If you own a 2001 to 2003 Toyota RAV4 and you are having problems with the automatic transmission with symptoms including harsh shifting, loss of power when launching from one gear to the other or hard engagement when it is put in reverse, then you should know that those problems are very common with this spec of cars and are caused by a defect in the engine computer, which controls the transmission.
The problem is usually occasional, occurring intermittently depending on the severity of the particular case. It might also occur when the vehicle is warm or after it has been driven for some time.
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is responsible for sending signals to the shifting solenoids in the transmission allowing it shift at the right time.
However, with wear and tear, the original ECU has been known to fail and has been recommended by the manufacturer for an upgrade. The defects in the ECU affect the proper functioning of the shifting solenoids, activating and deactivating them erratically.
This must be given urgent attention as it can cause major damage to the transmission unit. The ECU needs to be upgraded whether the problem has manifested as a transmission problem or not.
If your RAV4 is having any of the problems highlighted above, please stop driving it and call us to help you arrange the proper repair solution.