Q: I have a 02 Toyota Camry 2.4L auto trans that won't shift into 4 & OD

asked by on March 22, 2018

I have a 02 Toyota Camry 2.4L auto trans that works fine when first started but shifts a little hard between 1 &2 then drives fine. When you stop for a light or stop sign and start off again it shifts a little hard between 1 &2 then shifts into 3rd and will not shift into 4th or OD. The engine RPM’s just shoot up. If I turn off the electronic OD the transmission drops into 3rd and is drivable and the RPM’s stay around 3000. The transmission does not slip. If I stop the car and turn it off and wait about 15 to 20 seconds and restart it the transmission will shift and works fine until I stop again. Until I have to stop agin. I seen on the internet that this could be the transmissions Vehicle Speed Sensor then someone said to check the Shifter Position Switch. Is that the as the Neutral Safety Switch? Please Help

My car has 200000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi Renee. Thanks for contacting us today. The Shifter Position Switch and Neutral Safety Switch are one in the same, but I don’t think that’s the source of this type of problem. Typically when that component fails, it causes all gears to have difficulty shifting, not just 4th and OD. While it’s possible that the safety switch might be contributing to this issue, that’s typically due to an inner seal leak or other internal component failures. I think you should probably have a transmission specialist inspect your Camry to determine the best course of action.

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