Torque converter symptoms/ faulty gear position sensor???
What is your question?
Won't shift gears once 25mph or more. Literally will not go into gear. Check engine light flashes when it tries, little to no power to accelerate. Rough idle. Checked transmission fluid and it's fine not thin or low. When in idle shifted into gear with parking break on and in reverse or drive it wants to stall or does stall. Had to start car in second gear once to avoid engine stall. Slight whining or whistling noise while in idle. The belt was literally just replaced when the water pump was replaced on Jan 03rd 2025. Could use spark plugs but I guarantee it's the sensor or torque converter itself. Might need to replace both. I hope not. Could use an injector clean but wouldn't effect transmission gear switching. Literally goes into limp-home mode once 25mph is reached. Will not shift into 3rd gear or if it does it stays there and acceleration is impossible. It stays at one speed, one gear, limiting about a mile to drive. No overheating.
What makes this problem better or worse?
Trying to engage transmission while driving.
How long has your 2009 Toyota Matrix had this problem?
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Hello, Dave here, contributing to RepairPal and providing expert advice since 2010.
I can't express enough that it's important to check for any diagnostic trouble codes that have been set. These are important clues in helping a technician troubleshoot what's going on with your vehicle. You are flying blind without this important information, so have this checked by a local shop near you.
It sounds like you have done all you can checking fluid level and getting a sense of what the car does it and when.
I don't think "torque converter" in any way if you have no gears shifting above 25 miles per hour. Not going into gear, as a description, indicates a more substantial issue.
A flashing check engine light indicates that there is a real and valid misfire being recorded from the engine. This can be from spark and ignition, fuel or base engine concerns. Testing is needed.
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