Hello, I was just informed about the yotatech forums by a friend so I am a newbie looking for help.

I noticed last week that my 4runner was reving a bit higher then usual for the the speed it was moving but the issue seemed to go away. Being after Christmas with little money to spend I just thought phew...and was happy the issue seemed to pass.

Yesterday, I was taking my kids to hockey when my wife asked if the truck was working ok as she noticed I was reving the engine a bit higher then usual and my speed was dropping. I eventually was crawling along at about 5mph and limped into the sportsplex parking lot where I stopped...still in drive but the truck would not move in any gear including reverse. I shut the vehicle off and popped the hood to check the fluid to find it full and red (I am no mechanic but can change brakes, rads, etc. but pretty green when it comes to trannys). I decided to get back in and start it up and it seemed to move ok across the parking lot where I parked it and went in to watch my kids game.

After the game, we packed up and headed home. I got about 500ft down the road and started to quickly loose speed and power although the engine was purring along just fine. Even though it is an automatic I can discribed the feel like gradually slowly riding the clutch on a standard until it grabs no more. I shut the truck off for no more then 15seconds, start it up and can again drive it for 800ft-1000ft but noticing right from the start higher then usual rpms to hit a top speed of 30mph to be right back to no movement at all. Repeat the turning the vehicle off for 10-15sec and away I can creep again. Got the vehicle home after repeating this 10 times.

A bit depressed and busy with other things I just left the truvk sit until tonight. I went out and started it up out of curiousity (garage not open till morning) and I could hear a slight whirling sound and the check engine light was on. I put the truck in all gears and could not move at all. I popped the hood and disconnected the battery to clear the check engine light. Got back in and started up and the truck would move but high revs to get out my driveway and back (160ft). It is now parked and I will limp up to the local shop in the morning (1mile) to have it checked over.

I thought I would see if these symptoms sounded familiar to anyone....I am praying it is not a 2000.00-3000.00 tranny job right after Chistmas

Thanks!
Randy

 

You shouldn't clear the code next time, it may help you diagnose whether the tranny is completely screwed or if it's just a solenoid or something. The shop should hopefully be able to look at the stored codes still.

If you do have to put in a new tranny, I would shop for a low mileage used one at a salvage yard. I've seen them go for $500-1000. Personally I don't trust rebuilt engines or trannies unless I know it's being rebuilt w/ OEM only parts and by a knowledgeable tech.

 

For what it's worth - and I hope I'm wrong - but it sounds like the transmission is shot. I had identical symptoms and ended up shelling out $2,100 to have mine rebuilt. You could go new (way more expensive) or find one at a junky and have it installed for about $1,600 (in my case), but then you don't know the history of that transmission either.

After about 1K miles on my rebuild, it's working great.

Either way, good luck to you...

 

that sucks, hope that dont happen to me any time now. Times are tough, hope you find a new tranny. Be sure to check the local junkyard and craigslist.

btw i have the same runner as you do it's at 97k now.

 

That doesn't sound good, but what happens if you turn the Overdrive off?
How does it behave if you put the selector in 1st and drive around?
Does it behave different in 4-hi?

A co-worker's Tacoma A/T was slipping, not as bad as yours, and he found the check engine lights would tell you which solonoid was bad. He replaced all 3 solonoids in the tranny for around $175 and it's running fine now. He went aftermarket because it was cheaper.

Good luck!

 

Bad news just arrived....the local garage drained a cup of fluid out and said it was burnt and that I needed a complete transmission. They didn't take the pan off or anything just drained a cup of fluid and said it was burnt and started to try and find me a used tranny. Does that all it takes to check a transmission...dark burnt smelling fluid? They found a used transmission for 1600.00 (140,000kms) and said it would be a minimum of 1000.00 to install....I live in Canada and tax is 13%....so that is 3000.00 to get back on the road. Before spending that I just wanted to post this for opinions.

Thanks in advance,
Randy

 

I got a quote on my trans. form a local shop here in CA about 2 months ago. I didn't end up needing a new trans (just a solenoid was bad), but my estimate was for $1600 installed (OTD) for a 60K or less transmission w/ a 90 day warranty. IIRC, it was $800 for the trans and $800 labor. There are definitely better deals out there than the estimate they gave you.

 

$3,000 sounds like alot for a tranny with an unknown history and more than likely, just a 90-day warranty.

Rebuilding your existing one should cost considerably less. For example, I got a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty with mine...

You oughta check it out...

 

I'd look into a Jasper transmission.
Nothing but great luck with their products, 3 year 100k warranty.
As an auto service adviser, its my first and almost always only call for the best reman engines and tranny's.
They don't just throw rebuild kits at them, they re-engineer and correct factory known problems and updates.
Every now and then we call the for transmission diagnostic advise, and their always friendly and very helpful.
Its worth a shot to call and talk with them.
Frank

 

FWIW - I'm getting a 78K mile tranny with a 1-year parts and labor warranty for about $1200 (total, including labor, fluid and new filter/gasket). Independent transmission shop in town, but I had to have the tranny shipped to them from in-state.

 

Thanks for all the great advice....I found a transmission from a rolled over 1998 4runner with 140km (84k miles) for 600.00 brought to my door from a reliable source....90 day warranty. A friend with a hoist is putting it in for 300.00. He asked me tonight to find out the fluid capacity for the transmission and transfer case....anyone have that handy?

Thanks,
Randy

 

I think that the txfer case is like 1.2-1.4 qt he should know to fill until it starts coming out the fill hole. I am not sure of the exact amount on the tranny and the owners manual is not reliable as far as fluid capacities go.

 

Tranny should take 12-13 quarts or thereabouts...from my experience.