Early torque converter issues?

1999 TOYOTA CAMRY
237,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
BRANSTEP653
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Hey all,

My car makes a clunk when going into overdrive and does it really well going 60 MPH, letting off the gas and engaging again.

Other symptoms (maybe unrelated) are a grinding noise at 1800-200 rpm under load, slight vibration at idle, and occasionally the engine RPMs will drop almost to a stall (very rarely stalling). Transmission fluid level is good, no burnt smell, but very dark.

I’ve had the car 2 years and haven’t done anything with the transmission. There are no other symptoms (no CEL), and the car shifts great going into the gears, forward and reverse no problem.

Any thoughts fellas?
Feb 15, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
Yep, I would change out the transmission fluid because even though it does not smell burnt the fluid breaks down and stops working, the way it should. Here is a guide to help you with instructions in the images below on how to do the job for your car and what type of fluid to use.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Fluid Types
A/T Fluid

Type .................... D-II, DEXRON II or DEXRON III
Capacities
Automatic Transaxle Fluid

Drain and Refill .................... up to 2.5 liters (2.6 US qts)

Fluid Type .................... ATF D-II or Dexron-III - Dexron II (r)

Differential Fluid

Capacity .................... 1.6 liters (1.7 US qts.)

Fluid Type .................... ATF D-II or Dexron-III - Dexron II (r)

Total dry fill combined .................... 7.2L (7.6 qts.)

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Feb 15, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
BRANSTEP653
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Thanks for the information, I really appreciate it! Should I start with just the fluid replacement, drive 500-1000 miles, change again, then the third time replace the filter?

Just worried as this car has 237,000 miles and I don’t know if this transmission fluid has ever been replaced.
Feb 15, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Avatar
BRANSTEP653
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Another possibility is the transmission mount. I get the same clunk if I have to stop hard. If I go easy on the gas going into overdrive, there’s no clunk. Will check that first before anything else.
Feb 16, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
Yep, the mount can cause the issue as well, I would still change the fluid and filter to see what happens. The fluid is completely broken down by now if it has never been changed.
Feb 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM