2003 Avensis T3s Automatic Sticky Transmission When Cold

[Realistbear]

I have a 53 plate Avensis T3s Automatic that delays going into top gear when running from cold. This morning it held in the lower gear until well past 60 mph with the revs well past 3000. I was driving gently taking the vehicle up to 60 very steadily. My Avensis has under 70k on the clock and is regularly serviced.

Anyone else notice this? Or is it normal for the automatic transmission to hold onto the lower gears before shifting up when the car is cold?

[Beagh1958]

To Realistbear, Might be worth having car booked into Toyota for G/Box servie. Oil & filter change & whilst your at it make sure they check for any software updates applicable to your gearbox, also vehicle in general. I'll hazard a guess even though car regulary serviced, has G/Box ever been serviced

[jamesholden]

It's quite normal for auto boxes not to go into overdrive until the engine has reached a certain temperature to assist in a quicker warmup.

[Realistbear]

It's quite normal for auto boxes not to go into overdrive until the engine has reached a certain temperature to assist in a quicker warmup.

Thanks for the reply. The transmission does seem "normal" once the engine has heated up. I have owned a couple of Camry's (in the US) and have never noticed the auto-boxes on those resisting top gear until warmed up but then again I was living in Southern California at the time!

Overall, I am quite pleased with the auto and it is not too bad performance-wise even with the 1.8. I would recommend it as I seem to get a decent 40 mpg overall which I suspect is better than the manual version given the impossibility of perfect shifting in the real world.

The only niggles have been a failed headlamp, broken remote fuel door opener, hideous rattle from front end, overall noise from tyres and poor performance from the headlights. Plus points are handling, general comfort, fuel economy, relatively relaxed ride and engine noise at 70 mph, huge boot in the hatchback model.

I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5. The minor niggles with the Avensis have somewhat dented my belief in Toyotas as being super-reliable. The only disaster I have had with the marque was a failed transmission on a 1989 Camry Estate at 108k miles.