I have a 1993 LE wagon with 223,000 miles on it. Just recently, the automatic transmission will slip out of gear into neutral after coming to a stop or when climbing a hill. Most notably, it does this only after the engine and transmission have warmed up a bit. After moving the shift lever in and out of the various gears a few times, it sometimes engages a gear. The fluid level is full.

I haven't owned it for many miles, so I don't know how often the fluid was flushed and changed. I've heard there is a transmission fluid pump that can fail intermittently and cause this problem, and I'm wondering if that's happening once the car warms up. Any ideas? Thanks very much!

-Gabe

Hey there, my '96 camry sedan just started doing the same thing. have you gotten a resolution to this yet?

well on automatic transmissions it uses hydraulic fluid to cycle through the gears, when you drive up hills it sometimes starves the transmission pump, you might want to check your torque converter and make sure you have enough automatic transmission oil. good luck

I realy don't know why anybody listens to this guy (aninnocentbystander). Haven't read one post that I thought had some kind of truth in it. Anyway, whoever told you the pump could be the cause, is on the right track. Now when it pops out of gear is the shifter moving into N too? Or when you gas it does it just rev and go nowhere while still in D? Take a look at the shift cable to the trans' PRNDL switch ( should be on the front side of the trans) it may be catching something when the engine torques a certain way or sticking. Check out your engine mounts while your at it making sure they aren't letting the engine jump too much forward or back.

hey that's not nice to say :(

Hey, I have this same issue - but my shifter stays in D. It does exactly what you described - how do i look at the shift cables you describe?

Thanks!
Ayan

Transmission do wear out. Look at and smell the fluid at the end of the dipstick; it probably smells burnt and looks black, At 223k miles, it sounds like your has had it. Don't waste time or money with hydraulic fluid - that's nonsense. You need to bring it to a transmission shop. Don't be surprised if they tell you it needs a rebuild or replacement. Good luck. Hy