Engine 2001 Corolla....black/brown ATF????!!!

2001 Corolla....black/brown ATF????!!!

My friend Kel owns a new (to her) 2001 Corolla CE with 71,000 miles. She and her friend traded cars b/c her friend couldn't afford the payment and Kel wanted a new car. It has, of course the 1zz-fe engine and the 3-spd automatic without O/D.

Car hasn't been maintained at all, I don't think. Engine was 2 qt low on oil when she got it with varnish and gum all over the dipstick - BAD BAD BAD! We put 2 qt in and it sounded a LOT better immediately.

What concerns me most - the transmission...why you ask?

1) very harsh shifts
2) at FULL throttle from a stop, the tranny shifts 1-2 @ like 32-33mph (this is not normal considering redline in 1st is like 45mph - fried clutch packs are near in the future if this keeps up)
3) ATF is @ normal level, but is DARK BROWN/BLACK in color and smells burnt.


Is there a kickdown cable and could it need adjustment?
What type of transmission fluid does the 3-spd use?? Is it Dexron II/III?
Is the transmission electronically controlled?
Any special procedures you all would recommend other than a flush??
I'm doing the work as I'm familiar with Toyotas (own a 2003 Corolla myself) - any advice or suggestions as to what I might look for?
The engine is REALLY weak off the line - enough to suggest there MIGHT be a problem. Suggestions??

ANY advice is appreciated,
Thanks,
Trav

yes um chagne the atf now, check compression or do a blow by test to make ssure the cylinders are properly seald and the rings aren't fried. the transmission is electronically controlled, check the manual for fluid type, i belive it is dexronIII.

oops! i thought they were allbecoming electronically controlled now.

the tranny actually has a kickdown cable which located on the throttle linkage. it's not electronically controlled. you'd def want to get it changed tho. shifting at around 33 isn't too uncommon. i have a 3spd and before i lengthened my shift points i was shifting at around 33-35.

1st gear SHOULD NOT exceed 38-40mph, 2nd gear however can climb up to 60mph b/f switching, dexron III is what you need..its hard to find dexron II anywhere... ive changed the fluid my self on my 96 3spd, -all you need to do is use an allen wrench, and crack open the drain plug in the pan, then itll shoot out fast, and then plug it up, refill, let the car run, and drain it again..over a few times... now flushing is VERY convenient b/c it removes ALL of the old fluid- doing it my way, wont guarantee all the dirty shit is out...now keep in mind-most places dont necessarily change your tranny filter either-but doing so is extremely important- now, theres a separate compartemnt (at least on 93-97) called the differential that needs to be drained and refilled too...i tried doing mine-its nearly impossible trying to get to the fill plug...i have to bring it into a shop..

There is only a screen to clean on these models. With the fluid that color maybe you should have it flushed and filled. CW