1991 Toyota Camry Power Lose in 2nd Gear

Replace second gear, or not weigh in scrap shop, current rate for scrap Iron is a quarter dollar per pound. Those guys are better off than you.

How many miles on the vehicle? How many miles since the trans was flushed? Have you checked the trans fluid level? What does your mechanic say?

Sounds like a automatic transmission service is in order.

You could try replacing the fluid and cleaning any screens that are part of the normal service procedures.

If that doesn't work either a rebuild or replacement with another working used transmission is going to be the ticket.

Have your transmission serviced by a QUALIFIED mechanic.

It sounds as if something is partially engaging another gear along with second when the 1 - 2 upshift occurs; the engine is still providing normal power, but it is all being dissipated in the heating of friction material, hard parts, and transmission fluid. My best guess is that, since gears two and four share one planetary assembly, that something is wrong in that area and the transmission is engaging fourth gear and second gear simultaneously.

A rebuild is in order.

The bands in the transmission need adjusted & it's a good idea to replace the filter
I prefer to send folks to the Haynes repair manual rather than Chiltons it's cheaper, goes directly to the problem & hoof painter Gee Dumbya could hardly falter with the pictures

Think about torque multiplication. The engine is at 3:1 in first gear. When it shifts, the ratio is only 2:1. Your engine may just not have sufficient power to drive the car in the higher gear. This could be restricted fuel, or insufficient electrical power to fire the spark plugs at the engine load in second gear.

Try this, find a nice clear parking lot, with NOTHING in front of the car for a long distance. ( 200 ft. ) Apply the parking brake as tight as you can. Put the transmission in first, or drive, and use your left foot to hold the foot brake as hard as you can. Now slowly and carefully push the gas pedal down and feel for the engine to stumble. Prolonged power breaking (that is what that is referred to as) will cause overheating of the transmission oil to the tune of one degree per second. This test should be over in only ten seconds. If you get the same feeling as when the transmission goes into second gear, check for the fuel filter, spark plugs and the catalytic converter.

The parking lot test will not fix anything, but at least it is cheap. Good luck.

Anyone know what happened to our Toyota?

They joined a band and produced a hit single called "My Corolla"

Oh wonderful! Do they take requests? Could they play.... Far, Far Away?

You can't get there from here in a Corolla.