Transmission not shifting into fourth gear?

Tiny
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  • 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 342,135 MILES
The vehicle will not shift into fourth gear sometimes especially when the vehicle is driven for some time. I scanned the vehicle but there was no code on its memory. The transmission fluid is at the normal level, I have replaced the solenoids but still experiencing the same thing.
What could be the problem?
Friday, November 26th, 2021 AT 4:00 PM

18 Replies

Tiny
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Hi,

When this happens, do you notice any shifting problems in other gears? When you scanned for codes, did you have a scan tool that can read transmission codes? Did you closely inspect the wiring harness in the transmission for the solenoids for possible internal damage (partially broken under the insulator)?

Let me know. Also, let me know if pic 1 below shows the solenoids you replaced.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, November 26th, 2021 AT 11:12 PM
Tiny
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The two solenoids I have replaced.
There is no shifting problem with other gears. The scan tool can scan transmission.
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Saturday, November 27th, 2021 AT 3:02 AM
Tiny
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I need help but don't know how to go about it, most of job in the workshop is on the automatic transmission. I don't know where to get hydraulic test, transmission application chat for clutches, the solenoid chat and the road test scheduled for vehicle to shift into gears. They are needed to properly diagnose electronic control automatic transmission. I need to take this guys serious.
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Saturday, November 27th, 2021 AT 4:25 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

Pics 1 and 2 provide the directions for testing transmission line pressure. The remaining pics discuss how to check during a test drive. It indicates in several places to verify via the automatic shift schedule, but they don't list one. I tried both Alldata and Prodemand and no luck. I checked for a PDF, no luck. Googled searched it and can't find it.

I'm not sure how they expect you to test when the specifications are not provided or available.

I wish I had more. I do want to point out that in pic 5 it indicates a possible cause for a no 3-4 upshift. Also, when you replaced the solenoids, did you check/inspect the shift valve? Was there any evidence of dirt in the valve body?

Let me know. I'm trying, my friend. The needed information must be top secret.

Joe
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Saturday, November 27th, 2021 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
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Good morning sir, thank you very much.
I am searching for a way to make work easy.
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Saturday, November 27th, 2021 AT 11:04 PM
Tiny
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Where is the O/D main switch?
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Saturday, November 27th, 2021 AT 11:06 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

The main switch is usually located below the shift lever release. See pic below.

Joe
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Saturday, November 27th, 2021 AT 11:47 PM
Tiny
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Thank you.
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Sunday, November 28th, 2021 AT 4:40 PM
Tiny
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How can it be tested?
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Sunday, November 28th, 2021 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
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Unplug it and check for continuity when turned on and no continuity when off. The connector should be near the base of the shifter.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, November 28th, 2021 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
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Okay sir.
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Sunday, November 28th, 2021 AT 10:44 PM
Tiny
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Thank you very much, now working perfectly.
While driving the vehicle, the timing belt gets cut. Replacing the timing belt fixed it, but there has never be a the engine.
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Tuesday, November 30th, 2021 AT 2:31 AM
Tiny
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Glad to hear you got it fixed, and thanks for the update. As always, feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, November 30th, 2021 AT 3:44 PM
Tiny
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Thank you, sir.
Sir, can pressure test be carried out on every automatic transmission?
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

To the best of my knowledge, yes. They will likely require different techniques, but they all have a specified pressure requirement.

Joe
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
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Thank you very much.
The transmission application chat still on mind.
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Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 AT 10:02 PM
Tiny
PHILLIP NGUYEN
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Hello! My Toyota Estima 2002 automatic has the same problem:

The vehicle will not shift into fourth gear sometimes especially when the vehicle is driven for some time.

When I start the car in the morning to drive, it’s OK to shift to gears 1-2-3-4. When it’s in gear 4th, if I just keep driving (>80km/h) then it’s still there, meanwhile I try O/D button => when I press O/D OFF I can feel the vibration a bit then RPM goes up (to 4000 at 100kpm), when O/D is on the car goes back to 4th gear normally (even try many times).

But when the car slowdown (down to 10-20km/h) then go up again, it will never get back to 4th gear, but bht only 3th gear (then the switching O/D button can just turn on/off the O/D light without any change of driving the car...). I also try to stop the car, turn off, then turn on the car again, then gears can just move from 1 -> 2 -> 3.

I am trying all the instructions mentioned above to see if any of them works on my car.
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Monday, February 13th, 2023 AT 9:31 PM
Tiny
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Hi Phillip,

I have to tell you, the Estima isn't offered in the US, but we will try our best to help. However, I need to ask a favor. I need you to start a new post. We try to keep these specific to one type of vehicle and problem. We do this so they are more helpful to others. I hope you understand.

Just copy and paste your post from above to a new thread.

Here is the link to start the new post:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Again, I hope you understand.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 AT 4:19 PM

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