- #13437 of 14778
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [captain2]
by tjc78
-
Feb 12, 2007 (12:48 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: captain2 (Feb 12, 2007 12:40 pm)
Yes, but we can dream about a RWD Avalon. Can't we?
|
- #13438 of 14778
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [jlsexton]
by bobwiley
-
Feb 12, 2007 (1:44 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: jlsexton (Feb 12, 2007 11:57 am)
jlsexton: I also have an 06 Limited. I have also experienced the the "quirky" tranny syndrome. It DOES happen--so--I've just accepted that fact and now when approaching a Yield or Stop sign, i slide over the gear shift and manually shift to 1st. Then, once I take-off--and since i started this procedure I've never had any hesitation/lurching from the tranny. Once going, I slide the gear shift back to the auto position. I've been driving almost 50 years and I know when a tranny ain't working right and the Avy tranny ain't working like any other automatic. My previous 2000 F-150, wife's current 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd and our 2001 Vette don't require their automatic transmission to be "manually" shifted in order to prevent hesitation/lurching. I ask that you try this: Find a Yield sign in your area where you can approach the Yield sign, gently apply the brakes, leaving the tranny in "D" and then hoping the coast is clear, press the accelerator as you would normally to proceed on. This also assumes you'll use your right foot for both braking and accelerating. I can "guarantee" you if I went out right now and did the porcedure--my RPM's would shoot up to over 3,000 and then the car would lurch forward. Love the Avalon--but--a car with an MSRP nearing $40K should have an automatic that's automatic! Too many people have complained for it not to be an inherent problem. if you don't have the "quirky" tranny--I'm happy for ya!! I just hope it never raises it's ugly head at the most inoportune time--for safety's sake!
Bob
|
- #13439 of 14778
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [bobwiley]
by limiteddriver
-
Feb 12, 2007 (1:59 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: bobwiley (Feb 12, 2007 1:44 pm)
The problem is with your transmission or the way you put your foot on the accelerator NOT with every Avalon. Mine doesn't do it and I've tried every suggestion on this forum to make it hesitate and it doesn't. Sorry you're having a problem.
|
- #13440 of 14778
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [tex44]
by alan_s
-
Feb 12, 2007 (4:42 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: tex44 (Feb 12, 2007 3:14 am)
I hope Toyota don't discontinue the Avalon because I may consider the next gen Avalon after 2010, providing that Toyota have demonstrated a track record of solving the very real transmission and build quality issues, and have a track record of a return to their former quality standards.
Until then, I won't buy any Toyota or Lexus based on the current Avalon/Camry platform or derivatives thereof, which in my opinion have been severely compromised in comparison with their predecessors.
Once bitten, 10 times shy.
|
- #13441 of 14778
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [limiteddriver]
by bobwiley
-
Feb 12, 2007 (5:23 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: limiteddriver (Feb 12, 2007 1:59 pm)
limiteddriver: Glad you don't have the problem and I hope it never materializes. I won't take a chance and that's why I use the manual mode. I also refuse to contort my foot on the gas pedal and employ a procedure contrary to normal driving habits. There IS a problem with the Avy transmission--too many smoking guns and i'm very happy for those without the problem. Tried it again today----rolling to a Yield sign, foot off gas, braking ever so slightly as i could see no on-coming traffic--stepped on the gas and 3,000 RPM and then the lurch. Tried it my way---manual shift to 1st---slightly brake, foot on gas and off i went--shifted back in to auto mode--no quirky tranny. Somebody asked if there was a lawyer reading these Forums---any lawyers out there? Too many of us are having tranny problems--same with 07 Camry's with the 6 speed's. Toyota has a problem--senior executives know about it and if something isn't done--I'm afraid of reading about a fatal accident due to the quirky transmission. Remember all the 4 cylinder Toyota owners who complained about "sludging" in their 1997 and forward engines--well, now Toyota has a Class Action Suit that probably will cost many millions of dollars. Guess they figure with all the American dollars they've made they can just pay the bill. It will be interesting to see what happens. Good luck with your Avalon!
Bob
|
- #13442 of 14778
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [bobwiley]
by alan_s
-
Feb 12, 2007 (5:48 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: bobwiley (Feb 12, 2007 5:23 pm)
Interesting comment on the sludge problem. Recently we received an extended warranty notice as beneficiaries of the class action lawsuit. Vehicles covered were our 98 Camry V6, 99 Sienna, 01 Highlander, 02 Sienna and 02 Avalon, none of which we have any more. We never had any sludge problems, but I always did oil changes at 3,000 miles and used Mobil 1 synthetic after hearing about someone who had a sludge problem at very low miles, something like 5,000, and suffered a burned out engine.
Apparently Toyota said it was owner neglect and wanted $7,000 to install a new or recon engine, I'm not sure. They were still paying their car off for years but it was undriveable.
I always had my oil changed at a Toyota dealer, so I couldn't be held "liable for not maintaining the vehicle" if I did get the sludge problem.
This transmission thing does seem to be following a similar track. If some cars have problems and some don't, you would think Toyota would want to get a bad one, take it apart and figure out what is wrong, and fix the problem once and for all.
Then again, I don't understand these greater minds.
|
- #13443 of 14778
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [bobwiley]
by fin
-
Feb 12, 2007 (5:50 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: bobwiley (Feb 12, 2007 5:23 pm)
Obvious what you are saying...but.. when you say "step on the gas" then how hard, that is, how much gas are we talking about? Half throttle? One third? A little? Max? And to what speed do you slow? Maybe 10 mph?
The '07 Limited I bought 2 weeks ago has yet to do the hesitation rev-up thing but I want to be ready. Still only 500 miles on the car. So far, so good. Thanks.
|
- #13444 of 14778
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [fin]
by bobwiley
-
Feb 12, 2007 (6:14 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: fin (Feb 12, 2007 5:50 pm)
fin: I only press hard enough to get going at a decent speed--no hot rod start. I slow to about 10 mph or there abouts and then as stated above--just take off by moderately stepping on the gas.
Bob
|
- #13445 of 14778
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [alan_s]
by bobwiley
-
Feb 12, 2007 (6:22 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: alan_s (Feb 12, 2007 5:48 pm)
alan_s: My understanding is the oil ports in the engine were too small to allow "free" flow of the oil and Toyota was aware of the problem. Much like Ford and the infamous Pinto gas tank issue. Go to www.google.com Type in Maint Schedule for 1997 Toyota 4 Cylinder Engines. Scroll down and you'll find an article regarding "oil gelling" in Toyota engines!! Good reading.
Bob
|
- #13446 of 14778
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [bobwiley]
by alan_s
-
Feb 12, 2007 (7:24 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: bobwiley (Feb 12, 2007 6:22 pm)
Yes, apparently the diameter of the oil ducts machined in the block and head were intentionally reduced in size so the engines would run hotter in order to meet emission requirements.
As the oil viscosity increased as it deteriorated there was reduced lubrication and hence the problem. I switched to synthetics based on the theory that if a synthetic takes longer to break down and is more durable in high temperatures, my engines would be less likely to develop the problem, however later a Toyota mechanic told me that they had seen problems emerge even when synthetics were used.
Luck of the draw I guess.
We are getting off-topic, so Pat's venerable hammer may shortly descend upon us... 
|
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans 
