having an issue with my 3rd gen. Picked up a 99 limited with only 95,500 on it. Since i have been driving it, I notice the trans slips very badly only when it is warm for a while. Drives completely normal when the trans is cold. Did search. Found quite a few threads related to trans issues. Most without follow up though

The other day it got to the point where I was in stop and go traffic and trans completely gave after driving it for about 45min. Would not move in any gear. No odb codes(I have a reader and I checked). No overtemp light. Check the fluid level. Color and odor is good. I have seen and smelled burnt trans fluid before so I know. No bubbles on the dipstick. The fact that it wouldnt move in reverse rules out any electrical issues. I let it sit for about 6 and no change. Had it towed the next day back to my house. Drove it around when it got back and everything was normal. Drove it around because when I thought I was going to attempt to limp it up my driveway into my garage it seemed like nothing happened. Only drove it around the block a few times. Gave it a brake torque and it was pulling through the brake with normal RPM for a brake torque.

Talked to one trans shop. Only one because they came recommended by a very reputable source. They are thinking it could be a valve body issue possibly and in some way it does make sense.

Havent pulled the pan. Since there are no unusual noises I have no reason to suspect chunks of metal in there especially since it drive normal when cold. I know trans tech is pretty weak on here. Just thought I would give it a shot to see if anyone has had any issues like this and what the outcome was. Thanks for reading

 

Yeah, valve body was my first instinct. If the valve body can't keep sufficient pressure, then as the fluid heats up and becomes less viscous the tranny will tend to slip. How long has this been going on? Are you sure it hasn't been milk shaked?

 

First time I experienced this was monday which was my first time really driving it. Dont think it was milkshaked but I dont know for sure. Radiatior looks fairly used but who knows. Bought this truck about 3weeks ago for a new job. But havent driven it because I have been traveling.

 

I see. My other guess would be that the tranny is getting too hot, possibly due to a blockage in the radiator / lines. I'd check that as well, just pull the return line off the radiator and see if it's flowing.

 

Nope. Tranny is done. Suspected TC failed and just snowballed from there. Having it rebuilt. As to the cause, only the previous owner will know. I should know next week what the cause is. My guess was heavy and improper towing with the OD still on. The trans shop is reputable. I know a guy that has had his fair share of dealing with trans shops, so when he says a place is good, he is right 99.99% of the time. oh well

 

That's an awfully ambiguous thread title...

Fink

 

any thread title is ambigous on the forum. Do you not get on yotatech much????

 

Just thought I would update. Shop found coolant in the trans. So it milkshaked by the previous owner. Owner just changed the radiator, and transfluid and dumped it. I was the lucky one who picked it up.

 

That just sucks, no way beating around that bush, to get swindled like that.
Dealer or individual?

How much $$$ for a tranny replacement?

On the bright side, barring inner axle seal and lower ball joint failure, you will be able to go another 100,000 miles with good maintenance....

 

It does suck. Got it from a used car dealer who got it from an acution. I really dont think the dealer had any clue about the trans issue either. When I test drove it a few times, I couldnt feel it slip at all. I even had buddy who is very familiar with 4runners drive it and he couldnt feel the slip at all.

After about 200 miles of driving it, the trans finally destroyed itself within a 1/2 mile stretch of stop and go. It was that sudden. I will find out monday what the damage is going to be. Probably going to be a little higher than usual. But these guys came highly recommended so, it the long run it should be worth it.

Only positive thing out of this whole ordeal is that, the truck does have very minimal rust for a midwest vehicle so I with this trans rebuild, Im hoping to get another 200k out of it easy.

 

Nah, I'm still learning my way around here.

Fink

 

That's a shame about the tranny. If it's any consolation, I destroyed mine shortly after getting it by towing 800 miles with the O/D on. At least yours wasn't due to your own ignorance!

 

Man that sucks. I assume you have an Auto since you mentioned Over Drive. Do you have a tranny cooler installed. It may help lenghten the life of your new one!

 

Dude... BTW he searched! That right there negates your point!

 

I have installed one since then, but at the time I was new to auto trannies, 4Runners, towing, and SUVs in general; all I'd driven before that was manual Civics lol.