Transmission was not shifting well from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to third?

DARIN1771

MEMBER
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
22,600 MILES

For a couple days, my transmission was not shifting well from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to third. RPMs would jump 700 and then it would shift. At higher speeds it shifted smoothly. Then the check engine light went on and the opposite immediately happened. Smooth shifting at lower speeds but won’t shift into 5th gear at all. At 45 mph the RPMs were over 3,000. The mechanic said I needed a new transmission so I had him put one in, but the car still has the exact same problem. This is confusing to me and I’m not sure the mechanic knows what he’s doing. Can you please help?

Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 AT 12:18 PM

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,130 POSTS

I would scan the car for codes first because it sounds like the ECM, or the input shaft speed sensor is not working. Here is a guide to help you get the codes and the location of the sensor in the images below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 AT 8:01 PM

DARIN1771

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Well, it has been a couple weeks and the problem still exist. Here's the update: The transmission has been replaced twice, and both transmissions, along with the original transmission all have the same problem I described above. The Error code that is given from all three transmissions is P0746 which is the pressure control solenoid.
Since the transmission has been replaced twice and I still have the same error/problem, I'm thinking the problem lies elsewhere. But where or what should the mechanic look at next? He told me he tested the solenoid and wire continuity, and it was all okay. I've already spent more money on the car than I paid for it.
Your help is greatly appreciated.

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Thursday, May 4th, 2023 AT 5:07 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,130 POSTS

Here is what is said about the p0746 code:

The P0746 code is related to the operation of the transmission in an automatic transmission-equipped vehicle. Specifically, it indicates that there is a problem with the Pressure Control Solenoid "A" Performance.

So, if the code is still there and the wiring is good, I would replace the ECM. Here are the location and instructions in the images below. You can get a preprogrammed unit by searching Google or Ebay. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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