car problem - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Xazy · 09-20-2005, 08:37 AM

I have a 98 camry, and recently while driving it, the car seems to slip out of drive, into neutral for a second or two. This is an automatic not a stick, but basically I hit the gas and nothing happens for a second, or if I am on an incline i will move backwards a drop. While I obviously will be taking it to the mechanic I wanted to know if anyone had any ideas on what the problem might be.

Thank you.

mazak · 09-20-2005, 02:30 PM

just a few thoughts,have you checked the transmission fluid? also when was the last time the fluid and filter were changed in the tranny? could it be the shifting cable slightly out of adjustment,just some thoughts. good luck!

irseg · 09-20-2005, 03:57 PM

Check the fluid level, as mazak said. On most cars you have to do this with the car running in Park to get an accurate reading, but check the owner's manual to verify the correct procedure.

Also, your transmission is electronically controlled. The shifter moves a switch which tells the computer which gear you've selected. Sometimes this switch corrodes or wears out, and this can cause problems like randomly dropping into neutral or other gears, etc.

09-20-2005, 08:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
Xazy People in masks cannot be trusted Location: NYC	car problem I have a 98 camry, and recently while driving it, the car seems to slip out of drive, into neutral for a second or two. This is an automatic not a stick, but basically I hit the gas and nothing happens for a second, or if I am on an incline i will move backwards a drop. While I obviously will be taking it to the mechanic I wanted to know if anyone had any ideas on what the problem might be. Thank you.

09-20-2005, 02:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
mazak Crazy Location: louisianna	just a few thoughts,have you checked the transmission fluid? also when was the last time the fluid and filter were changed in the tranny? could it be the shifting cable slightly out of adjustment,just some thoughts. good luck!

09-20-2005, 03:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
irseg Junkie Location: Florida	Check the fluid level, as mazak said. On most cars you have to do this with the car running in Park to get an accurate reading, but check the owner's manual to verify the correct procedure. Also, your transmission is electronically controlled. The shifter moves a switch which tells the computer which gear you've selected. Sometimes this switch corrodes or wears out, and this can cause problems like randomly dropping into neutral or other gears, etc.