00 4runner shifting problem (a/t)

[turkeyman]

I just started having a problem with my 4runner. It is a 2000 highlander edition 4wd with 180k on the odo. Anyway, the truck still drives tight like new and normally shifts perfectly. Lately though when driving in overdrive and approaching a hill or other obstacle that starts to lug the engine, the tranny kinda shutters one single time. If I go ahead and depress the accellerator pedal to force it to downshift, it shifts absolutely perfectly. it only does it in overdrive. could this be a shift solenoid or tourqe converter issue. no codes stored in ecm.

thanks

 

[YotaZach85]

Try adjusting the kick down cable.

 

[kball]

Are you sure it's not an engine miss?

 

[turkeyman]

An update:

I adjusted the slack out of my throttle cable and my kick-down cable. While I did noticed a more crisp acceleration, I still had the single engine miss when the engine is under load only in O/D.

I plan on replacing the plugs and wires this weekend. Maybe when the engine lugs, the single misfire is revealing itself.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Make sure to dual electrode plugs, like the Denso 3194 and some new NGK TE 66 wires.

 

[BrianSD_42]

turkeyman, when you say you think it is missing you are not referring to the transmission, correct?

the previous poster is trying to tell you it might not be the trans at all, the engine could be missing on one of your cylinders.

 

[turkeyman]

Yea I now think it is an engine miss that only occurs in overdrive (lean fuel mixture) and motor is lugging; just before the downshift threshold is met.

I ordered ngk wires and 6 Denso k16tr11 plugs

 

[pinchshopper]

We have a 02 SR5 and the transmission was acting a little goofy. The engine seemed to be running fine. I ran a tank of fuel with Berryman B-12 Chemtool fuel treatment and it made a world of difference. Even though the engine was running smoothly before the treatment, it now has a lot more power and acceleration, and all the transmission issues are gone. This may not solve your problem entirely, but it's probably the best $4 that you can spend on your rig. I was so impressed that I ran a tank through our miata with the same amazing results. I've ran Techron treatments in the past, but never really noticed much improvement like the Berryman provides.