Hi everyone, recently noticed my auto trans seems to be acting up, taking long before it shifts gears. Usually it changes gears at just above 2000rpm, but since the past month or so its delayed and seems to be shifting oddly. I change the transmission fluid regularly, I changed it for the 2nd time in Summer just past. I also had the spark plugs changed, along with suspension parts, new intake gasket and new auxiliary belt. Does anyone have a Corolla from these years? If so, I am looking for advice, if you have used any kind of additive to the T-IV fluid like lubeguard with positive results or if there is a better fluid I could use safely without making things worse? Also.. wondering if it would be worth changing out the transmission filter, I know the dealer only does drain and fills, as I do myself. I am at 125k miles currently and have done 2 drain and fills. I don't know if this is related but the car also feels weaker than usual.. but no Check engine lights/codes. Anyone have recommendations of easy/cheap things I can test or check on? Appreciate your advice! Thx
Corolla 03-07 Transmission issues?
- Thread starter Rolla07
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The A/T in the 9th generation Corolla has been very reliable.
My b-i-l has a 2004 with over 240K that has had 2 (or possibly 3) fluid changes and still shifts great.
I have a 2008 that had a fluid change when I purchased it at 17K and again at 45K (when I installed a Magnafine filter). I used T-IV both times with LG Red and she shifts great at 77K.
My b-I-l's currently has Castrol IMV and shifts great too.
Unless your filter is partially blocked, I wouldn't be surprised if this is not transmission related.
My b-i-l has a 2004 with over 240K that has had 2 (or possibly 3) fluid changes and still shifts great.
I have a 2008 that had a fluid change when I purchased it at 17K and again at 45K (when I installed a Magnafine filter). I used T-IV both times with LG Red and she shifts great at 77K.
My b-I-l's currently has Castrol IMV and shifts great too.
Unless your filter is partially blocked, I wouldn't be surprised if this is not transmission related.
Does it do it once warmed up?
Originally Posted By: hypervish
Does it do it once warmed up?
Yes it still does it once warm, maybe a tad less bad though. I am using the Toyota T-IV. I wonder if there is something more stout (like a synthetic fluid that flows better at lower temp). It only started happening this year.. last year I didn't have this issue.
Does it do it once warmed up?
Yes it still does it once warm, maybe a tad less bad though. I am using the Toyota T-IV. I wonder if there is something more stout (like a synthetic fluid that flows better at lower temp). It only started happening this year.. last year I didn't have this issue.
I use Valvoline Max Life for the 2004 Corolla. Done 2 drain and fills with the 1st change being pan off and filter. It has 245000km on the car.
Had for about 3 years and no problems. I don't add additives to the transmission.
Had for about 3 years and no problems. I don't add additives to the transmission.
Originally Posted By: cjcride
I use Valvoline Max Life for the 2004 Corolla. Done 2 drain and fills with the 1st change being pan off and filter. It has 245000km on the car.
Had for about 3 years and no problems. I don't add additives to the transmission.
You changed the filter also?
I use Valvoline Max Life for the 2004 Corolla. Done 2 drain and fills with the 1st change being pan off and filter. It has 245000km on the car.
Had for about 3 years and no problems. I don't add additives to the transmission.
You changed the filter also?
Yes it was easy. Metal screen with no debris on it.
You might have a slightly low fluid level.
Do not overfill though.
You might have a slightly low fluid level.
Do not overfill though.
This thread should do better in the ATF, Diff, Trans, Brakes & P/S forum.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: kozanoglu
Did you put the required ngk or Denso?
I used Redline D4 for an older Corolla for 100k with no problems, it improved mpg also.
Yep, installed the correct NGK Iridium's.
Did you put the required ngk or Denso?
I used Redline D4 for an older Corolla for 100k with no problems, it improved mpg also.
Yep, installed the correct NGK Iridium's.
Originally Posted By: cjcride
Yes it was easy. Metal screen with no debris on it.
You might have a slightly low fluid level.
Do not overfill though.
I will definitely consider replacing the filter/screen in Spring. Fluid level is fine, checked it a few days ago. I was advised to fill with 3 quarts of new fluid by friend at Toyota dealer, thus that's what I did.
Yes it was easy. Metal screen with no debris on it.
You might have a slightly low fluid level.
Do not overfill though.
I will definitely consider replacing the filter/screen in Spring. Fluid level is fine, checked it a few days ago. I was advised to fill with 3 quarts of new fluid by friend at Toyota dealer, thus that's what I did.
Originally Posted By: Rolla07
Originally Posted By: kozanoglu
Did you put the required ngk or Denso?
I used Redline D4 for an older Corolla for 100k with no problems, it improved mpg also.
Yep, installed the correct NGK Iridium's.
Can it be just the cold weather? You know some Toyotas are made to shift later and at higher rpms till it reaches operating temperature. Extremely cold weather might be causing shift quality issues.
When you compare it to a previous time with very similar conditions how does it fare?
There might not be any mil lit up but if you have a code reader I would check for stored codes.
Even a fouled spark plug can lead to loss of power. Hope it is nothing serious.
Originally Posted By: kozanoglu
Did you put the required ngk or Denso?
I used Redline D4 for an older Corolla for 100k with no problems, it improved mpg also.
Yep, installed the correct NGK Iridium's.
Can it be just the cold weather? You know some Toyotas are made to shift later and at higher rpms till it reaches operating temperature. Extremely cold weather might be causing shift quality issues.
When you compare it to a previous time with very similar conditions how does it fare?
There might not be any mil lit up but if you have a code reader I would check for stored codes.
Even a fouled spark plug can lead to loss of power. Hope it is nothing serious.
Originally Posted By: kozanoglu
Originally Posted By: Rolla07
Originally Posted By: kozanoglu
Did you put the required ngk or Denso?
I used Redline D4 for an older Corolla for 100k with no problems, it improved mpg also.
Yep, installed the correct NGK Iridium's.
Can it be just the cold weather? You know some Toyotas are made to shift later and at higher rpms till it reaches operating temperature. Extremely cold weather might be causing shift quality issues.
When you compare it to a previous time with very similar conditions how does it fare?
There might not be any mil lit up but if you have a code reader I would check for stored codes.
Even a fouled spark plug can lead to loss of power. Hope it is nothing serious.
Thanks, I will definitely scan for codes to see.
Originally Posted By: Rolla07
Originally Posted By: kozanoglu
Did you put the required ngk or Denso?
I used Redline D4 for an older Corolla for 100k with no problems, it improved mpg also.
Yep, installed the correct NGK Iridium's.
Can it be just the cold weather? You know some Toyotas are made to shift later and at higher rpms till it reaches operating temperature. Extremely cold weather might be causing shift quality issues.
When you compare it to a previous time with very similar conditions how does it fare?
There might not be any mil lit up but if you have a code reader I would check for stored codes.
Even a fouled spark plug can lead to loss of power. Hope it is nothing serious.
Thanks, I will definitely scan for codes to see.
I would change the filter yes. Also check the fluid level.
Check for codes. Transmission issues won't necessarily light the light, but will store a code. Check the TPS.
Check for codes. Transmission issues won't necessarily light the light, but will store a code. Check the TPS.
Originally Posted By: Rolla07
Originally Posted By: cjcride
Yes it was easy. Metal screen with no debris on it.
You might have a slightly low fluid level.
Do not overfill though.
I will definitely consider replacing the filter/screen in Spring. Fluid level is fine, checked it a few days ago. I was advised to fill with 3 quarts of new fluid by friend at Toyota dealer, thus that's what I did.
Mine took closer to 4 quarts...I would re-check the level....
Originally Posted By: cjcride
Yes it was easy. Metal screen with no debris on it.
You might have a slightly low fluid level.
Do not overfill though.
I will definitely consider replacing the filter/screen in Spring. Fluid level is fine, checked it a few days ago. I was advised to fill with 3 quarts of new fluid by friend at Toyota dealer, thus that's what I did.
Mine took closer to 4 quarts...I would re-check the level....
Originally Posted By: pbm
Originally Posted By: Rolla07
Originally Posted By: cjcride
Yes it was easy. Metal screen with no debris on it.
You might have a slightly low fluid level.
Do not overfill though.
I will definitely consider replacing the filter/screen in Spring. Fluid level is fine, checked it a few days ago. I was advised to fill with 3 quarts of new fluid by friend at Toyota dealer, thus that's what I did.
Mine took closer to 4 quarts...I would re-check the level....
Its a tad above full when hot
Originally Posted By: Rolla07
Originally Posted By: cjcride
Yes it was easy. Metal screen with no debris on it.
You might have a slightly low fluid level.
Do not overfill though.
I will definitely consider replacing the filter/screen in Spring. Fluid level is fine, checked it a few days ago. I was advised to fill with 3 quarts of new fluid by friend at Toyota dealer, thus that's what I did.
Mine took closer to 4 quarts...I would re-check the level....
Its a tad above full when hot
Could be a faulty coolant temp sensor. As mentioned already, some transmissions will have different shift point and TC lockup programmed in for gold temps.
How exactly are you checking the transmission fluid?
At operating temperature, going through all the gears starting from park going down then back up to park, 1 by 1? If it reads full while the car is on after those steps, then try a different fluid Toyota type IV is nothing special.
My experience in ATF = Amsoil > Castrol Import > Maxlife > ST Dexron IV > Toyota type IV
At operating temperature, going through all the gears starting from park going down then back up to park, 1 by 1? If it reads full while the car is on after those steps, then try a different fluid Toyota type IV is nothing special.
My experience in ATF = Amsoil > Castrol Import > Maxlife > ST Dexron IV > Toyota type IV
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