'98 V6 Transmission "jerking" issue resolved

I have the same problem with my '92. Is replacing the cable a complicated thing to do? Is this a part you get at your local dealer? If you can describe he process it would be greatly appreciated.

I've been told that bad motor mounts can also cause what feels like a jerk. On my car the mounts were fine (~95k miles) but your car maybe different, check those first.

If your fluid has been changed regularly and you're certain the problem is not the mounts or anything else, I'd then look at the kickdown cable.

Do you have the factory repair manual for your car? Where are you located?

The factory manual is pretty much needed if you want to do this yourself. It's not at all any easy procedure.

What I would suggest is making an adjustment on the kickdown cable to see if it's the cause; there is a metal collar under the sleve of the cable which you can slide around to adjust the cable in case it has become stretched.

This isn't exactly my area of expertise, so it's probably best if you consult with a Toyota mechanic who knows HOW to make the adjustment.

After the adjustment is made, if it solves your problem, the cable is probably bad.

To replace the cable, the transmission pan has to be dropped and you have to undo several bolts to remove pipes out of the way. The kickdown cable latches into the valve body (IIRC) so you have to get stuff out of the way to release the cable from the body.

Once the old cable is out, you have to put the new one in, make an adjustment on the metal collar using a crimping tool and then latch the cable into the throttle body sping thing.

The part you can buy from the dealer, but it's not something they usually stock.

If you're comfortable doing this on your own, I can probably e-mail you pictures from the repair manual, but mines for a '98 V6, which may different enough from yours that you'll want yours.

Regards, Jay.

Jay, if you are still around, I need to ask you some questions about the throttle kickdown cable replacement on the trans. I am experiencing a harsh 1-2 upshift, but only at low acceleration. I have tweaked the cable adjustment and it does reduce the harshness, but does not fully solve the problem. I have access to a transmission service manual for my 93 Camry V6 (A540E) and I want to replace the cable.

1. What exactly do you have to remove from the transmission in order to get the cable out? Is it necessary to remove the valve body itself? From the diagrams in my manual, it seems the cable cam is sort of underneath the valve body somewhat. As well, is it necessary to remove the external shift lever and neutral switch from the transmission in order to get to the throttle cable retainer bolt?

1. Did you attempt to replace the cam return spring when you did the cable? I assume you would definitely need to remove the valve body for that?

thanks

dave mcd

Dave,

My mechanic friend actually did the heavy lifting. He was able to get the cable in without removing the valve body, but he did have to remove a lot of other hoses and pipes that were in the way.

When he was finished, he mentioned that there was an easier way to solve the problem, but since I had not looked underneath, it didn't make sense to me.

I can find out more details from him, but it might take several days...

I don't think we replaced the cam return spring.

How soon do you want to do this?

Jay.

Hi Jay,

It's not a big rush, but I'd like to do it before the end of the summer. If you can get more details, I'd appreciate it.

thanks

dave mcd