95 Camry AutoTransmission?

[1johntimm]

My 95 Camry with 240,000 miles has an issue I think? When at higher rpm's right before shifting into a higher gear the transmission makes a "growling" sound. As soon as it shifts the sound goes away, and it sounds normal while cruising or at lower rpm's in all gears. What could be the issue?

[Jeremy airjer W]

My first thought was a loose heat shield which would be a tinny type rattle.

My second thought was if the Lund is truly coming from the trans and the trans has that many miles whatever it it it is probably terminal and the repair would likely exceed the value of the car?

[1johntimm]

I'm gonna keep driving it to see if I can figure out the sound. Hopefully it will last awhile, and I don't have to walk home.

[1johntimm]

Took the car for about a 60 mile ride today and found out the tranny only makes this sound at higher rpm's before gear changes. If I drive like gramma, I get no sound as the rpm's are lower during the shift. Really puzzled as to what the sound comes from?

[Jeremy airjer W]

I would climb underneath the car after it has cooled off and bang around on t e exhaust. It sure sound like a loose heat shield tome.

[1johntimm]

I hoping that you are right on as usual Airjer, I wanted to get this car to 300,000 on the original motor and tranny with no serious work done to it. The sound is just weird, I say it is a "growl" or "howl" Only makes the sound, (from what I can hear) before shifts at higher rpm's as noted. I will inspect the exhaust shields soon. Thanks!

[1johntimm]

Little update: Found a loose heat shield on the exhaust towards rear. I will jack it up tommorrow and see if I can secure the rust/busted off heat shield and see if that cures the problem. This will be unbelievable if you (Airjer) nailed this problem!

[Macgyver55]

I'd bet you'll find it is in fact the shield, its a fairly common thing. My daughters car just had the same problem but a different symptom. Hers made the noise on initial acceleration and went away immediately after she got moving a bit. About a 3 minute fix and she was ready to go, and.... I even got a "thanks dad, I'm glad you are a mechanic" out of her!

[1johntimm]

You Da man Airjer! It was the heat shield. I wired it up as it is a "little" rusty at the connections where it broke off. Now to try to get 300,000 out of this Toyota! Oh what a feeling! Thanks alot!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Just keeping Toyotas on the road one heat shield at a time!