Toyota U140E / U140F

Toyota's transverse four-speed — in the Camry, Corolla, Highlander and the first Lexus RX.

It is the U151E's predecessor and the two are constantly confused, because the model names and the years overlap: a Camry or a Highlander of the mid-2000s may have either. The ratio count is what separates them — four against five — and the parts do not interchange.

Its recurring failure is the solenoid and valve body, presenting as a harsh 1–2 change, a delayed engagement into drive, or a limp mode. These are serviceable from the pan, which is the difference between an afternoon and a rebuild, and worth establishing before anything larger is quoted.

Fluid is Type IV. As on every Toyota automatic of this era, filling it with the later WS produces exactly the harsh cold engagement above, in a transmission that was otherwise healthy.

A light vibration at a steady speed is the lock-up clutch, not slipping — the same distinction and the same first remedy as everywhere else here.