Camry Transmission Issues

Having major issues with my 2005 Toyota Camry, gasoline engine. Only done 53746 km! The transmission is acting totally bonkers. The paddle shifters are completely dead, won't shift at all. The gearbox is slipping like crazy, shifts are super rough. Sometimes I even hear this awful grinding noise when it tries to change gears. The paddle shifters are responding so slowly, it's like they're thinking about it for ages before doing anything. The whole thing feels like it's stuck in some kind of emergency mode. I plugged in a code reader, and there's an error stored. Anyone else had anything like this?

4 comment(s)

Based on your description, it sounds like you might have a defective transmission control unit, also known as the automotive ECU. The symptoms you describe – inability to shift with paddles, slipping, grinding, slow response, and emergency mode – all point to that. I experienced similar issues with my 2012 Volvo C30. Have you checked the diagnostic codes to see if they specifically point to the TCU?

Thanks for the reply! TCU, huh? I'm not really clued up on these things. Where exactly IS the TCU, and is there any way to check it myself without taking it to a shop? The error code did mention something about 'transmission control,' but I didn't know that meant a whole unit could be broken. Is it really likely that the ECU itself is the problem?

The TCU location varies by vehicle, but it's often near the transmission itself or under the dashboard. As for checking it yourself, unless you possess specialized diagnostic equipment and automotive ECU experience, I would strongly advise against it. Given the symptoms and error code pointing to transmission control, and my previous experience with my Volvo, I'd say it is highly probable. The best course of action is to take it to a reputable workshop for a professional diagnosis. They can pinpoint the issue and provide an accurate assessment.

Thanks a lot for your help and advice! I took it to a local shop and you were right! Turns out the transmission control unit was indeed defective and they quoted 1000€ for the repair. Looks like I'll be getting it fixed. Thanks again!

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