Highlander transmission slipping rough shifting

Hey, I've got a 2007 Toyota Highlander, gas engine, with only 60k km on it, and I'm suddenly having transmission issues. The check engine light and transmission indicator light are both on. It's slipping and shifting really rough, plus there's this grinding noise sometimes. I scanned it and got a transmission error code. Anyone seen this before?

4 comment(s)

Sounds rough. I had something similar happen with my Highlander, though mine was a converter failure. Does it feel like it's struggling to lock up, especially on the highway? If so, the torque converter clutch might be the problem. Has the transmission fluid been changed recently?

Thanks for the reply! Converter failure sounds expensive... I haven't noticed it particularly on the highway, more just general rough shifting. And no, I haven't changed the transmission fluid recently. Could that be the cause?

The fluid change might help smooth things out temporarily, but honestly, based on the symptoms and the error code, a bad torque converter sounds likely. Mine made similar noises. Get it checked out by a transmission specialist. Best to know for sure. I ended up having the whole converter replaced.

Thanks, that's what I was afraid of. I took it to a shop, and they confirmed the torque converter is shot. Quoted me 2120€ for the repair. Ouch, but at least I know what it is now. Thanks for your help!

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