Shifting Issues?

2003 TOYOTA COROLLA

100,000 MILES • 2.3L • 4 CYL • 2WD

DC CRENSHAW

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I guess I need to give full details in order for you to give a better diagnosis, this will be long but here I go, Last year my apts had my car towed and tow truck towed it front the back and i had parking brake in and it was in park, which threw off my timing. Which I was unaware of at the time. I kept trying to start it and it wouldn't start every time. So, I started replacing parts and here's the list of parts: fuel pump, injectors, crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor, VSS sensor, fuel line, timing belt, throttle body, radiator, starter and alternator, battery. After replacing all the above, I was trying to start the vehicle and was still unaware of the timing issue, but I was trying to start and held it a little too long and I believe a valve broke and went into the next shaft. By this time, I was truly upset and frustrated, so I stopped working on the car for a few months, but then I went and bought another engine from the junkyard. So, when I pulled out old engine and transmission, I went ahead and replaced both cv axles, and wiring harness. took apart old engine from transmission and replaced with new(used)one, dropped it back in car and then cv axles.(first time doing either). Once i got it all back together, it finally started right up. I was super stoked until I went to put it in gear and then nothing happened. Oh, almost forgot, when i started it up and tried to get it to go into gear it wouldn't at first and frustration got the better of me to where i yanked on it and forced it to come out of park. Nothing. So afterwards I assumed i snapped the shifter cable and ended up replaced it as well as the shifter. Tried starting it again and went to shift and still nothing. So i replaced the 2 shift solenoids and lock-up solenoid on valve body. tried again after and still nothing. I then replaced valve body, still nothing. So now I'm at a stump as what it could be. I'm not sure if it's something i missed with cv axles, or what. Before it was towed everything worked just great. I have redone everything under the hood minus the actual transmission. Which I am hoping I don't need to. Any advice or help would be truly appreciated. Thanks

Dec 25, 2022 at 1:32 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

There is a possibility that the CV axles you used aren't fully installed. I have a question. If you place the car in park with the parking brake off, are you able to move the vehicle as if it was in neutral?

Also, when the trans and engine were connected, was the torque converter fully engaged into the transmission's front pump?

When you place the transmission in reverse, do the reverse lamps turn on?

Let me know.

Joe

Dec 25, 2022 at 10:17 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

Car doesn't move in park.

Dec 27, 2022 at 2:08 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Here are pictures of the bottom of tranny when i removed the valve body, is there supposed to be a gap there? The other night I had rechecked the CV Axles to make sure they were all the way in again, I used a weighted mallet and hit it on the spindled and it didn't seem to move anymore. When I rotated it, it moved on both sides. Yes, the reverse lights come on, as well as the brake lights. It doesn't move in park, but in any other gear i can push it and it moves.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Dec 27, 2022 at 5:19 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

That gap is normal. When you place it into gear, does anything happen? For example, does the engine speed change? If you lift the front wheels off the ground, start it, and place it in gear, will the wheels move at all?

Next, you indicated replacing the wiring harness. Which harness was replaced? Was it a new one or used? Why was it changed? Was the old one damaged?

Let me know.

Joe

Dec 27, 2022 at 6:53 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

Okay, I was not sure about the gap but thanks for letting me know. When i shift it in to gear the idle drops down some and when i give it gas nothing happens. A few times it seemed like it wanted to go but then it didn't. Like if i barely step on gas and let off and repeat, feels like car seems to rock like if the e-brake was on. I replaced main engine and dash wiring harness because there was a short somewhere and it frayed the wire, and one was broken and couldn't find the other half of it. But the replacement engine harness came from the exact same year and model car from Junk yard. When I had the floor jack under it today and tried there was no wheel rotation. This has me really stumped as to the cause.

Dec 27, 2022 at 9:32 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

almost forgot, put scanner to it and gave me code for p1656 ocv malfunction. I erased it and came right back.

Dec 27, 2022 at 9:41 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

The code is related to the oil control valve for the variable valve timing. That doesn't have anything to do with the trans, but it will need attention before you start driving it all the time.

If there is no change and the transmission fluid is full, there must be an issue with line pressure. When you installed the transmission, are you certain the torque converter was fully seated in the front pump?

I attached the hydraulic test procedures for line pressure. You need a pressure gauge that is designed to reach very high pressures.

Take a look at it and let me know if you are comfortable performing them.

Also, let me know if the gear indicator indicates the correct gear selected.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Dec 27, 2022 at 10:27 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

Yes, the gear selector represents the correct gear. When I replaced the shifter cable, I made sure that it was lined up correctly. I'm not entirely sure that the torque converter was fully seated, but I want to say yes. I took the starter off and had to make sure that I had bolted it down to the flywheel and it had the 3 bolts in it. Let me take a look at what you sent. If I/we can't seem to figure it out, within next few days, the junkyard is having a sale to where everything is half off, so I'm thinking of just getting another one. If i do, I was thinking of converting it to a manual. which would mean I would need to grab the engine as well? correct?

Would AutoZone or Advanced Auto have the pressure tool as a loaner tool do you know by chance?

Dec 28, 2022 at 12:24 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

Often times a parts store will have the gauge needed. As far as the issue, was this a problem prior to the new engine being installed?

If the transmission was okay prior, it should be okay now as well.

Also, switching to a manual requires more than you think. The pedal needs to be installed, a clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder, and the computer that presently controls the automatic transmission will likely need to be changed as well. That leads to different wiring harnesses and so on. Something that at one time was simple has become a nightmare. LOL

Let me know.

Joe

Dec 28, 2022 at 11:31 AM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

So, everything was fine up until it was towed from the back. It threw my timing off (which i was i was unaware of at the time). This was the root cause of all repairs. From engine to transmission. So, I've been told about converting. I went ahead and got another transmission from junkyard but now the NSS is not the same. Only thing that is different. Do you think it's possible to just splice the wires to the correct wire in the new harness? If so, can you provide me with 03 and 05 wiring diagram for neutral safety switch? thanks

Jan 2, 2023 at 12:04 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

I attached schematics for both below. Pics 1 and 2 are for the 2003 and pics 3 and 4 are for the 2005.

From what I see, they are the same.

Take a look through them and let me know your thoughts.

Take care and let me know if I can help.

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Jan 2, 2023 at 4:54 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

This is a bit frustrating; I have responded back to you at least twice now and for some reason they weren’t sent. Third time a charm? Okay, so i went and got a transmission from the salvage yard. I was getting ready to take out the engine and transmission once again. The first two times I did it by myself, and this time neighbors wanted to help out. I was a little sketchy, but I said okay. So had one cranking the mount, one on each side of car and me under it trying to guide driver CV axle out. For some reason I wasn’t able to get it removed this time around. So, I'm guiding it and next thing i know the car slams down and hits me in head and thumb is smashed. I crawl from under the car and used a bunch of f-bombs think the jack fell and i asked what happened they all looked at me big eyed and said it fell. I'm like what did they said engine and transmission. If i wouldn't of placed the front tires under each side i would have been crushed and severely hurt, instead of a cut on forehead and fractured thumb. After that I told them thanks for the help but i will finish myself because i never had an engine fall before. So, after that, I installed the transmission and engine, filled it up and while it was still on jacks fired it up and tires are rotating. Took it for a spin around the block and drove from second on. But from first to second it seemed like a loss of power. So went back to the house and decided I'd go a little further and try driving to Walmart which is about 6 miles away. As i get about mile away from house it starts shifting hard. I got two lights from Walmart and i lost all gears. Turned car off and started back up and still no gears. Not sure what happened but it happened shortly after hitting a pothole. It made me think the CV axle wasn't all the way in, but fluid was still full. So, I'm unsure as to what it could be now. Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Jan 8, 2023 at 11:19 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

Almost forgot, but do you have the wiring diagrams from the female plug to the neutral switch? This was the only thing that was different, so i figured i could either splice the wires or switch out switch and use the one from old transmission.

Jan 8, 2023 at 11:22 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

Wow, you are lucky you weren't killed. As far as the transmission/axle, see if you can push the vehicle with the shifter in park. That will tell you if one of the axles isn't engaged.,

I looked through two manuals and neither had the pinout. I attached the wiring schematic for the transmission. Let me know if that helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Jan 9, 2023 at 2:02 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

So, i took the transmission out and the torque converter wasn’t all the way in. What are the odds of the transmission still working, and nothing was messed up internally? Should i even waste time putting it back together or go swap it for another while the warranty is still valid? I tried to remove the converter but wasn’t able to pull it all the way out, it seemed like it was stuck at the very end. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks

Jan 19, 2023 at 2:22 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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When you say the torque converter couldn't be removed, do you mean from the transmission? The end of the converter has two splines that seat in the front pump. There is a chance one or the other was damaged.

As far as internal damage is concerned, it should be okay, but I suspect either the torque converter or the front pump on the transmission is damaged.

If it is the front pump, it will require being removed. So, at this point, we need to get the torque converter separated from the transmission. What have you tried so far?

Joe

Jan 19, 2023 at 4:22 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

I tried twisting and pulling up on it at the same time and it wouldn't pop out, so I ended up taking it back and pulled another one from a 2000 Celica GTS. Just about got it in, I just hope that the person that said that it would work is right. It had same engine but I assumed it wouldn't because of the year. I know that 03 to 08 if I'm not mistaken are the years that would work. I wanted transmission that has performance, and the Celica GTS was one that i was told, as well as the xrs. I read that 03 & 04 Corolla were made to add a super charger too. So that is eventually what I want or a turbo. But can you confirm that it'll work. I just about have it installed but my concern is the plugs and wiring. I'm hoping that I didn't waste all night with it and it not work.

Jan 20, 2023 at 3:03 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

As far as the transmission, the only thing I have to cross reference is the OEM part numbers, which are different. See pics 1 and 2 below.

If you were told by a salvage yard that it would work, chances are they will be right. They have the cross-reference information needed.

Have you had any success?

Let me know.

joe

Images (Click to enlarge)

Jan 20, 2023 at 7:57 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

It’s not from 2000 Corolla. It’s a 2000 Toyota Celiac GTS. I was unaware that they knew which ones were compatible. I got information from an expert from Toyota Corolla forum. It’s just about installed but it’s been raining on and off all day which is frustrating especially when all that’s left is bolting the bell housing to engine and then torque bolts and wiring it all back up. I was concerned is it lining up correctly along with the wiring.

Jan 21, 2023 at 1:38 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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I just looked up the one for the Celica. Sorry about that. It is showing a different part number as well. I attached it below.

Do you see any differences between the two? Have you been able to go any further?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to enlarge)

Jan 21, 2023 at 11:09 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Are you referring to the transmission? If so, yes there seems to be extra or more sensor I want to say. My old one had 3 if I’m not mistaken this one seems to be at least 2 more(extra) I have it just about bolted, it started raining past few days and I haven’t had a chance to but plan on going out in a bit. Are you able to get any wiring diagrams for the 00 Celica? Did i waste my time with this transmission?

Jan 25, 2023 at 5:51 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

If there are more solenoids, I don't feel it will work. The computer in the vehicle that controls the transmission was designed for the transmission the vehicle came with. If there are additional solenoids, even if the connector attaches, it won't do anything with them.

I attached the wiring schematic below for a 2000 Celica GT-S. It was one page long, but I had to cut it in half to make it readable for you. I did overlap them so you can follow from one to the next.

Take a look at them and let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Jan 25, 2023 at 7:19 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

So Celica transmission i took back and got another corolla transmission, but i assumed torque converter would work. Is there a way to get it to fit?

Feb 2, 2023 at 7:56 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

A torque converter will either fit or won't. There isn't anything that can be adjusted to make it work.

What doesn't fit properly?

Joe

Feb 2, 2023 at 6:53 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

It seems like the tip doesn’t fully fit into the flex plate. But they have adapters/spacers. I bought one but not sure how or where it goes, or if it's the right one.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Feb 3, 2023 at 10:57 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

Are you sure it is for this issue?

I read the label in pic 1. If that is what I think, it is a component for a GM vehicle transmission (older one) if a different performance flex plate is used. This is required for fitment if you are using a curved flex plate with an LS engine on a TH350, TH400, or Powerglide transmission. It isn't made for a Toyota, and I don't think any were ever made, but I could be wrong.

Who is giving you this information? They are going to drive you crazy.

Joe

Feb 3, 2023 at 1:39 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Hey Joe,

So, here's an update: 2 transmissions later, smh! The one from the Celica wouldn't fit due to the torque converter being bigger, so swapped it out and got one from a 2006 Corolla. Finally able to drive it again, but still not 100percent. I'm losing power between first and second gears. My neighbor is saying my O2 sensor is bad, and a possible vacuum leak. I'm getting code P1656 as well. What are your thoughts?

Mar 9, 2023 at 4:00 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

The code you have is related to the oil control valve which is likely the cause of the power loss. The variable valve timing (VVT) system controls the intake valve timing to proper timing in response to driving condition. The ECM controls OCV (Oil Control Valve) to make the intake valve timing proper, and oil pressure controlled with OCV is supplied to the VVT controller, and then, VVT controller changes relative position between the camshaft and the crankshaft. Confusing, I know.

I attached diagnostics below specific to the code. Take a look through them and let me know if they help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Mar 9, 2023 at 7:47 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

Why is it every time you fix one problem another appears! SMH!! So, my neighbor suggested i remove the valve cover because of a knocking sound that we could hear! So, I set timing just in case, removed valve cover and this is what was seen attached pictures! Now my neighbor says I should just cut it off, and it wouldn't be a big deal. If this is true, I'm okay with cutting off, but i want to know will it be a big deal down the road or would it be fine to cut off and not worry about it! But that is the piece that was causing a lot of noise!

Images (Click to enlarge)

Mar 14, 2023 at 1:10 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

I've never seen one of those come loose. They are pressed in. Also, I don't think you would be able to cut it and I question if that would be a good idea.

Is that the only thing you found? I suspect that helps hold the bearing in place.

Joe

Mar 14, 2023 at 3:47 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Not even with my Dremel? I think it is the end result from my a/c compressor not being fully tightened and I had the belt pop off as well as power steering pulley wheel fly off. So would you suggest replacing it, if I have a spare one.

Mar 14, 2023 at 4:17 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

Here is what it looks like originally, pulled it off my old engine to see exactly where it came from. Question, if i remove nut, then doesn't the sprocket come off and then other pieces follow?

Images (Click to enlarge)

Mar 14, 2023 at 5:42 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

Yes, if you remove the cam pulley bolt, the pulley will then be removable. I looked at the pics you attached. It appears that it was welded to the camshaft originally. That would be used to prevent the camshaft from traveling forward and back. It needs to be there.

Is the cam you have in the last pic (old engine) the same part? If it is and it's in good condition, I would use it.

Let me know.

Joe

Mar 14, 2023 at 7:35 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
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I wish i had seen your response Joe, lol it would have saved me of having to take everything back apart. should i go ahead and replace both, since I'm already replacing one of them?

Mar 15, 2023 at 12:53 AM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

yes, the part is from old engine, they both look better than what is in the new engine.

Mar 15, 2023 at 12:57 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

Replacing both is a good idea since one has failed. Just make sure they are the same parts.

Sorry you missed the last post. That sounds like something I would go through as well.

Let me know if I can help.

Take care,

Joe

Mar 15, 2023 at 5:30 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

Need help! If it’s not one thing it’s another. So, I replaced them and fired it up and started up just fine but then I started hearing a noise, so I shut it off, and checked the pulleys and power steering pump to see if they were the cause of noise. As far as I could tell they weren’t. So, I fire it back up and put it in reverse and give it gas next thing I know it shuts off. I’m like great! I tried to start it, but it wouldn’t start. So, I tried to turn the crankshaft by hand, and it wouldn’t turn. I’m like great engine locked up on me. What are the causes for the engine to lock up? The sound resembled to dryer with a piece of metal in it and it bounces around with every turn. Before I replaced the camshaft, I removed the injector from 2 cylinders and spark plugs, the bolt that holds injector to head had fallen out and I assumed it fell off behind engine. Especially since I was able to put spark plugs back and everything went back together with no problems. So, I’m really unsure of what can cause the engine to lock up, can you point me in a direction of what to look for and if you have the right process for fixing the issue. I figured I have the old engine and I could take apart the engine in car and replace it with parts from old engine. The worst case is going to junkyard and getting another engine. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Mar 22, 2023 at 1:24 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
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And how can I set the timing now when I can’t even get it to rotate? I’m sure the markings on my timing chain should still be there but how can I get cylinder one to the right position?

Mar 22, 2023 at 1:26 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

Can you turn the engine in either direction? The 1.8L is an interference engine. If the timing jumped, the noise you were hearing was a valve or valves hitting the tops of the pistons.

Let me know. Also, please confirm something for me. The only engine offered in the vehicle is a 1.8L and your original heading indicates a 2.3L.

Hang in there. If this happens and you have a different cylinder head that is good, we should be able to fix it.

Take care,

Joe

Mar 22, 2023 at 6:12 PM

DC CRENSHAW

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Joe,

So, I figured out what the noise was. So, when I first started hearing the noise, I assumed pulley or cam which is why I checked the top side, when whole time it was the bottom side, I should have been worried about. This is the sight I saw as soon as I dropped the oil pan. Truly not a happy camper. Let me go and answer your questions, when I tried to crank by hand it would barely move either way and I see why. This would explain why I was having power issues. Yes, my car is 1.8l not sure why it says 2.4l. I wish it was thou! By the end of it all, plan on making it faster by adding a turbocharger kit to it. After I can get it running and not a short-term run. So, this part of the engine is truly foreign territory for me. Once I seen the crack, I’m like great now I definitely need a new one but then I realized that crack is below line I seen. Or is the line just a crack and I need a different engine. Tell me that it’s possible to piece together the engine from the two I have! I'm not sure exactly the issue with the old engine but I think it did the same as this but not as bad, because when it happened, I was frustrated and just yanked it out and put this one in. Really frustrating because before all these issues car ran like a champ until it got towed wrong way and I was unaware at the time that it would throw my whole timing off from it. Getting ready to remove oil pan from old engine to see how bad it is. My concern is pertaining to the timing, because I wasn’t able to set it prior to removing oil pan with it being jammed. But haven’t messed with timing chain except for pulling out the plugger on backside by power steering pump.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Mar 23, 2023 at 2:34 PM