Avensis Automatic Gearbox / Trasmission Up Shift Issue

[Pankow]

Dear All,

I have an Avensis 2.0 Auto (54 plate). I have had a problem with the gearbox over the last couple of years. When I move from D>N the gearbox does shift into N and the display reflects this change, but the stick does not fully locate and lock. the stick remains relatively easily pullable back into Drive. Similarly moving (upwards again) from N>R, the gear changes but the stick does not fully locate and lock. I have to move the stick ever so slightly to the next stage up (then back) to lock the stick in place.

I had the transmission fluid changed last year and this seemed to solve the problem - but now, 7,000 miles later and the problem has reappeared. It does seem in some way related to the amount of use the car has and fluid getting older/time passing without a change.Toyota suggested it could be transmission cables that need adjusting but another Toyota garage suggested it was some sort of issue with the "ball socket"? Neither seemed sure but stated that the cost of investigations would be high.

Anyone had this issue before or know a fix? There are no problems with stick locating when shifting down.

Many thanks in advance.

[Pankow]

Update: The problem seems to exist on start up and on short runs but then rectifies itself when the car has warmed up - the gears locate properly and stick in place correctly. I am struggling to understand why this might be.

A new transmission cable has been suggested. I wonder, would anyone know:

1) Is there a "selector cable" and a "trasmission cable" in the Avensis?

2) Can the latter and former be adjusted (rather than replaced?). Whatever the problem is, it looks as though it is not too severe.

Many thanks

[alan333]

Try a look under the bonnet at the gearbox while a lovely assistant changes thru the gear selections. You'll be able to see how it operates. I'd guess it to be cable, and therefore probably adjustable.

As a separate note i didn't realise the 2.0 diesel was available as an auto. How is it? ie power to weight, responsiveness, mpg etc. i'm an auto fan and currently have a 1.8 auto but the fuel consumption annoys me a bit.

[alan333]

I've had a look at my petrol auto and it's cabe operated. Also see this thread - seems like the same problem.

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=138641

[Pankow]

Hi Alan,

Thanks for your reply. Mine is a 2.0 VVTI Petrol. I do quite short runs at the moment and struggle to get over 19mpg.....

I got hold of the workshop manual on CD. From what I can gather the system consists of a "shift control unit" which is the gearstick box bit, which shifts the transmission cable - the transmission cable then in turn shifting a "shift lever" which sticks out of the Auto Gearbox. From my understanding of the picture this "shift lever" is a little bit innacesible to the non-technical (requires a ramp and removal of panels). One suggestion from the thread you mention is to undo the nut at the shift level (gearbox) end, and then to try moving the gearstick, to diagnose whether the problem is a) the cable/shift control unit or at the B) gearbox/shift level end.

The car is due a service so will ask them to do this. There seems no way to adjust the transmission cable or shift control unit positioning. The shift lever (at the gearbox end) can be adjusted, but adjustment isn't much use if the cable has gone bad.

Still concerned about why the problem seems to rectify iteself after a run, and sorts itself out after a gearbox oil change though.

Would anyone know how accessible this shift lever on the auto gearbox is?

Thanks again.

[alan333]

Sorry i thought you had a 2.0 diesel auto by your original post.

Lift the bonnet and look at the gearbox. You'll see the end of the cable and where it goes onto the shift lever. It points towards the front, quite low down, at the right as you look under the bonnet. Put the car in R, N or D with the engine off (using the shift lock button at the gear knob), then go to the shift lever. You should be able to move the shift lever between R - N - D quite easily and with a distinct clunk at each position, but once in D you should only be able to move back to N. The same changes you can make at the gearknob without moving out of a "lock" position. If there's any free play etc evident you'll need to figure out where it's coming from.

I once drove a lorry with a cable operated gearchange which was terrible in winter when cold, but eased off as it heated up. Perhaps yours is similar ie a worn cable.

[Pankow]

Thanks Alan,

I think the "D4D" bit confused you. Not sure why the engine type has so many D's in it when it is a petrol! I think I made a mistake in calling it a D4D. It is definitely a 1998cc VVTi Petrol.

I'll have a gander under the bonnet. From what I can see in the attached the lever on my model looks to be under the car though (see attached page 1).

Interesting about the cable seeming to come back to life after it warms up. Does indeed sounds like mine.

Thanks

Pankow

Trans Control Cable Assembly.pdf

[alan333]

The pdf looks like it's in the same position as mine (wouldn't surprise me if it's the same box) but the diagram is from underneath. You should be able to operate the gearchange from under the bonnet as mentioned.

[jconly@live.co.uk]

Hi, I own a 2009 2.2 d4d automatic which I like very much.  Moving from park to reverse can be very stiff, particularly when cold. I think the linkage is by cable, but dont know if they can be adjusted. I would like to renew the transmission oil myself but I cant find a manual anywhere for info on how to do this. Can anyone please advise. Thanks

[sproutdreamer]

I had this problem and the advice from here was to ensure the small ball joint at the end of the cable at the gearbox was free. You can take this off but that is not necessary as you can just fill a small plastic pot with an oil/petrol or thinners mix, dip the pot up so the joint is immersed (you need to wedge something under to support the pot) and leave overnight. Although the joint was not obviously tight this lubrication worked perfectly-worth a try.

With the bonnet up the cable end is at the right hand side of the engine about a foot down where the lever at the gearbox joins with the cable to the auto selector lever.

[Stuart farley]

Hi I’ve recently purchased an avensis 1.8 Petrol auto estate. The car drives normally in reverse however in drive it slips badly. Barely moving forward. Any ideas please. Thanks stuart 

[mrfixer]

From your profile I believe that your car is a 2010 MY.  In which case it has a CVT auto transmission. Assuming the fluid level is satisfactory then I would suggest not driving it and get it to a transmission specialist. For all but the simplest faults you'll probably be better off get a used replacement 'box rather than having someone attempt a repair...