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2020 Camry SE transmission hesitation and hard shifts at low speeds

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 1:25 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Toyota Camry SE

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2020 Toyota Camry SE with about 55,000 miles on it, and lately, I've been noticing some really strange transmission behavior. When I'm driving at lower speeds, especially in stop-and-go traffic, the transmission seems to hesitate before engaging, and sometimes it shifts quite hard, almost like a jolt.

It's most noticeable when accelerating from a stop or just after slowing down. It doesn't happen every single time, but it's frequent enough to be concerning. There's no check engine light on, which makes it even more confusing. Has anyone else experienced this with their 8-speed automatic Camry? Any ideas on what might be causing it or what I should check?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 1:25 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Transmission hesitation and hard shifts in your 2020 Toyota Camry SE, even without a Check Engine Light, can point to several issues. Here's a breakdown of potential causes and steps you can take:

  1. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid:

    • Cause: Insufficient fluid or fluid that has degraded can lead to poor lubrication and hydraulic pressure, affecting shift quality. Toyota's WS (World Standard) fluid is designed for long intervals, but severe driving conditions can accelerate wear.
    • Action: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. If it's low, discolored, or smells burnt, it needs attention. This is often a dealer-only check due to sealed transmissions.

  2. Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Software Glitch:

    • Cause: The TCM manages shift points and pressures. A software bug or a faulty TCM can cause erratic shifting. Sometimes a simple reflash or reset can resolve this.
    • Action: A dealership can check for available software updates for your transmission or perform a TCM reset.

  3. Valve Body Issues:

    • Cause: The valve body directs hydraulic fluid to engage clutches and bands. Sticking valves or solenoids within the valve body can lead to delayed or harsh shifts.

  4. Internal Transmission Wear:

    • Cause: While less common at 55,000 miles, internal wear on clutches, bands, or bearings can manifest as these symptoms.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediately: If the problem worsens, you hear grinding noises, or the car struggles to move.
  • Soon: Even without a CEL, transmission issues can escalate quickly. It's best to have a qualified Toyota technician diagnose the problem. They can connect to the vehicle's computer system, check for pending or historical codes (even if the CEL isn't on), and perform specific diagnostic tests.
  • OBD Codes to Look For (if a CEL appears): P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction), P0705 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction), P07xx series codes related to specific gear ratios or solenoid performance.
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