Hydraulic Pressure Tests

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Toyota ECHO, 2002 Toyota Celica, 2001 Toyota ECHO, and 2001 Toyota Celica. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Perform test at normal operating fluid temperature of 122-176°F (50-80°C).

Ensure transaxle fluid is at operating temperature. Raise and support vehicle. Remove transaxle case line pressure test plug. See Fig 1. Install hydraulic pressure gauge. Lower vehicle.
Fully apply parking brake. Block all wheels. Start engine and ensure idle speed is 700-800 RPM on Celica, or 650-750 RPM on ECHO. Shift transaxle into Drive. Read and record line pressure at idle. Fully apply brakes. Depress accelerator pedal to floor. DO NOT apply full throttle for more than 10 seconds.
Measure highest line pressure. Refer to specifications in appropriate LINE PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS table. Repeat test in Reverse. If pressures exceed specifications in all ranges, regulator valve or shift solenoid SLT in upper valve body is defective. Ensure no TP sensor related trouble codes are present.
If pressures in both positions are lower than specifications, oil pump, regulator valve or shift solenoid SLT is defective. Ensure no TP sensor related trouble codes are present.
If pressure is lower than specifications in Drive only, forward clutch is defective or Drive circuit has a fluid leak. If pressure is lower than specifications in Reverse only, reverse clutch is defective, 1st/reverse brake is defective or Reverse circuit has a fluid leak.

Fig 1: Locating Transaxle Test Plug

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

LINE PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS (CELICA)

Engine RPM	"D" Range - psi (kg/cm² )	"R" Range - psi (kg/cm² )
Idle	54-60 (3.8-4.2)	80-100 (5.6-7.0)
Stall	164-178 (11.5-12.5)	255-284 (18.0-20.0)

LINE PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS (ECHO)

Engine RPM	"D" Range - psi (kg/cm² )	"R" Range - psi (kg/cm² )
Idle	55-60 (3.9-4.2)	78-92 (5.5-6.5)
Stall	161-178 (11.3-12.5)	246-263 (17.3-18.5)