,000 without shifting into fourth.

I've tried accelerating harder and backing off, but it doesn't solve the problem. In addition to this issue, while driving on the highway the car will frequently shift from fourth back down to third unexpectedly. I took the car back to the service station and had the technicians look at it and they test drove the car several times, once while I was present; but were unable to get the situation to duplicate. I guess that's just Murphy's law, because it happens for me every day. I don't know what else to do and would appreciate any advice.

Question 2 (related):
My car has a button on the gearshift for overdrive, as well as a separate button at the base to toggle the ECT on and off. Could you please explain the functions of these buttons and if they are relevant at all to the problems I am experiencing. I usually drive with the overdrive button on since I frequently drive on the highway, but the ECT power is toggled off. Thanks for your help!

• 1992 Toyota Camry LE
• 2.2 liter 4 cylinder
• Automatic transmission
• 116,800 miles
• Fuel Injected
• P/S and cruise control

Sincerely,
Aileen

A. The problem with shifting from third to fourth (OD) may be a sticking my be a sticking OD shift solenoid. Perhaps when they changed the fluid some dirt got into it and is causing it to stick.

Another possibility is that a connector was inadvertently disconnected or they just forgot to plug it back in. I would also have them check the ground wires as well. Sometimes they get disturbed when the transmission is serviced.

I really don't think this is a problem with the transmission, just an electrical problem.

But if you turn the Electrically Controlled Transmission (ECT) switch ON, that may cure all your problems.

If all this fails, then you will need to go to the Toyota Dealer and let them scan the ECT ECU for codes and test the whole transmission electrical system.