2002 Corolla CE Without Overdrive?
Over the past ten years I have owned a 1999CE and a 2001CE Corolla both had overdrive with the overdrive button on the shifter. Yesterday I purchased a 2002 Corolla CE and there is no overdrive button, the spot on the shifter has a plastic snap-on cover over where the overdrive button would be. Did Toyota make a corolla transmission without overdrive?
7 Answers
i wouldn't worry about it. It still has the same four speed transmission. The overdrive button is for towing it basically wont go into 4th gear when turned off so you get more pulling power. You are fine nothing to worry about.
Yes, they actually made a 3 speed automatic transmission. The 4 speed auto was an upgrade.
I have a 2001 CE without the button. It is apparently a 3 speed...which sucks. I've been trying to find out if a 4 speed can be installed.
Corolla CE's of that era came standard with a 3-speed non-electronic, non-overdrive transmission. It shifts by means of a govenor and by the position of the throttle body. It is in high gear by 18-20 mph on normal acceleration. It is made by Aisin-Warner, and is an excellent transmission. It is not so good T interstate speeds because of the engine speed(rpm). Just like all Aisins they need a drain and fill every 20-30,000 miles. And unlike the 4-speeds and later transmissions, they have a separate differential that requires the same change interval and takes 1.6 quarts of Dexron3 or equivalent. I use synthetic Wolfs Head for both resevoirs. It is Not a Toyota transmission, it is made by Aisin-Warner. Both the 3 and 4 speeds are some of the best transmissions ever made, and the 3- speed takes top honors!
And No, a 4-speed cannot be transpanted into a CE Corolla that has a 3-speed without a new computer and other relays and things. Not worth doing although theoretically anyting can happen. BTW- The 3- speed is an Excellent transmission. It just is not made for 70+ speeds because of the lack of overdrive. Be glad you have it.! They don't make them that good anymore- You change the fluid regularly and it will last for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Not to contradict an earlier input, but the shifter has an overdrive button for the 4-speed. You push it to exclude overdrive. If there is just a plug and no button, it has No overdrive because it is a 3- speed non- overdrive transmission. Simple as that! And don't forget, it has a separate differential that needs a drain and fill at the same interval- 20-30,000 miles, depending on severity of service.
The 4-speed automatic was part an option package that was offered on CE models. It also included power windows/locks/intermitant wipers,more body insulation, etc.
