Hi all! After having my mechanic do a transmission service on my '08 Camry 2.4 @190K miles, the transmission began to shudder every time I engage reverse gear (loud clunk, sounds like driving over a pothole at speed). It will also downshift when I slow down in the highway, and then not upshift into overdrive when I try to pick my speed back up. I'm now at 200K miles, and just found out about using LubeGuard Instant Shudder Fixx as a temporary solution, which I will be doing later today.

I'm wondering if the mechanic used the incorrect transmission fluid. Would doing a fluid change with OEM Toyota Transmission Fluid fix this shudder? Or is the damage permanently done at this point? If you personally have/had this shudder, please let me know at what mileage you are at right now so I can gauge how many miles more my Camry may last.

Thanks in advance for your response!

 

What was the service the mechanic did?

Do you have the receipt to determine what type of trans fluid was used?

 

Thanks for your reply Toyomoho. The receipt simply states “transmission service”, but I’m almost positive he used the wrong fluid. Tried the LubeGuard additive today and drove around for a couple of miles and I still have a clunk whenever I engage reverse. The clunk is intermittent though. Wondering if there’s anyway to salvage this, or if changing the fluid with OE, and babying the transmission after is my best bet.

 

Suggest not using additives.

The type of fluid can cause different transmission operation.

Toyota has their own branded ATF fluid which is called "WS" for World Standard. Others have successfully used other brands.

If the trans worked OK prior to the trans service and not OK after, then would look into the type of fluid used.

Also the trans fluid needs to be adjusted differently then when using a dipstick as this car has no stick.