The engine light on my 1999 4Runner is on now and I briefly took it the auto shop I go to so they can take a look at it. They said it was the transmission. I called the transmission place they recommended and they said it would be $3500-4500 to fix/replace the transmission. I was lamenting about it with a guy in my building and he told me about someone he knew who fixes cars on the side. I went to talk with him and he said he can call the junkyard to see about getting a transmission there.
My questions for you are:
1. Is getting a transmission from the junkyard appropriate/acceptable?
^ Or should I be purchasing a rebuilt transmission from a specified transmission shop and just having him install it? As far as I know, there is no way I can purchase a brand new transmission for a 1999 4Runner since it is too old, so rebuilds are my only option, yes?
2. How much should I be looking at for the labor charge to pay the individual mechanic? (or should I just stick to an auto shop for this type of repair job?)
^ Since this is a big fix for the car, I also like to go ahead and fix as much as possible that is wrong with the car. So, this will include:
2a. replacing a door that has rust at the top <- I will ask if he can get a door from the junkyard for this.
2b. replacing the antenna since it doesn’t work
2c. replacing the electronics for the power windows and power locks since these both are malfunctioning
2d. replace the visors
2e. replace the driver’s side seat
2f. replace brakes (?) (there was a leak the auto shop mentioned a year or so ago…)
2g. install a new radio and *maybe* indoor speakers (only if this is within his skillset as I realize auto mechanics is different from auto electronics/sound system work)
*Regarding 2f, I’m thinking of going to my regular auto shop to have them do a full diagnostic check to find out everything that needs attention on the truck. The brakes are squeaking and making a bit of noise currently. OR should I just have the side job mechanic have a look at everything and diagnose it? I was assuming a full auto shop would be better for this since they have more diagnostic equipment, but I could be wrong here and they probably would just charge me $60 for the diagnostic and then do nothing. Thoughts?
3. What are your thoughts on this? Are there any other areas I should also be sure to get fixed? Are there very particular brands for the transmission and other parts that I should make sure I purchase (ie Denzo, etc.) as well as other brands that I should NEVER purchase (ie Bosch, etc) Have I missed anything? Do you have any tips/suggestions/warnings that I must know about? Thank you!
I don't understand, $3500 was too big of a bill so you wanna make it $5-10k instead in the effort of "saving money"..? I think you're underestimating the level of work you're throwing at them. Average price of a mechanic is $100-200 an hour, but I've seen up to $500/hr out there - entirely dependent on the shop and field.
Without knowing what their specific diagnosis was and the trouble code, I can't recommend anything. It could be as simple as replacing the shift solenoids or you could have a failed transmission cooler which will require additional repairs besides replacing the transmission.
EDIT: Labor rates are going to vary drastically so call a few mechanics you are considering and ask what their labor rate is. I've seen mechanic rates from $40-$250/hr. It all depends on your area and how technical/specialized the mechanic is.
To the posters so far, I just figure get everything done since this will *probably* be an expensive fix. I know the mechanic that I'm seeing on the side will charge me a reduced rate, but I just wanted to get an idea of what the usual rates are for this kind of repair job. I will take the truck to a trans shop though to get an official quote and then report back here with the quoted price as well as the repair codes for the Check Engine light. I'll call a few trans shops thereafter to get a feel for what everyone is charging too.
For now though, can we discuss the best brand(s) for questions #2a-2g listed above? And also, what about the junkyard question regarding the transmission?
Out here a salvage-yard 'Grade A' (claimed 70k miles) used transmission can be had for $500- $700. No warranty. I would probably rather take a chance on a factory-sealed 'low miles' unit rather than someone's 'rebuild'. Finding a place/way to do the work yourself or a mechanic to do the swap is another story. If you look at automotive labor time estimating sites most say 6-8 hours for R&R so be prepared for at least $1000 labor in a mainstream independent shop. Keep in mind that this is just some info that I came up with as an unskilled dude on the internet, so do your own research. There are many pro mechanics here who can give you a better picture, but there is no way I am going to spend $3,000 or up when my time comes......and it may well be coming. I will probably rent a tranny jack and spend a week cursing in my friend's driveway if needed.
__________________ 258K - Y2K/E - Clock still works
Location: north east of Fairbank out there in the frontiers Alaska
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many trans shops will be at least 4k. but as others have mentioned above...is the tranny really shot or just solenoids...which is not a hard job. What are your symptoms...codes... These trannys can go many many miles unless abused/neglected. many on this forum will tell you that you can get up to 400k on a tranny if taken care of and not abused. I have not owned one yet over 260k ( sell or wreck rig) but I have had no issues and i am not gentle and live and play in harsh places.
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2000 SR-5 Highlander version 4:30's, factory locker , green, bought 6/21
2001 SR-5... bought 11/20..sold 6/21....
2000 SR-5 moded, lifted, e locker, other cool stuff, totaled 10/20
It sounds like you want to replace everything that has any minor issue with it. The point of these old vehicles is to learn about them so you can understand the problems yourself and either fix them yourself or specifically direct someone at a shop to do it once you understand exactly what the problem is. It's a hobby.
I'm not following why you need a whole new transmission simply because you have a check engine light and the transmission shop guy who wants to sell you a new transmission says you need a new transmission.
I think you'd be better off just selling it and buying a newer 5th 4runner that won't have these maintenance costs.
New transmissions can be had, Joe Joe on FB can get you one, it will not be cheap, but it will be new. Labor to R&R, expect $1,200, that's "book labor" for most shops.
To Mark's point, owning a "classic vehicle" is not inexpensive and the way most of us make it affordable, and scalable, is to learn to do the work ourselves. Check out the 3rd Gen T4R DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos sticky.
I also agree that you might want to get more than 1 shop's opinion before dropping serious cash, or at least get a code scanner and see what that CEL is actually reporting. AutoZone can run the code for you. Besides, if the truck is driveable, how bad can the trans be?
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. 1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Sport 4WD, V6 5-Speed e-Locker-> 4WD 4runner Journal Thread 1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Un-Sported 2WD, V6 Auto ->2WD 4runner Journal Thread 1959 Chevy 3100 1/2 Ton Pickup EVERYTHING done 'cept paint and body
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Like others mentioned, we need more information to comment intelligently.
What code(s) are you getting?
Is your transmission having shifting or slipping issues?
I wouldn't pay a shop for anything just yet until you do the appropriate research first to confirm a transmission replacement is actually necessary.
If you are truly in need of a transmission swap, I would not go the used route nor would I allow a shop to rebuild it. Your best bet is to buy a remanufactured one from Toyota. Remanufactured means all the moving parts are replaced. You're basically getting a new transmission other than the housing and other non-moving parts that are reused.
I will also echo what
@octanejunkie
suggested by buying from Joe Joe via Facebook. He will get you the lowest price for a Toyota Remanufactured Transmission. He's totally legit. Thousands of guys order from him and I've never seen a negative comment regarding his parts service he provides to the Toyota community. Here's a link to his page: Facebook Send him a personal message and tell hm what you need. He gets back to people fairly quickly.
For the swap, you can use my video series to tackle it yourself and save big time in labor costs.
__________________ "My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it!"
I will also echo what
@octanejunkie
suggested by buying from Joe Joe via Facebook. He will get you the lowest price for a Toyota Remanufactured Transmission. He's totally legit. Thousands of guys order from him and I've never seen a negative comment regarding his parts service he provides to the Toyota community. Here's a link to his page: Facebook Send him a personal message and tell hm what you need. He gets back to people fairly quickly.
Dang Joe Joe is a Meme Lord. I got lost looking at all of his humor posts and forgot what I was doing there!
Thanks for sharing the resource, though.
__________________ 258K - Y2K/E - Clock still works
Location: north east of Fairbank out there in the frontiers Alaska
Posts: 3,156
Real Name: 3 Bears
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtbtim
He's conservative with a sense of humor. Yes, he's got lots of funny memes.
thanks for sharing...i should have been doing something else....really like his corona virus one
well i guess not very politically correct...and i have several good asian friends....oh well
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2000 SR-5 Highlander version 4:30's, factory locker , green, bought 6/21
2001 SR-5... bought 11/20..sold 6/21....
2000 SR-5 moded, lifted, e locker, other cool stuff, totaled 10/20
thanks for sharing...i should have been doing something else....really like his corona virus one
well i guess not very politically correct...and i have several good asian friends....oh well
Political Correctness is not my strong point either. I make fun of everyone though.
__________________ "My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it!"
Sorry for the wait, everyone. I finally have the codes after someone let me borrow their code scanner or whatever its called. Please see the pictures attached here.
Other information is:
1. slipping
The truck's transmission is slipping and has a hard time going from 2nd to 3rd when it first starts up.
2. shaking, oil smell
The truck has started to shake a bit lately and seems to be emitting an oil smell ever since the Check Engine light came on.
3. clicking sound
There is an intermittent clicking sound coming from the engine area, it seems.