2004 SLE-V6 Automatic Transmission Issue
I've been reading the forums for about 4 year now, but now have a question of my own. Thanks for all the great info.
I took my Certified Used 2004 Solara SLE-V6 to the dealer to get some service before my car turns 100,000 miles (its at 99,988) So I'm getting the timing belt replaced and moonroof lubricated for the dreaded shuddering noise and improper seal. I also mentioned to the dealer that my tranny seemed to "stick" in gear for a while when it was colder out. I only noticed the past week or two.
So, long story short, they did a diagnostic. The tech couldn't reproduce the tranny gear "sticking" but said the tranny fluid smelled bad. I don't think I've ever replaced the tranny fluid, but last time I checked, prob 6 months ago, and the fluid seemed to look ok, but didn't bother smelling it. There's nothing I could find in the maint schedule that says to replace the tranny fluid, just inspect it.
So, I tell them I have a Certified Used car, so the powertrain warranty goes to 100,000 miles. They call Toyota, and now the car will be kept over the weekend and Monday morning they'll test the tranny to see if it "sticks" in gear on cold startup. If it does, they'll test the fluid pressure, and then take the bottom off to see if there is excess metal.
They originally told me before they knew I had a Cert Used car, that they were hesitant to change the fluid now, cause that could cause more problems with the tranny.
So, anyone have any experience with tranny issues like this on Gen 2 Solara V6 Auto? Even if they can't reproduce the issue, should I encourage them to test the fluid pressure and look at the pan anyway?
Since I'm right at the end of the warranty, if there is a problem, I really want Toyota to spring for it, and not have the problem show up in 20K miles when I'm on the hook.
I've read through the posts, but no one ever mentioned a bad smell to the fluid.
I took my Certified Used 2004 Solara SLE-V6 to the dealer to get some service before my car turns 100,000 miles (its at 99,988) So I'm getting the timing belt replaced and moonroof lubricated for the dreaded shuddering noise and improper seal. I also mentioned to the dealer that my tranny seemed to "stick" in gear for a while when it was colder out. I only noticed the past week or two.
So, long story short, they did a diagnostic. The tech couldn't reproduce the tranny gear "sticking" but said the tranny fluid smelled bad. I don't think I've ever replaced the tranny fluid, but last time I checked, prob 6 months ago, and the fluid seemed to look ok, but didn't bother smelling it. There's nothing I could find in the maint schedule that says to replace the tranny fluid, just inspect it.
So, I tell them I have a Certified Used car, so the powertrain warranty goes to 100,000 miles. They call Toyota, and now the car will be kept over the weekend and Monday morning they'll test the tranny to see if it "sticks" in gear on cold startup. If it does, they'll test the fluid pressure, and then take the bottom off to see if there is excess metal.
They originally told me before they knew I had a Cert Used car, that they were hesitant to change the fluid now, cause that could cause more problems with the tranny.
So, anyone have any experience with tranny issues like this on Gen 2 Solara V6 Auto? Even if they can't reproduce the issue, should I encourage them to test the fluid pressure and look at the pan anyway?
Since I'm right at the end of the warranty, if there is a problem, I really want Toyota to spring for it, and not have the problem show up in 20K miles when I'm on the hook.
I've read through the posts, but no one ever mentioned a bad smell to the fluid.
- sidorg
- Just Licensed SolaraGuy
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2005 8:15 pm
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA