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Toyota 4Runner Transmission Problems

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Comments

  • cdelappecdelappe Member Posts: 6
    I new my trans was going to go out. I have had similiar if not the same problems as a lot of you here. The delayed shifting, won't drop to passing gear when going up hill, to hard shifting. There was always fluid in it and figured since it had over 256k on it, it was probably time. I preformed all filter and fluid changes as recommended since I bought it at 234k. The trans fluid was dark when I first bought it. When I flushed it everything seemed and worked fine. I had to service it 8 months later and the fluid wasn't that bad. Recently I left my house and drove about a mile and a half to end of road and stopped. When I took off it shifted hard. But it shifted. Got about 1/2 mile and stepped on gas and the engine just revved. Steered to side of road and and put it in park. Went through all gears and the same even in reverse. Turned it off. called for ride. when my husband got there, I started it up and dropped it into drive to show him and it engaged. While engaged it makes this awful metal grind/rattling noise sounds like coming from transmission. I was able to drive it back to my house and park it. I guess my question is should I try to fix it or give up on it and sell it to someone for a parts truck? Its my only vehicle and I need to figure out something fast. Don't have a lot of money to spend. Does anyone know about how much I should sell it for if I should decide to go that way?
    Thanks, Crystal
  • beckerluvmubeckerluvmu Member Posts: 6
    I met with the regional field rep for a day about the problem. Our 09 has only 7500 miles and I was told we didn't drive it enough for the computer to have enough data points to correct for certain driving conditions it couldn't recognize. He assured me that the transmission was fine. Go figure. Told him I wanted the computer from our 06 installed. We had no problems with it, should have just kept the 06 but wanted to get a new one before the body style change. I asked about upgrades to the computer also, but he said there is not one. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Good Luck
  • fox_bfox_b Member Posts: 8
    My 2000 4Runner just started experiencing this same problem at 140k miles. What ended up being the problem? I am trying to diagnose it with the least amount of out of pocket expenses. Is it a soleniod or have the seals gone bad?

    Any help appreciated.
  • luvtoy45luvtoy45 Member Posts: 1
    I have the same problem with my 2000 4Runner. In fact, my previous "00" 4runner had this issue. I had the dealer flush the trans and replace the radiator. After driving it a few hundred more miles I had the trans flushed again due to milky looking fluid still on the dipstick. I sold that unit for fear the trans would be dead soon. Bought another "00" model because I loved the style and was satified with the reliability. Have been driving it for 4 yrs now with hardly any maintenance except for a leaky differential cover. Liked it so much, I bought a third "00" model that was wrecked and rebuilt the whole thing. Just yesterday my wife said she broke down and car was overheating. Checked it out and sure enough, The same thing happened...."strawberry milkshake syndrome" pulled the dipstick and it was covered with antifreeze/trans fluid combo. I think toyota knows their radiators are faulty and just figure they'll ignore any TSB's or recalls. Kinda shady when you promote your company with ads of this one and that one getting 400K+ miles on their cars and then have an issue like this and just ignore it. This is an extremely costly fix if it's not caught soon!
  • bknippabknippa Member Posts: 1
    Got a 94 4runner...was driving fine then i got in it one day and it acted like it didn't want to go...it was like the front tires were locked and the back ones would just spin. Eventually it started going i had to make it to work so i drove it anyways. eventually it wouldn't let me go any furthur. i could smell what i thought was the clutch so we replaced it and its still doin the same thing. now when i drive it, the rpms increase very fast and force me to shift...eventually i'll be driving in 5th gear and only going 20 mph or so....can anybody help me here?????
  • sawmecomingsawmecoming Member Posts: 1
    What the Heck
    My 2010 Toyota 4runner has been to two different dealerships a total of 4b times and I am getting the same [non-permissible content removed] from them.
    Toyota has to know there is a major problem and is covering it up.
    I am about to go to a third party and sue them.

    I even gave them the TSB # to correct the problem and they ignored it.
    They have been told to hide the problem.

    A 32,000 vehicle should not shift like a tractor
  • lee363lee363 Member Posts: 3
    I have an 09 4Runner. The dealership kept the vehicle overnight to check the transmission fluid. They said it was low and topped it off. The hesitation in shifting diminished significantly but has not gone away entirely.
  • edpoledpol Member Posts: 11
    I agree 100%!! Mine is a May, 2009 4Runner and had what feels like trans problem since day-one! I have been in close contact with my dealership service manager and e-mail her all of the comments I read so she can keep record. I have file a complaint with the national highway assn and Toyota and sent the TSB# also. I got some form letter from Toyota thanking me for my concern. Something has to be done. I was told at one point that, with time, the problem will get better, but that isn't what happened. If anything, it's getting worse. Now it bogs down when I have to accellerate quickly not just when turning a corner, and I can't get out of the way fast enough. This happened to me in heavy Houston traffic the other day, and scared me to death. I guess an accident has to happen before they take serious notice. Please continue to comment on this site about any results you get. I refuse to give up! Like you said, a $32,000 vehicle should run perfectly, period. For them to keep telling me that's just the way they are made, is insulting.
  • timleetimlee Member Posts: 1
    I have a toyota 4runner 2001, however it has as I have been told 2000 trans. less than 3 years ago the trans went out. It made a noise as if something was broke lose inside. As the cost of a new was not economically possible, found a used one. Thats when we found out it was 2000 transmission. The mechanics we talked to including dealer specialist said " you don't rebuild, you buy used or new". Two weeks ago, the same thing happened again, it just stopped moving and had a sound as if something was free floating inside.
    There was no concern from the company rep about my issue even after i said I have owned Toyotas for over 30 years. I told her about my reactions from different mechanics including Toyota Dealers she did confirm the dealer answer. I was told "you don't rebuild These transmissions you buy new or used. They just trash them and this
    is something understood. I was a major Toyota fan until this.
    How many people here have had a similar problem with this model and year? Please contact me here or at timminnette@gmail.com.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Please don't include your email address in postings to the Forums. Thanks!

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    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • ik123ik123 Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2010
    Hello guys,

    Update on my 2010 4Runner transmission lag - After looking through this forum and provided links, I scheduled appointment with my dealership in NJ and insisted (first, my dealer was trying to give me a hard time telling that they can't replicate the problem) on applying TSB # 0166-10 (my VIN met the criteria). The issue with transmission lag is now completely gone and car drives perfectly normal. Thanks a lot everyone.
  • sherid590sherid590 Member Posts: 7
    Based on the Vin #'s that were put out on this forum, my 2009 doesn't match for the TSB #0166-10. Not sure what I should do now. Any suggestions??
  • fox_bfox_b Member Posts: 8
    Yes, I did get the transmission problem fixed. I believe it came down my battery. When I replaced the battery and made sure the fluid was topped off then I have not had any further problems. I dot think there is something though to what one person mention this forum regarding corosion build up some where maybe on the solenoids then the electricity will have a hard time getting through. So with replacing the battery there could still the same problem lying in wait to happen again.
  • dooley13dooley13 Member Posts: 7
    Problem continues to get worse. My 2009 4-runner (39000km) will rev to almost 3000rpm and not go anywhere when shifting gears. I'm in Eastern Canada and brought it to my dealer twice. They reset the computer the first time and the problem went away. I couldn't believe how quick it was and it was a pleasure to drive it again. Within' approx 2 week it was back to lagging on gear changes. Brought it back to dealer and they tried another reset but this time it didn't work. The dealer don't have a fix because Toyota Canada hasn't acknowledged a problem. I've been told that this is how they are and it's a computer controlled accelerator that I have to put up with. I have had a close call in traffic where I can't accelerate fast enough to merge into traffic. I apply the gas and the engine revs loudly and doesn't go anywhere. I have notified Toyota Canada and have 2 case numbers for the problem. If I get into an accident because of it I will be calling a lawyer.
    This is my 5th 4-runner and it's probably my last. I hate driving it now and I only drove it out of the showroom 14 months ago.
  • bunnone31bunnone31 Member Posts: 1
    i have a 92 4runner automatic v6 i have full power in reverse and none in forward gears? any help is appreciated thanks
  • missespmissesp Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 Toyota 4-Runner, 4WD, V6 automatic with barely 49K miles. The right rear wheel would spin coming off a speed bump. One day whiled driving to work I stopped at a stop sign when I started to go forward the vehicle jolted forward
    and then I heard a very loud banging noise and the rear wheels locked up. Afterwhich, the vehicle had to be towed because I could not drive forward.
    After the mechanic looked at the vehicle I had to have the ring and pinion in the rear differential replaced because four (4) of the spokes had broken off.

    Drives fine for about a week, on couple of times the same thing happened with the right rear wheel spinning off speed bumps. And now the transmission (??) is acting up. When I stop or hit the brakes, I believe the transmission isn't engaging properly- the vehicle jolts forward like I've been hit from behind. Just yesterday, I had someone pull out in front of me and I had to hit the brakes fairly hard the vehicle jolted forward. When I tried to drive forward the loud banging noise
    returned. At this point both the mechanic and I are at lost. Unlike the first time, I was able to drive very slowly with the banging noise to the mechanic work area.

    I'm in Africa so finding an actual licensed Toyota mechanic is out of the question. So any assistance you can provide would greatly appreciated.
  • dhylanddhyland Member Posts: 1
    I have a 03 4runner with 167k miles on it. 6 months ago the check engine light came on. I read the codes and 2 transm solenoids were stuck. I replaced them myself. Now the problem is occurring again. It slips in 1st gear and it will not go into O/D. On a whim I erased the codes and it still slips but O/D worked again.
    Is there a transmission ECU? If there is, could that be it?. If there isn't one, could it be the main ECU? Help? :confuse:
  • dooley13dooley13 Member Posts: 7
    UPDATE: My local dealer now has a TSB fix for the 2010 Toyota 4-Runner but it doesn't work on the 2009's like mine. I've contacted Toyota Canada to advise them that if I don't hear from them regarding a solution by Friday I will be calling TRANSPORT CANADA VEHICLE SAFETY AND RECALLS. I've had enough! More bad press for Toyota coming right up!
  • sherid590sherid590 Member Posts: 7
    Can you tell me which TSB # you're talking about? Is it the #0166-10? I also have a 2009 so am just wanting to know if I shouldn't bother to waste my time trying to get my dealership to do the #0166-10.
  • dooley13dooley13 Member Posts: 7
    Yeah, it's the same tsb. The -10 means it's only for 2010 models. It won't work on the 2009 I've been told by my dealer. There is a fix for the 2010 but they're not working on one for the 2009 I've been told. I'm calling Transport Canada safety if I don't hear anything in the next 2 days. I'm fed up.
    You in Canada?
    Donny
  • taigebtaigeb Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1995 Toyota 4runner. When I first purchased my fav car 3 years ago, i noticed that it hesitated when it went in reverse "sometimes". So I had a mechanic chg the filter and fluid, then repeated the process 2 more times. Every Friday for 3 weeks, thats what was up. And poof, no more probs, until about a year ago. I have not gone thru the 3 time process due to I spent a fist full on new plugs,wires,rotor,dist cap,fuel filter,air filter,oifilter,oilchg,pads,rotors,spindle,big old lock nuts,, yes I drove my wheels off just like my dad said i would. So i thought i will chg the tranny filter and fluid, and if it still rolled, i would proceed. This little 4runner of mine is not done at only 135000, and it shouldn't be. Now, i can handle the manually shifting the auto tranny, and the flashing overdrive i just tone out, but the stalling and couching and it acts like it has copd i cant take. O, yes, last summer about a week after it started sillipng and not going into revb my jbolt dropped out and my neg battery ground shorted out and it started smoking from under the hood, i killed the motor, repaired the ground to fire wall that had fried and drove it about 50 miles to my dads repair guy. well by the time i got there, my car waa no long slipping, he drove it and said, there is not a thing wrong with the tranny, and i reacted so quik to the elec ground sizzle that i just got super lucky. Guess that the computer reset when the batt was disconnected. Well, that silver lining only lasted about 50 more miles and eng lite, replaced oxygen intake upstream, everyone has told me that if I just replace this one more 150buck part it "should fix it" I am 150bucked out, only working pt, its a sad long pitiful story that i dont have time for, anyway. Tell me what you think? Iam just going to throw out what i originally thought it might be. and it has been so many probs ago i am not sure why i thought it was theElec fuel pump that got jacked up from the volts that traveled thru it.???? Or could it be a a overdrive sensor that just simply needs to be reset, or a selonoid in the tranny. Or what about a vac leak???? I am sure that this exact scenerio has happened to somebody out there, lol. But any troubleshooting tips would be greatly appreciated. I will be having to do the work myself, which i like, but Iam not a spring chick or chicken anymore,and i no longer have access to a chiltons. I gotta get back on all four wheels. My first grandbaby is due anyday, and i am embarrarsed by my situation. Please before i sink back into a pity party.Iam not blonde, iam Silver thank you!!!
  • thor33thor33 Member Posts: 2
    Many, many thanks for your post. I bought a 2k8 4runner in August 2010 with only a little over 14K miles. After about a month of driving I started noticing the bump when I came to a stop and the bump when I release the brake to take off. I is really annoying and was starting to bother me that something was about to go bad on me so I took it to the dealer. Of course I was told that there was nothing wrong but the codes read as if I had been towing something which I haven't. I told the service manager I have not towed anything and he said, that's okay because the computer was reset and everything should worked fine. I also asked him if the computer reset would fix the fact that the engine is revving at high speeds and will not down shift when I take my foot off the gas pedal, he told me the computer reset will fix the problem. Needless to say it didn't and I really didn't know what to do until I read your post. I'm going back with better ammunition.
  • thor33thor33 Member Posts: 2
    My newly bought 08 4Runner is giving me second thoughts due to the issue with the bump I get when I come to a stop or take off, the weird vibration in the brake pedal and the fact that I must ride the brake when I want to slow down due the vehicle not down shifting or decreasing in speed when I am not touching the gas pedal while driving through parking lot or school zones. I think I have found some answers while reading other posts but does anyone know if there has been a definite fix to any of the problems I am having? The vehicle is still under warranty (not for long) and I have taken it to the dealer to be serviced,only to be told that the computer needed to be relearned ( that didn't work), it only has about 16k miles on it after I bought it at the end of August 09 and I really don't want to sell it.
  • apinkstonapinkston Member Posts: 4
    I have a 1994 4-runner se5-v6, 4wheel drive.
    The problem I have is the transmission when cold will not shift to high gear until the engine comes up to operating temp. Usually about 2 miles driving. After its warm everything works great with no shifting problems at all. THe truck has 203 thousand miles on it and the transmission was serviced about 5000 miles ago. The fluid looks and smells good.
    Anybody have any ideas on this problem??
  • edpoledpol Member Posts: 11
    Since my last post, I have filed another complaint to the national traffic safety assn and have written another e-mail to Toyota. Toyota responded that they regret any inconvenience I might have experienced but they have looked into my problem (reving rpms up to 3000 but not going anywhere then lurching forward suddenly) and are "declining my request on behalf of Toyota as your vehicle is operating normally and according to design" and "because the regional representative has been trained by Toyota, the decision rendered by this individual represents Toyota's position" and "that your 4Runner's transmission concern is a normal characteristic of the vehicle." This is so much *#)(*)_! not to mention an insult to me as a customer. Contacted my Toyota dealership service manager and told her I have decided to sell the 4Runner (paid for in cash) and am looking at several other options none of which is a Toyota. Appreciate everyones stories and hope all find some help to remedy the problems, but given Toyota's attitude, don't hold your breath!!
  • dooley13dooley13 Member Posts: 7
    I don't know how Toyota can tell you it's a 'normal characteristic' of the vehicle when they have issued a service bulletin fix for the 2010 model here in Canada. I can understand your frustration. Toyota Canada told me they're working on a fix for my 2009 model but couldn't tell me if or when they would have one. I can now rev my truck to 6000rpm just like it was in neutral and she goes nowhere!
  • sierrawhiskeysierrawhiskey Member Posts: 3
    2000 4Runner SR5, 139x miles. When its cold it will not shift into drive, just revs up high without changing gears. Has happened about three times in the past month. Seems ok as long as I let it warm up first. Tranny guy told me that it was most likely the seals that need to be replaced for $1500. A friend of mine ran some product called lucid or something through his and it cured the "slippage" for a year. Another mechanic suggested trans.service, but warned that there is a 50/50 chance that the new fluid could finish off the tranny if there are any problems. Contemplating trading it in...but just paid it off! What to do??
  • sierrawhiskeysierrawhiskey Member Posts: 3
    My 2000 4runner had the same problem. Turned out to be my brakes. My mechanic changed the brake pads and the problem has been gone ever since.
  • fox_bfox_b Member Posts: 8
    Change your battery with a new one. I had the same problem on my 2000 4Runner at 140k miles even after I added some tranny conditioner and made sure the fluid was topped off. On this same forum, someone suggested to change the battery even though this is just prolonging the problem, and once I changed the battery the problem went away. The true problem is corrosion on the contacts going to the solenoids inside the tranny. Check further back in history on this forum to see if you can find what someone had said about this.

    Good Luck.
  • sierrawhiskeysierrawhiskey Member Posts: 3
    Thanks Fox_b! I thought I read something like that. As a matter of fact my battery totally died within the same month that the problem happened (which was only three times) and it hasn't happened again since then. Have you had anymore trouble? and how many miles ago did you experience the same problem? Thinking of getting the tranny serviced but scared to. Any thoughts?
  • steph32586steph32586 Member Posts: 1
    Help! My Beloved 4Runner has brown/burnt tranny fluid! I know this is nothing good. About 4 months ago I got a new radiator and got a full transmission flush, so the oil was new. Just yesterday I was driving about to hit 30 MPH when it stopped accelerating, it sounded like it was in neutral. So I put it in neutral, and just as i was about to come to a stop, it Banged, and went back into gear. This is when i checked the fluid. This incident is the only problem ive had with the transmission. Someone told me eventually my tranny would fail. I never believe what people suggest about whats actually happening, so i need advice! whats wrong with it and what should i do?! :confuse:
  • fox_bfox_b Member Posts: 8
    I am glad to be of some help to you sierrawhiskey. I have had no problems since I changed my battery. Initially I was having problems in the morning when it was cold and now that I have changed my battery and winter has set in I have not had any problems. This was happening around 40K miles which was about 5k miles ago.

    I would only recommend the regular servicing so if you have not flushed the tranny completely are recommended then I would do that. I took off the plan and flushed out the screen (since it does not have a filter) and put the plan back on with Toyota's sealant. I also completely flushed out all of the fluid which includes the torque converter. I think it was something like 2 and 1/2 gallons of fluid. Since I run AMSOIL it gets exepensive.

    Good Luck.
  • johnzimmerleejohnzimmerlee Member Posts: 1
    Every time you get in your car, you back out of the garage or parking space, put your foot on the brake, shift into "Drive", take your foot off the brake, and place it on the accelerator, and drive away.

    That works most of the time . . . but in recent 4runners . . . it can be extremely dangerous!

    Once in about 15 times, you'll put it "Drive", press the accelerator, the engine races, but you're not going anywhere!

    So you look down at the shifter to make sure it's in "Drive" . . . when all of a sudden . . . the 4runner leaps forward, peels rubber, and hopefully ddoesn't kill anything in the process.

    Three dealers have tried to solve it. Southeastern Toyota denies it is a problem.

    Eventhough, I know it will happen occasionally, it still catches me by suprise.

    My activities force me to use valet parking often. When the attendent kills someone over this, will Toyota defend me in court?

    John Zimmerlee
    Marietta GA
  • dooley13dooley13 Member Posts: 7
    Hey John,
    I've had the same thing happen to me but I find it's only when the wheels are turned hard backing out. You put it in drive, press the accelerator and she doesn't respond until you start to straighten the wheel, then, it jumps forward and you have to hang on tightly and quickly release the gas pedal. I'm still dealing with my acceleration problem where I slow to enter a parking lot and when I apply the gas the engine will rev up to 3000rpm and go nowhere. I've contacted toyota canada. They have a fix for the 2010 but not my 2009. I have a formal complaint launched with transport canada but haven't heard a reply. I call it a safety hazzard and in my opinion all those trucks should be recalled before it causes an accident.

    Keep me updated.

    Donny
  • rickamussrickamuss Member Posts: 1
    it is the OD shift sensor. im having the same problem with my 94 4runner. I ended up going to toyota to find the problum. they told me when the trans is cold the sensor dosnt read.once it gets worm it kicks in and works.And there is 2 sensors on it drive and OD you may have to change bouth to solve your problem.
  • fox_bfox_b Member Posts: 8
    What ever happened with message #244 from the legal assistant in some lawfirm? His message was:

    "edpol: I am sorry, this seems to be the only way to reach you. I have been trying to accumulate, from as many sources as possible, any information about problems with the Toyota 4Runner transmission, and with Toyota. The reason for my request has to do with the present lack of information available to me. You see, I work for a Law firm in Central California and am representing an individual who'..."

    Did this forum's manager take it off? Why?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited March 2011
    Please see the Membership Agreement about soliciting.
  • dooley13dooley13 Member Posts: 7
    Toyota Canada confirmed that the 4-runners inability to safely merge into traffic is a normal characteristic of the vehicle and they suggest I let the vehicle come to a complete STOP when trying to merge in traffic or turning into a parking lot, to let the transmission shift properly. Can you believe they told me to stop when merging on the highway!!!! Come on! They say it has to do with the V V T T (variable timing something). I'm up against a brick wall with them now.
    Transport Canada doesn't consider the ability to merge into traffic safely a safety concern either! What! A vehicle not being able to accelerate for accident avoidance or merge isn't considered a safety problem? THEN WHAT IS?
    I told both of them if I get involved in an accident because of this 'problem' I will be getting a lawyer and both Transport Canada and Toyota Canada will be part of the investigation. My next step is now CAMVAP. The papers are on the way! Hopefully, Toyota will be forced to buy the truck back from me and I can get rid of this 4-runner headache and get a decent SUV.

    Donny
  • baldimanbaldiman Member Posts: 3
    I am having the same problem, what ended up happening? Anyone have any ideas? I just bought this truck and I am having this problem. It is throwing a Nutural Saftey Switch code. I changed it out and it is still doing the same thing.
  • baldimanbaldiman Member Posts: 3
    My 2000 4Runner has a tendency to sometimes not go into second gear every once in awhile. Now every so often it will slip out of drive, it just revs as if nothing is there but you downshift a gear and manually go back up and it seems ok.I can drive it for a week and it will not act up at all and then it starts again. The truck has 100,000 miles on it and is an automatic transmission.
  • weasewease Member Posts: 4
    I had to buy a different transmission. The problem is there was a coolant leak in the trucks when they were new and there was a recall. The coolant leaked in to the transmission coolant lines and ended up contaminating the transmission. They replaced the lines on recall but a lot of the trucks never got flushed out very well and after 10 years the transmission is completely rusted inside and is no good even to rebuild.
  • baldimanbaldiman Member Posts: 3
    The check engine light comes on and the code is Neutral safety switch. And the Reverse light comes on no matter what gear it is in. Dose this sound familiar?
  • weasewease Member Posts: 4
    No I did not have that problem , my problem was sometimes it would just loose drive and would just rev up until I put it back into drive 2. But you should have someone look inside the transmission and see if it is rusted ,it is quite a problem with these trucks. I tried the battery repplacement thing and all it did was work for a bit and then started slipping again.
  • 964runner1964runner1 Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2011
    95 4Runner when I accelerat from 0mph at a stop light it speeds up very slowly. Its as if its in second gear not first. the O/D light blinks on and off.
  • dfrizdfriz Member Posts: 1
    My son has a 99 Toyota Forerunner 4x4 with automatic transmission and while his girl friend was driving it the other day the trans went out and the vehicle would not move in any gear, one mechanic told them to purchase a used trans to keep it original Toyota parts, they are worried about going to AAmco due to aftermarket parts. Now the first mechanic thought the car was bumped into reverse or park while she was driving because of metal shavings but the second mechanic said that shavings are some what normal and he thinks it might be something else due to the fact that when in park the vehicle rolls freely. I do not know much about automatic transmissions so any answer would be appreciated.
  • schlaneyschlaney Member Posts: 2
    i have a 93 with 198,000 on it v6. if i stop at a light at bottom of hill when i go start out it doesn't want to shift into 2nd, then it will hit. I have it flushed, tuned up. it does this shifting whenever it wants. but it will always happen on and incline. the od light will come and off as it pleases. it does seem to been using more gas than i think it should. Now after it does this for awhile, it seems to act like its not running on all cyl. I took it in a couple of times for the same problem, someone suggested a trans shift sensor. Anyone had similar problems and have any suggestions or answers for me.
  • schlaneyschlaney Member Posts: 2
    i am having the same problem with my 93, flushed tranny, full tune up, the light will go off for about 50 miles and will run great during that time, then the light comes on, right back where i was. It is at the garage right now...did you find the answer, cause we are guessing right now, and i can't really afford to keep fixing the wrong problem
  • sherid590sherid590 Member Posts: 7
    ok, well since my last post we have moved from Kentucky to Utah. I finally got in contact with the Toyota dealership here in Utah to see what they had to say about this lagging problem between 1st and 2nd gear. After 2 visits and having the regional or district person drive the vehicle, they acknowledge that there is a problem and it is most likely a computer problem but until Toyota Corp comes out with a fix there is nothing they can do about it. I still don't understand why Toyota came out with a fix for the 2010 model but nothing has been released for the 2009. The dealership did say that Toyota won't come out with a fix until there is enough evidence to prove its happening with a huge number of the 2009s. Not exactly what I wanted to hear but at least this dealership acknowledged the problem with is more than I can say for the dealership in Kentucky.
  • c130bumc130bum Member Posts: 1
    I had the same problem with my 05 4Runner. It was something very simple and cheap. A good friend of mine, a mechanic in NY, told me to buy a bottle of "Limited Slip" transmission additive. There are several types on the market. I put about 4 ounces in the tranny, and the transmission shudder stopped immediately! I had changed out the tranny fluid with the "WS" type 3 times, and it did nothing. This additive worked great. The three Toyota dealerships I brought it to had no idea what was causing it. My friend explained the reason the tranny would do this... acting similar to the way a clutch works. Apparantly, the fluid had lost its viscocity, and just this little bit of additive worked great. First, I would drain the fluid and refill with "WS" type fluid to restore some of the viscocity, and while that service is being performed, just add the additive with it. The tranny holds a lot more than what comes out. Only about 4 quarts will empty out from the drain plug, the rest stays in the tranny. So you never actually drain all of the fluid. Therefore it would take multiple servicings to change out all 12-14 quarts in the unit. So just get a special size socket to undue the fill port, and add the additive yourself if you are mechanically inclined. If you search on line, you'll find some pdf documents with photos of the fill port. The bolt says "WS" on it, so you'll know you have the correct bolt. You may need to buy a pump unit to pump the additive into the tranny. You can get these at Wal-Mart or any auto store. They are the same thing as your dish soap dispenser in operation, just built to pump much heavier fluid. If you are adding only a 4 ounce bottle, don't worry about it affecting the tranny. It dillutes into the 12-14 quarts but adds the grip that the tranny clutch plates need.
    Hope this helps. It worked for me. I had about 145K on mine when it started happening. It was like I was driving over a rumble strip under light acceleration between 2-3, 3-4, 4-OD. I've put about 10K on the vehicle since, with no rumbling at all. Simple $5.00 fix. One dealer told me I neede a new Transmission! lol Of course he did.
    Again, hope this helps.
  • jonartzjonartz Member Posts: 2
    It sound Like it was put in to park while the vehicle was still rolling and broke the park pin. That broken pin probably wasted the tranny when they tried to drive it. Your call on Used, Re-manufactured, or trying to get it rebuilt. It usually cost 150 bucks just for them to open it up to see if it can be rebuilt.
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