Toyota Camry cars are reliable, subject to competent and timely maintenance of components and mechanisms. It is especially important to change transmission lubricant not only after a certain mileage, but also as needed. This is especially true for those Camry cars that were equipped with a u660e automatic transmission. This unit was installed on luxury versions with a 6-cylinder V-shaped engine of 3.5 liters. To feel the full power of the iron horse, you need to ensure a comfortable ride without jerks, jolts and slight “thoughtfulness”, which is characteristic of a faulty gearbox.
What malfunctions threaten a luxury box on a Camry?
The u660e 6-speed automatic transmission is considered one of the best designs among similar units. It has a smooth ride and better dynamic characteristics than a manual transmission. With proper maintenance, the Toyota Camry transmission of the luxury version is also highly reliable. The only problem that can cause malfunctions is “whimsicalness” regarding the quality of consumables.
A few years later, the developers offered consumers a modification of the u760e, which was equipped with all-wheel drive versions of crossovers and sedans. This model is also durable and reliable, as it is designed for 10 years of operation or in kilometer equivalent for 200 thousand mileage. But this is subject to competent maintenance.
But the luxury Toyota Camry was not without breakdowns and other problems. As practice shows, the weak points of the u660e automatic transmission are:
- main housing bearing;
- friction lining of the locking clutch;
- temperature sensor board;
- torque converter;
- and, as a result, the hydraulic unit;
- as well as solenoids.
It should be noted that the u660e and u760e solenoids belong to the new generation and are marked PWM. And by themselves they cause little trouble. They were listed among the weak points on the Camry because due to incorrect operation of the torque converter, clogging of parts occurs.
The problem with the bearing is structural. As the diagrams of the u660e and u760e clearly demonstrate, it is mounted on a retaining ring that cannot withstand heavy loads in an aluminum housing. And as a result, vibration occurs literally after 90 thousand km, especially on Camry versions with powerful internal combustion engines.
The valve body on the Toyota Camry automatic transmission is faulty due to the torque converter and wear of the clutch lining. If you change it and repair the torque converter at least every 120 thousand km, then serious problems and malfunctions can be avoided.
Automatic transmission diagram U660E, click to enlarge
Diagnostics and repair of Toyota Camry automatic transmission breakdowns
The part where malfunctions most often occur is the friction lining of the lock-up clutch. If this element is deformed, it is removed, the seat area is cleared of glue, after which a new pad is glued.
The hydraulic transformer operates for about 200 thousand kilometers. If it fails, a characteristic rattling sound appears when operating at low engine speeds.
The need to diagnose a gearbox arises in the following situations:
- “knocking out” one or more speeds;
- Difficulty shifting gears;
- The appearance of jerks when changing gears;
- Detection of leaks in seals.
The gearbox must also be checked if it begins to jerk when cold or hot. The reason for the appearance of such kicks is either thickening of the oil or a decrease in its level.
Because of this, the hydraulic unit, when exposed to increased loads, will begin to lose its properties. The automatic transmission will need repair if the car stalls during the transition to the next speed mode.
The beginning of automatic transmission repair is the implementation of diagnostic measures using a computer. The next steps will be to dismantle the transmission and reassemble it, in order to identify parts with wear that need to be replaced.
After this, the box is assembled and installed in its designated place. The final stage is to check the efficiency of the vehicle.
Automatic transmission repair also includes changing the transmission oil. This action can be easily performed independently.
How often do you need to change the automatic transmission oil in a Camry?
Manufacturers do not indicate how many kilometers are needed to replace the lubricant in an automatic transmission, indicating that it and the unit have the same service life. But actually it is not. Manufacturers' recommendations are suitable for ideal foreign roads. Our compatriots should update the Camry's transmission lubrication every 40 - 50 thousand km.
White Camry 40 on huge rims
But you should not blindly focus only on mileage, since after 10-20 thousand km malfunctions may occur due to lack of lubrication in the box. And if you wait until the car travels the same amount, then the motorist will have to fork out for expensive repairs to the Toyota Camry automatic transmission.
For this reason, you should change the oil when:
- It will be useful to warm up the transmission for a long time in cold weather;
- when switching from gear to gear, a hum or extraneous sounds occur, as well as jerking and other difficulties;
- engine power decreases;
- the lubricant level is below normal;
- The lubricant has darkened and acquired a burning smell.
Engine 2.5 and CVT
The variator imitates a 6-speed gearbox. These cars have a sport mode. This is necessary since the CVT is known for its smooth operation. Sport mode adds dynamics and sharpness to the car.
Engines 2.0 and 2.5 have an ECO indicator. The indicator lights up when driving economically. Usually on the highway, at a speed of 80-90 km per hour. Eco means eco-friendly mode. In a car, this is the same as economical. The computer reduces fuel injection into the combustion chambers, slightly reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Selecting oil for automatic transmission Camry 40
Among all generations of the Camry model range, the sixth or XV40, which is so loved by our compatriots, is distinguished by its reliability. But at the same time, not everyone knows what kind of oil is needed for the automatic transmission of the 40th Toyota. Most modern motorists purchase transmission lubricant on the principle of “universal for the box”, without paying attention to the brand of the product itself and the model range of the car.
Engine V6 3.0 1MZ
For Camry 40, you should select the lubricant recommended by the manufacturer. Such information is indicated either on the dipstick or in operating conditions. The ideal oil for Toyota automatic transmission is Tipe T-IV, developed specifically for the holding’s cars. The original WS will also work. If this lubricant is a little expensive, then you can choose one of the analogues:
- Dexron 2;
- SP 2;
- Mopar 7176.
However, their cost is also not cheap, especially when you consider that to completely replace the consumables, you need to prepare 3 canisters of 4 liters each.
Engine 2.4 2AZ
Also on the Camry, a traditional or partial update is allowed, in which the filling volumes and replacement interval are such that the procedure itself is more expensive. Not all motorists perform such activities with the same frequency, but if we take the average, then with 30 thousand completed, “topping up” will use up about 10 liters.
Why is it beneficial to contact us?
The specialized workshop offers fast and reliable repairs: a one-year quality guarantee is provided. We will fix problems of any complexity; our specialists work with all representatives of the Toyota model range. We guarantee that all types of faults will be eliminated using reliable spare parts: we have them on sale
A selection of new and
used
To eliminate serious problems, it is proposed to buy a Toyota Camry gearbox
Complete: Choose a new or remanufactured manual transmission to completely replace your worn-out unit. Consult with a specialist to choose the most profitable and reliable repair option.
Do-it-yourself oil change in automatic transmission Camry 40
Qualified technicians recommend performing a complete update of the lubricant at a service station, since the procedure requires special equipment. But there are also craftsmen who have learned to completely change the lubricant at home. To do this, you definitely need to drive the Camry onto a lift, overpass or inspection hole.
Clean automatic transmission pan Camry 40
You must first purchase:
- 3 cans of 4 liters of oil;
- oil filter for box;
- gaskets for pan and filter;
- O-rings for drain and filler plugs.
In addition to consumables, you should also prepare the necessary set of tools for changing the lubricant. It includes:
- ratchet wrench;
- heads for 24, 10 and 17;
- hexagon 6;
- funnel;
- piece of hose.
You also need gloves, clean napkins or rags and a container to drain the lubricant.
Instructions for changing automatic transmission oil
Regardless of the method of updating the lubricant - complete or partial - it is necessary:
- Place the car horizontally on a lift, overpass or pit.
- Remove the crankcase protection with a key or socket 17.
- Under the bottom, unscrew the drain plug with a hexagon.
- Drain off some of the oil.
Automatic Camry 40 without a tray
Next is the complete replacement algorithm:
- Unscrew the plastic tube located in the hole behind the drain bolt and drain the lubricant as much as possible. You can leave the tube alone, but then there is a risk of getting covered in oil.
- Unscrew the mounting bolts on the automatic transmission pan using a 10mm head and remove it. The part itself, together with the magnets, must be washed with solvent or gasoline.
- Using a 10mm socket, unscrew the bolts that secure the filter and remove it.
- Place the gasket on the new filter and return it to its place.
- Place a new gasket on the pan and attach it.
- Screw in the tube and then the drain bolt.
- Then turn the steering wheel to the left as much as possible.
- In the front left wheel arch, use a 10 mm socket to unscrew the 2 plug bolts on the filler plug and move the part.
- Using a 24mm socket, unscrew the filler plug.
- Insert a funnel with a hose attached to it and fill with new oil to the top.
- Place the O-ring on the filler plug and screw it back.
- Warm up the lubricant in the automatic transmission to 50°.
- Unscrew the drain plug. During the procedure, excess lubricant leaks out.
- Place the O-ring on the plug and screw it into place.
- Screw the plug into the wheel arch.
- Return the crankcase protection to its place.
In the front left wheel arch, use a 10 mm socket to unscrew the 2 plug bolts on the filler plug and move the part.
How to check the oil level in a Toyota automatic transmission
After updating the lubricant, you need to check its level. To do this, warm up the engine for 5-7 minutes. Then “perform” the transition from one gear to another several times. After 10 minutes, check the level: if it has dropped, then add consumables to the top of the filler hole.
Camry 30 - Snow White
All parts of the Camry automatic transmission must be constantly lubricated to function properly. If there is not enough lubricant for the process, then wear will appear on the components. Failure to promptly change the Toyota automatic transmission oil will lead to:
- premature wear of unit parts (expensive!);
- the occurrence of shocks and jerks when changing from gear to gear;
- difficulties in switching ranges and starting from a standstill;
- loss of engine power.
To avoid large financial costs, you need to regularly check the lubricant level, top it up or update it.
Spare parts for manual transmission repair:
- economy - from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles. /use, at the request of the car owner, only used parts to reduce the cost of repairs/
- business - from 8,000 to 28,000 rubles. /replacement of only directly damaged parts in the unit/
- executive - from 28,000 to 60,000 rub. /replacement, regardless of damage, as a set: oil seals, carrier bearings, needle bearings, synchronizers, stoppers, coupling hub locks - plus directly damaged parts/
Our own warehouse of spare parts necessary for the repair of manual transmissions. Bearings, seals, gears, synchronizers, gear couplings, shafts, differentials, manual transmission housings are in stock and on order for all brands of cars.
See the photo report of the Toyota Camry gearbox repair below the text...
Toyota Camry is one of the most popular models of the Japanese concern, having already survived 8 generations. The latest version of the comfortable city sedan was presented in 2021, the car is officially supplied to the Russian market. The model is assembled in many countries, including at the Russian automobile plant in Shushary. The latest model received the latest electronic equipment, including a 360-degree all-round view, the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system, and tracking systems. The car is equipped with a new 3.5-liter gasoline
, power was specially reduced to 249 hp. for higher sales on the Russian market.
What types of oil changes are there?
On Camry, you can carry out a partial or complete lubrication update. If the car was operated on an asphalt surface, then there is no need to completely change the lubricant. It is enough to restore its level, and for this a partial replacement of the Toyota Camry automatic transmission consumables will be enough.
Automatic transmission filter after 90 thousand kilometers
During the procedure, you can update only 30 to 50% of the total volume, clean the filter and rinse the pan. But such a procedure is economically beneficial only 2-3 times. With repeated “topping up”, the amount of oil will exceed the volume needed for a complete replacement.
Toyota Camry owners, with proper maintenance and regular lubrication updates, are not at risk of automatic transmission malfunction. After all, the main disease of such a box occurs due to a lack or poor quality of oil. But if a motorist carefully monitors consumables, then he can forget about expensive repairs for a long time.
S mode
Some perceive moving the lever to the S position as a sport mode or manual shift. But it is not so. S – This is a sequential gearbox mode. It is designed to limit gear changes. When turned on, the indicator on the panel, the letter S and the gear number, for example S3, light up. In S3 mode, the box operates only in 3 stages.
Toyota engineers replaced previous automatic transmission modifications with the sequential mode. Features such as OverDrive, D1,2,3, winter driving mode. Now all this is done in one motion. Just move the lever to position S. The computer will limit shifting in any convenient gear.
What is it for:
- Acceleration dynamics.
- Engine braking.
- Driving on snow or ice
The box does not shift gears up, this allows the car to accelerate throughout the entire rev range. Convenient to use on steep climbs and towing heavy trailers.
The automatic transmission limits gear changes, which allows engine braking. This helps the brakes work on long descents.
Mode S is a kind of box crawler for winter mode. Modern Camry models do not have gearbox shifting specifically for driving in snow. This is partially compensated for by traction control systems. However, on ice it is necessary to limit the transmission to first or second gear.
If the engine speed is too high, the transmission engages the next gear. This is provided by electronic protection of the car from overheating and excessive load.
