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Could you email me (handsomedudesc@yahoo.com) a copy of the TSB's you mention? I could not see copy by clicking your profile.
I'm almost wondering if it is possible for the dealer to just re-load the ECM/TCM load of software....perhaps thinking that somehow your software dropped a bit or two.
Alternatively if it were mine (and if I was completely frustrated), I might try pulling the battery on the vehicle for an hour or so, to see if that would reset it back to the original software load.
1. I really like the car for the money. Almost all is perfectly acceptable with the exception of the hesitation problem
2. Since the hesitation problem is not predictable it is a SAFETY problem
3. Although I understand the science and strategy behind the Drive By Wire, a car should do what I tell it to do, when I tell it, as quickly as possible. A car should NOT be telling me what it wants me to do (although I realize that isn't entirely true when you think about anti-lock brakes, stability control, airbags, etc.) In this case, acceleration, I don't need any help
4. There are many reasons for drive by wire, some lofty, some not. For example, "Drive-Steer-Brake" by wire would allow manufacturers to easily locate the steering wheel, brakes, accelerator on either side of the dash, or in the middle for that matter. The Drive by Wire purportedly helps gas mileage, and saves wear and tear on the transmission and engine.
5. I contacted Consumer Reports and they said they will look into it.
6. I wrote a letter to Motor Trend asking them if they were aware of the problem. They called me, and said they would look into it, but promised nothing.
Again, I really like this car. However, regardless of the goals and strategies for Drive By Wire, it is all rendered senseless if a driver (the human being) tells the car (a clump of metal) to do something, and the car says (in effect) "Let me think about that request for a few seconds."
Toyota needs to fix this problem.
I have been told that hesitation also occurs in other DBW vehicles, including some high end marques (BMW).
DBW probably saves some wear and tear on the transmission, but I'm not so sure about the engine--after all, when the power does eventually kick in as it should, the engine revs up to the red line. That can't be good for the engine.
I notice some Camrys are mfg in KY and some in Japan. I wonder if those mfg in Japan have same problems as those mfg in KY. Mine was mfg in KY.
Stay tuned, as I will post results after TSB installed next week.
I am brand new to this board. I just bought a new 2007 Camry - in fact, I don't pick it up until tonight and am a little concerned by all of the issues that I am reading about. Since I have not yet picked up the car, will they automatically complete this new TSB that was issued or should I call the dealer and ask about it?
I am planning on driving the vehicle before officially accepting it (it just arrived yesterday so I hadn't driven it yet), but I want to ensure that this is completed.
I did ask the salesman yesterday about issues with the transmission on the 4cyl models and he told me that the issue was with the 6 cyl not the 4's. It sounds to me like there have been issues with both models based upon what I have read here.
What should I do at this point - I really am clueless.
I have one of the very early VIN numbers and did report/experience the cruise control downshifting and slight hesitation, which was completely resolved by the application of the earlier TSB (I think it was Sept/Oct 2006 without looking it up). I'll be sure to get the new TSB done at some point, but it will be my convenience since I have no current problems/symptoms.
Although a good majority of those experiencing the original problem were resolved by the earlier TSB, there still appear to be a small number of that original subset that still are experiencing a hesitation problem.
So in your case it probably doesn't matter one way or the other, but I'd get it done before picking up just because it would be more convenient.
So... when I call the dealer should I tell them that I heard about a TSB or should I call it something else? I am not really sure exactly what a TSB is.
Let us know what happens.
Among other issues, I had both the problem you list in my Oct 2006 build, 2007 6cyl xle.
problem 2) low-speed downshift during braking has gone away for me - it might have been one of the TSB reprograms or the tranny replacement.
problem 1) lift-throttle downshift 38-24 range still exists and is extremely annoying. happens consistently. Even when I start the lift throttle at higher speeds, when car coasts to speeds under 40, the downshift is very apparent and the coasting effectively turns to braking between 35 to 25, then after the speed drops below 25 or 24 the transmission seem to disconnect, rpm drops and the car starts to coast once more. I have always thought this was an intentional but poor attempt to mitigate the 3-4 gear engine flare people used to complain about earlier on.
I have a third problem in my car, gear seem to slip between 1 and 2 and sometimes between 2 and 3. The engine revs 2 or 3 hundred rpm between each change. very very annoying.
This last problems happens three or more times a week but more consistently when the car has been sitting for a day or two.
regards.
1. had the TSB installed this morning
2. New TSB number is EG036-07 (SUPERSEDES EG056-06) "ECM Calibration: Enhancement to Shifting Performance & Smoothness"
3. Takes about an hour
4. Make sure you remind the dealership to hook up the battery to a charger; because the TSB is so "robust" it can drain your car's battery when being installed; not good to run out of juice in the middle of an upgrade
5. Description is
-- recalibrate ECM (PCM) Engine & Transmission
-- Recalibrate ECM (PCM) Engine & Transmission (California Specification Vehicles)
So, what's the outcome?
I drove the car around the parking lot, then for 1/2 hour after on highway and local side roads (where I've had the hesitation problem before). I am VERY happy to report that the fix works!! The car shifts, accelerates, and decelerates smoothly. There is NO noticeable hesitation; the car does what I ask it to do immediately. I notice the shifts are changed across all 5 gears, not just upon startup. My car now has GOOD response and acceleration for a 4 cylinder, and plenty of "snap"; a lot more fun to drive.
We're expected to hit 104 here today in the south, which will put a greater load on the air conditioner. I will let you know if the driving character changes with the increase in temp (was 78 when I drove home from the dealership). Them will see how she goes over the next week or so.
One last thing, there are lots of customers scheduling the TSB, so get on the list now. Again, my initial impression is that this TSB completely changes the driving character of this car; brings out the power in this little 4 cylinder.
Sorry for any confusion.
Does anyone have access to a PDF of the new TSB that they can post. Thanks in advance.
My car functions perfectly. Now that another TSB is available, I'm not sure I want it performed. It would be horrible if I had it performed and then my car performed worse. It used to downshift hard. I would hatE to have the new TSB performed and have that happen again.
IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE A PDF COPY OF TSB TC010-06, SEND ME A MESSAGE THROUGH CARSPACE WITH YOUR EMAIL AND I WILL EMAIL IT TO YOU.
From what the original poster said, the new TSB is a recalibration of the engine and transmission software.
I'd like to see the PDF of the new TSB. If anyone finds it please post it or provide a way to see it. Thanks.
There was no correction from the previous post. The TSB's are the same letters and numbers from the original post..
Is TSB EG036-07 the new TSB?
HarshDownShift_TC010-06
EcmPerformance_EG056-06
and also for refrence some known TSBs, this is only my list
Post edited...adding console TSB per request
Console_BO019-06
On the other list, could you send me or post the TSB related to the console. It was the third one down from the top. Thanks in advance.
1. performance is much better; there is no noticeable hesitation.
2. I notice the shifts are different across all 5 gears (up and down shifts) over the same roads I traveled in the last three months of driving prior to the TSB. Shifts seem faster, and less often. Also, the tachometer seems to me to be reading LOWER on average than prior to the TSB. Going uphill, I am experienceing less up-down shifts. My car now performs appropriately IMHO; more like the previous camry 4 cylinder. Takeoffs seem to have more power, torque.
3. The mileage computer seems to be reading the same as prior to the new TSB. I am getting 23.8 or more in mixed driving, even in the heatwave we're having
4. Our temp hit 104 yesterday; the heat only moderately affected performance, probably more due to the air con running full blast to cool the car down; still, much much better than before.
Bottom line is that that TSB seems to work, my car performs better, drives better, and I have less anxiety. Even if not perfect, it is far better than before the TSB. Time will tell.
Will be calling my dealer Monday morning to make my appointment. Thanks for all the great information everyone!
Curious to hear more impressions about how this changes the driving behavior of the car. Also, to get this installed, do you call the service department and tell them you want the newest TSBs installed? Is that covered under warranty too?
Thanks guys, here's to hoping I don't have to sell the car after all!
I am also eager to hear more about the TSB. My car is completely fine, but I hope other Camry owners are able to get help. I had two other TSB's performed because they were available, although my car performed great. However, the TSB's made performance better.
Any TSB is covered under warranty. Hopefully someone can post a pdf version so we can all see the TSB. The trick is (this is what I did) to print out the TSB and take it in to the dealership with you and ask them to perform the TSB. If you are having problems they should perform it for you. They can waste time test driving it and looking at it, or they can take the 1/2 hour to perform the TSB and send you on your way.
Then you need to be sure NO ONE else drives your car until it adapts to just your personal driving style.
Might P.O. the DW but what the hey...?
"..so I'm hoping it will improve."
Lots, TONS, of patience, have you?
you might try these experiments: go to an open parking lot and imagine performing a manuver to get in the left lane or turn lane to make a left. slow to a slow roll, and then give it gas on the left turn.
do this a few times.
also try to coast on a non-busy freeway entry ramp, then give it gas.
or in the right lane, maintain speed, then with no traffic in the left lane, simulate a passing manuver a few times.
if you don't experience hesitation, it would be helpful for others to know.
The way to replicate, IMMHO, the 1-2 second engine/transaxle delay/hesitation is to "force" the ECU to begin an upshift and then virtually immediately thereafter "call" for a downshift.
While cruising along at, say 35-45MPH, suddenly and quickly lift the gas pedal, thottle, just long enough for the ECU to "command" the transaxle to begin an upshift. Now just as suddenly and immediately re-apply a significant level of foot pressure to the gas pedal, clearly enough pressure that the gear ratio that the transaxle is currently shifting into will not be, is not, satisfactory for the level of acceleration your foot pressure requires/indicates.
If you get the timing right then the transaxle will still be in the process of completing the previously commanded upshift when the engine/transaxle ECU reaches the point of needing to command the next shift sequence, a downshift.
With marginal pumping capacity to begin with (most "critical" gear shifts are done at HIGH, higher RPM), but now here we are with a somewhat critical gear change but with the ATF pressure virtually exhausted and with the engine at idle...
What to do, WHAT to do....?
Oh. Use DBW to delay the onset of rising engine torque until the upcoming downshift can be fully and firmly, clutches FULLY seated, completed.
Obviously timing of the above events is CRITICAL, maybe even SUPER critical. Which is why these hesitation EVENTS are so rare as to be virtually non-existant for most owners.
No, thats why im really pissed. Seems to me that my car cannot be fixed. What options do I have?
THX
Has anyone has success with the latest V-6 TSB
I am still trying to get to a dealership which can duplicate my rpm flare and rough shifting.
Any info would be helpful Thanks
joel, it might be helpful to for you to describe the "not-so-perfect" shifts you are experiencing after the TSB