I've seen passing mention of this product, and I'm considering using
it. The reason is that we nought a '95 Camry four wagon last Fall that
was somewhat neglected: it appears that the transmission flush it got
last year was the only fluid change in almost 50k miles and many years.
We had one drain & fill done last Winter, but the transmission still
hesitates before going into gear when cold - especially into reverse. It
is also reluctant to upshift into fourth when accelerating, unless we
back off the throttle slightly. In about 75% of driving situations the
cars acts fine - it's the other 25% I'm worried about, along with the
life expectancy of this transmission. The car has 109k miles on it, is
in very good shape otherwise, and seems to have plenty of line pressure
and friction material left, going by the strong upshifts. I'd like to
solve the problem, and I'm hoping the Lucas product can help. What are
the risks, and how likely is it to help these symptoms...?

NickySantoro wrote:
That was already done once, with little or no improvement. We're
going to have it done again, but I suspect that more will be needed to
fix the problem.

mjc13<NOSPAM> wrote:
Lucas won't harm anything.
I use it as preventative maintenance. Started by adding one bottle.
Now since I change the fluid frequently, have scaled back to 8 oz.
each time.
Does sound like solenoids are sticking slightly.
Might guess from varnish or deposits.
ATF is high in detergents. Continue drain and fill to cleanse fluid.
If you can let it drain hot and stand over night you'll get almost a
quart more out. Total capacity is just under six (5.9) quarts, so some
remains in the torque converter when draining.
Over night drain will remove close to 3.5 quarts.
No promises, but I think you may experience an improvement with the
Lucas transmission fix.

Daniel wrote:

Thanks for the reply. I hope you're right.

mjc13<NOSPAM>
Shifting is controlled by the solenoids regulated by the ECM. Could
also be poor wiring connection outside the case.
Try clean and reconnect.
Also be sure to get the fluid level right. Car must be driven at least
ten (10) miles according to Toyota for the transmission to reach
operating temperature. No prolonged high speed or stop and go with A/C
on prior to checking.
Once you get the level right, is a good idea to measure the amount
drained. Makes it far easier to replace just the correct quantity.

Daniel wrote:
My health forces me to have a local dealer do the work. We drive the
car under pretty good conditions: either a long highway commute with a 2
minute warmup first, or a local trip of about 5 miles with a long
straight stretch. We're babying the transmission in the hope that we can
get rid of that hesitation.

Delayed shifts across gears sound like a line pressure problem. It may
be due to varnish causing sticking pistons and valves etc as others
mentioned. Another source of low line pressure can simply be a plugged
strainer.

The strainer in its casing is impossible to clean with compressed air.
I just replaced one with 24K miles of fine metal particles lodged in
it with a $20 Fram ATF kit that included a cork-rubber gasket that
helped to hold the bolts in place.

Yeah, maybe a more frequent ATF drain and refill schedule for a while.

johngdole (AT) hotmail (DOT) com wrote:
When it does shift it does so decisively, so I don't think it's line
pressure...



The dealer supposedly replaced the strainer with the first drain &
fill, but I'll try to make *sure* they do it with the second one. Thanks.

....

johngdole (AT) hotmail (DOT) com wrote:
Were the permanent magnets in the bottom of the pan still in place?
That's where metal particles are supposed to be trapped.
Maybe I'm wrong, but wasn't aware of non ferrous metal in the
transmission.

On May 7, 2:09 am, "mjc13<NOSPAM>" <"mjc13<NOSPAM>"@verizon.net>
wrote:

You might try a different mechanic this time. Cheaper, too. At least
in my neck of the woods, the dealer mechanics aren't so great. And
they charge US$80+/hr.

Michael