91 Toyota Camry won't run faster than 20mph, it won't shift to second gear

1991 TOYOTA CAMRY

220,000 MILES

JTCM1112

MEMBER
3 POSTS

This problem once happened 3 months ago, then 2 weeks ago, then today. Today's temperature is about 40. 91 Toyota Camry won't run faster than 20mph, it won't shift to second gear. I used to hear sound of some liquid flowing when the engine was started, but it's no longer heared. What could be the cause? This problem used to just go away by kept driving a while, but this time it doesn't even after continuous 20 min. driving. My mechanic said fuel filter seemed fine 3 months ago. If this was a transmission, is this repairable or a new transmission is needed? Roughly how much?

Jan 9, 2012 at 1:18 PM

RASMATAZ

✓Experienced Mechanic
75,988 POSTS

If its an automatic transmission -check and test the vehicle speed and throttle position sensors-also the mass airflow, also check exhaust system for restriction

Jan 9, 2012 at 1:32 PM

JTCM1112

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you so much for your quick reply!! I'm trying to research what exactly those vocabularies mean and so far I'm understanding I should ask a shop to do those checks,,,( I'm just a car user..) I'm hoping and willing to do my best to save this 91Camry from being sent to a junk yard..The original engine is still working like a "young" car!
By the way, if your recommending checks come out ok, should this problem be treated by a transmission shop? Since 3 months ago, I used fuel cleaners and gas treatment almost at every fill up. Could that cause fuel filler clog? Thank you so much !!

Jan 9, 2012 at 3:48 PM

RASMATAZ