The Toyota Matrix was equipped with the A246E and A140F. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Toyota Matrix transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Toyota Matrix Transmission Models
Toyota Matrix: A246E Transmission
Toyota Matrix: A140F Transmission
Toyota Matrix Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Toyota Matrix transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0724 | Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit High |
| P0741 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit |
| P0751 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0756 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0973 | Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Low |
| P0974 | Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit High |
| P0976 | Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit Low |
| P0977 | Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit High |
| P2715 | Pressure Control Solenoid D Stuck On |
| P2716 | Pressure Control Solenoid D Electrical |
| P2769 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Low |
| P2770 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit High |
Toyota Matrix Transmission Recalls
None Found
Toyota Matrix Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB TC015-07 – Harsh shifting with a P2715 DTC
2005 – 2007 Toyota Corolla – 2005 – 2007 Toyota Matrix
Problem – Some drivers can experience unusually harsh gear changes, accompanied by a P2715 diagnostic trouble code.
Solution – A revised ECU will need to be installed.
TSB TC012-05 – ‘Whistle’ or ‘hoot’ sound coming from the transmission – A245E / A246E transmission
2003 – 2006 Toyota Corolla
Problem – Vehicles equipped with the Toyota 1ZZ-FE engine may experience an unusual whistle or ‘hoot’ sound coming from the transmission while the vehicle is accelerating between 35 – 40 mph.
Solution – Redesigned transmission cooler lines will need to be installed.
Common Toyota Matrix Transmission Problems
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Toyota Matrix can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Toyota Matrix transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Toyota Matrix transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Toyota Matrix transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Toyota Matrix transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Toyota Matrix transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Toyota Matrix transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Toyota Matrix transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Toyota Matrix transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Toyota Matrix transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Toyota Matrix Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Toyota Matrix Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Toyota Matrix Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Toyota Matrix Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Toyota Matrix Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
2006 Toyota Matrix, automatic, owned for 3 years. Suddenly my daughter could not reverse. We put transmission fluid and she was able to reverse. Car was fine for a week, then last night she couldn’t reverse again. So we put more fluid and it worked. When the mechanic due a tuneup a few days ago, he said he didn’t see any leaks, cracks etc.
Ten minutes after starting my trip I turned onto the highway and accelerated to about 80 mph. After driving for approximately 5 or fewer minutes i heard a loud ticking noice. I slowed down and the ticking went away. I did not notice any other sounds, shaking, or odor. After driving another 5 or so minutes more i was able to exit the highway and pull into a gas station. I put about 5 gallons of gas in and started back to the highway. Again, i noticed NO noises, odors, shaking, etc. I continued to drive on highway between 65-70 mph for 10-15 minutes. I exited highway, drove about 1 mile, then turned left up a small hill. As soon as i started up the hill my vehicle felt like it was slipping on ice/gravel. I made it about 20 yards and the vehicle had slowed almost to a stop when i pulled off the road to stop and turned off the engine. Again, no noises or odors. I waited about 5 minutes, started the car, put in drive and vehicle would not move forward. I was able to back the car further off of the road. My husband and husbands friend who is a mechanic checked out vehicle with computer and visually, the transmission completely shot. My vehicle is a 2006 Toyota Matrix with almost 170,000 miles.
2006 Toyota matrix automatic transmission. Engine light came on. Garage got a code P0741. I checked my transmission oil looks dark not red.. Told could be transmission sensor, should bring in and they’ll check could need new transmission. Not sure if it’s worth replcing if needs transmission.
Car look new kept everything up to date Toyota says not to change transmission oil. I don’t know .
My car is a 2007 Toyota matrix 5 speed in reference to the last post
My car made a squealing sound like a belt popped then the gears went to grinding and it would not go into gear . We tried wenching it on to a trailer but it’s like the tires are locked but once we got it in gear it did go up on the trailer. Does anyone know what maybe the problem. I have heard it was the clutch then I was told it maybe something broke in the gear box
I have a Toyota Matrix 2004 XR don”t goes forward neither go reverse
05 Matrix automatic with 176k miles. Mechanic said I need a new transmission due to worn side gear. Car works fine, drive/reverse fine. No warning lights. Slowly Leaks yellow-orange fluid from passenger side.
Humming noise when clutch out grinding of reverse and slipping out of reverse
2005 Toyota Corolla matrick you can put it into gear without pushing clutch in press on the gas and it acts as if it want to move but doesn’t would that be gear box or what
2008 matrix goes forward but not reverse
’07 M-Theory, 5-speed manual. Grinds when engaging 2nd and 3rd, no known trouble codes. Mechanic suspects worn synchros. Looking for an estimate on parts and labor for repair (not replacement) vs. labor for full transmission replacement with performance six-speed kit. Thanks in advance.
Same problem but only when the motor is cold… the 3erd gear grinds…. did you solve the problem??? What was the solution?? $$$$???
Fluid black and gritty it is a AwD
my 09 Toyota Matrix, doesn’t have drive, or reverse. There are no check engine or any other lights on, and we had no issues with slippage or hard shifts before going out. L, 2, and 3rd are all working as is park, when in drive once it shifts out of 3rd it just acts like its in neutral. fluid and its level are fine. this happened this morning. yesterday our muffler started to leak, and a hole blew out in it within a few minutes. ive had this car for 4 years and have kept it regularly maintained, i was pricing cv axles already as the drivers side had started giving signs it needed to be replaced. I’m not sure if either the muffler or cv axle could have anything to do with it, this will be the first muffler replacement, since we purchased the vehicle, we replaced the right front cv axle 2 years ago. no signs of any leaks under my vehicle anywhere so i am completely lost.
Hi I HV a 2008 hundai matrix an none of the gears are changing what’s can I check for
When taking off from a stop light, heard a loud pop and then nothing but rattling/grinding. Car still goes into all gears, but the car doesn’t move, just grinding/rattling when accelerator pressed. When car is in park it still rolls freely as if it were in neutral. No dash lights, no issues before this. In my opinion something broke hard (final drive/gear assembly?) as the car free wheels/rolls while in park. Pulled the dipstick and fluid is bright pink and smells very clean, almost like brand new fresh fluid. Vehicle has 137k miles.
My Matrix transmission is breaking down . the check engine is on and apparently affected by this.
70.000 miles so far. Supposidly, they are supposed to be gone for 150.ooo miles What a crap shot by the
manufacturer.
No reverse