'06 4Runner - 40k miles, new transmission!

[pistolpetey]

Hey guys,

I'm a relatively infrequent poster, but I wanted to share my story in case anyone else has a similar problem.

I bought my '06 V8 Limited 4Runner new in the summer of '07. Came of the boat with about 7 miles on it when I took delivery. Really love this car and have taken great care of it -- all scheduled maintenance etc. Prior to this car I had 3 Saabs, which I also liked, but was looking for something with more room, and that was (ironically) more reliable. I guess I have bad luck

About 6 months ago I noticed a thumping sound coming from the wheel well area when I started the car cold. It would go away after a few minutes of operation. I brought the car into my local dealer, Broadway Toyota, and they diagnosed as power steering problem. They replaced the pump, but the problem was still there. I have brought the car in about 3 times since, replacing belts etc, no fix.

I went out of the country for about 3 weeks and decided to leave the car with them so they could finally fix the problem. I'm in London now, called them yesterday, and the diagnosis is a bad transmission pump. They brought an engineer up from Toyota to figure out the problem, and that was the diagnosis. So today they are replacing the entire transmission. The car is obviously under warranty (I also got the extended 100k warranty when I purchased the car, thankfully) and I guess it's cool having a new transmission, but I know the car will never be the same and plan on selling it before I hit 100k in mileage.

Anyway, just thought I'd share this story in case anyone else here's the thumping sound. I know 4Runners are incredibly reliable and would buy one again. I'm just chalking this up to bad luck. I am curious to know if anyone else has had this problem, or to hear any other comments.

Peter

 

[RickyCRX]

Why would it "never be the same" again after getting a brand new transmission from Toyota? You should be glad, chalk it up to a very rare defect, and just go on to drive that thing to 250k+ miles.

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

It will be fine

You know - when you think about the million of cars put together - with thousands of parts for each car/truck - it's amazing cars are as good as they are!

Sometimes a defective part will get through...it happens!!

Enjoy the new tranny and the new warranty that goes with it!

 

[pistolpetey]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I guess I am forgetting that it is a Toyota, and should expect the new transmission to last a long time. I'm picking up the car tomorrow and, amazingly, the problem was not fixed by replacing the transmission!! So I have a new transmission, but the same problem. I am told by the service department that Toyota is "aware of the problem" and they are going to go to some extraordinary lengths to fix it.

Has anyone on these boards ever had a problem like this or can anyone think of a diagnosis? Maybe we can help this service department and the Toyota engineers out a little

thanks,

Peter

 

[nc211]

Sounds exactly like a thump I would get on my old 95' LS400, at first start up in the morning, or if it sat for several hours, long enough for it to need to sit at the higher rpm setting to warm itself back up. A "Thump" right when the engine would engage from the starter. Mine sounded like it was coming from the driver's side front wheel well.

Does this sound familiar to you?

Problem=driver's side engine mount was done. It didn't look done, but when you compared it to a new one, you could tell it had compressed enough to create some slack between the holding bolts and car frame. New motor mounts, plus a new tranny mount for the heck of it, fixed it and it never came back.

Thumps & Bumps usually indicate mounts and bushings, to me. Not mechanical stuff. Mechanical stuff for me seems to make grinding, clicking, banging noises, and is continuous in nature.

 

[Lee614]

I'm picking up the car tomorrow and, amazingly, the problem was not fixed by replacing the transmission!! So I have a new transmission, but the same problem. I am told by the service department that Toyota is "aware of the problem" and they are going to go to some extraordinary lengths to fix it.
thanks,

Peter

It just shows how clueless they are. My parent's Avalon had a stalling problem and CEL. They diagnosed it needed a $1000 computer. She said no and I talked with her for about 10 minutes and I diagnosed water in the gas tank, Sure enough it was water in the gas tank. I saved her a grand and I am not even a certified technician. I bet nc211 is right!!!!

PS stay way from IRA toyota in Danvers, MA

 

[pistolpetey]

Sounds exactly like a thump I would get on my old 95' LS400, at first start up in the morning, or if it sat for several hours, long enough for it to need to sit at the higher rpm setting to warm itself back up. A "Thump" right when the engine would engage from the starter. Mine sounded like it was coming from the driver's side front wheel well.

Does this sound familiar to you?

Problem=driver's side engine mount was done. It didn't look done, but when you compared it to a new one, you could tell it had compressed enough to create some slack between the holding bolts and car frame. New motor mounts, plus a new tranny mount for the heck of it, fixed it and it never came back.

Thumps & Bumps usually indicate mounts and bushings, to me. Not mechanical stuff. Mechanical stuff for me seems to make grinding, clicking, banging noises, and is continuous in nature.

This exactly describes the problem I'm having. Calling the dealer today. I'll let you know if this fixes it. Thanks you!!!

Peter

 

[DevineT4R]

This exactly describes the problem I'm having. Calling the dealer today. I'll let you know if this fixes it. Thanks you!!!

Peter

Peter,

Are you from Portland Oregon? I also bought my car from Broadway Toyota and mine kind of has the same sort of issue. From time to time when I start my car, it makes a loud thunk noise from the engine bay. Also when I make sharp turns its sounds like my seats or somewhere by my center counsel is making a thunk noise too. Hope mines nothing serious.

BTW mines an NW 08 T4R Sport V6 4x4.

Alan

 

[pistolpetey]

Peter,

Are you from Portland Oregon? I also bought my car from Broadway Toyota and mine kind of has the same sort of issue. From time to time when I start my car, it makes a loud thunk noise from the engine bay. Also when I make sharp turns its sounds like my seats or somewhere by my center counsel is making a thunk noise too. Hope mines nothing serious.

BTW mines an NW 08 T4R Sport V6 4x4.

Alan

Hey Alan,

Yes, I'm in Portland. I actually bought my car at Royal Moore, but Broadway services it. Sounds like we might have a similar problem, though I don't have the thunking noise on sharp turns. I talked to one of the service guys there, Doug, and brought up the possibility of the engine mounts. They are going to look at them when I take the car in later this month. They are now only "allowed" to look that car with a Toyota Service Engineer present Toyota has spent so much money trying to fix the car I guess they only want to work on it with one of their own there now.

Peter

 

[DevineT4R]

Hey Alan,

Yes, I'm in Portland. I actually bought my car at Royal Moore, but Broadway services it. Sounds like we might have a similar problem, though I don't have the thunking noise on sharp turns. I talked to one of the service guys there, Doug, and brought up the possibility of the engine mounts. They are going to look at them when I take the car in later this month. They are now only "allowed" to look that car with a Toyota Service Engineer present Toyota has spent so much money trying to fix the car I guess they only want to work on it with one of their own there now.

Peter

Peter,

I see, hopefully mine isnt anything serious. I will try to take it in soon to have them look at it.

alan

 

[nc211]

Hey Alan,

Yes, I'm in Portland. I actually bought my car at Royal Moore, but Broadway services it. Sounds like we might have a similar problem, though I don't have the thunking noise on sharp turns. I talked to one of the service guys there, Doug, and brought up the possibility of the engine mounts. They are going to look at them when I take the car in later this month. They are now only "allowed" to look that car with a Toyota Service Engineer present Toyota has spent so much money trying to fix the car I guess they only want to work on it with one of their own there now.

Peter

This is probably because Toyota figured out they floated the bill for a very expensive part, that was not the problem, nor should of even been considered due to the symptoms from the customer. They probably got into a little trouble for that one. I know if I were the regional manager and saw this report, I'd be pissed! I'd have to send a few guys through training again, or fire them. Toyota in my opinion does not properly train their tech's. I've run into "new guys" all the time that don't seem to have a clue about automotive repair in general. Heck, one guy even told me my 05' V8 Perm 4x4 was actually just a 2x4 until I locked the differential via the "4x4" button left of the steering wheel. When I asked him what that little switch was by the radio that only says 4h and 4l, he said "I don't know why Toyota puts that in here, it's just for show, it doesn't do anything". Upon looking at him like he was a f'kn idiot while we were sitting in a gravel parking lot, I put the truck into drive and stomped on the gas. And wouldn't you know it, no rear wheel spin, just a massive launch into the street like a rocket sled. When I asked him how long he'd been working there, he told me to read the manual. I dropped him off at the dealership, right infront of the service bay, then proceeded to redline the engine for a second, leaned out my window at the service writer standing behind the truck who fought with me over the sheer existance of the stinking exhaust problem, and said "smell it now, dumbass!?!?" and took off.

So, be glad you've got an extra pair of eyes looking over their shoulder!

 

[croman]

Hey guys,

I'm a relatively infrequent poster, but I wanted to share my story in case anyone else has a similar problem.

I bought my '06 V8 Limited 4Runner new in the summer of '07. Came of the boat with about 7 miles on it when I took delivery. Really love this car and have taken great care of it -- all scheduled maintenance etc. Prior to this car I had 3 Saabs, which I also liked, but was looking for something with more room, and that was (ironically) more reliable. I guess I have bad luck

About 6 months ago I noticed a thumping sound coming from the wheel well area when I started the car cold. It would go away after a few minutes of operation. I brought the car into my local dealer, Broadway Toyota, and they diagnosed as power steering problem. They replaced the pump, but the problem was still there. I have brought the car in about 3 times since, replacing belts etc, no fix.

I went out of the country for about 3 weeks and decided to leave the car with them so they could finally fix the problem. I'm in London now, called them yesterday, and the diagnosis is a bad transmission pump. They brought an engineer up from Toyota to figure out the problem, and that was the diagnosis. So today they are replacing the entire transmission. The car is obviously under warranty (I also got the extended 100k warranty when I purchased the car, thankfully) and I guess it's cool having a new transmission, but I know the car will never be the same and plan on selling it before I hit 100k in mileage.

Anyway, just thought I'd share this story in case anyone else here's the thumping sound. I know 4Runners are incredibly reliable and would buy one again. I'm just chalking this up to bad luck. I am curious to know if anyone else has had this problem, or to hear any other comments.

Peter

Similar story. I left a BMW 3 series for more room and seeking long-term reliability.

After my 4runner died and was almost lemoned, thousands in PM and $1400 in oow repairs days after the warranty expired, I traded it in on another 3 series. At least all the repairs and maintenance will now be free.

 

[tomhaney1]

As long as the transmission is factory NEW it should be golden! The trouble is when they try to rebuild them. That is where they become ticking timebombs. I wonder if that pump is a new part since the introduction of the sealed transmission?? Did they ever figure out the noise? I have had motor mounts go bad but only heard a clunk when shifting gears, i.e. park to drive. It is also hard on the mounts if you don't use your parking break regularly.

 

[pistolpetey]

As long as the transmission is factory NEW it should be golden! The trouble is when they try to rebuild them. That is where they become ticking timebombs. I wonder if that pump is a new part since the introduction of the sealed transmission?? Did they ever figure out the noise? I have had motor mounts go bad but only heard a clunk when shifting gears, i.e. park to drive. It is also hard on the mounts if you don't use your parking break regularly.

Yes, supposedly they replaced the entire transmission with a new one. I am taking the car in Friday to have them try to diagnose the problem, again. They will have a Toyota engineer/service tech looking at the car. I'll post back once they are done. I'm wondering how long things will continue before Toyota gives up on the car and considers it a lemon. Anyone have experience with this? We have a "lemon law" here in Oregon, but I believe I'm outside of the mileage requirements for this.

Peter

 

[tomhaney1]

Yes, supposedly they replaced the entire transmission with a new one. I am taking the car in Friday to have them try to diagnose the problem, again. They will have a Toyota engineer/service tech looking at the car. I'll post back once they are done. I'm wondering how long things will continue before Toyota gives up on the car and considers it a lemon. Anyone have experience with this? We have a "lemon law" here in Oregon, but I believe I'm outside of the mileage requirements for this.

Peter

If your issues are documented BEFORE the mileage cutoff I think you can bypass that. My father made Ford buy back a SuperDuty, I mean, POS Duty, that had both turbos replaced twice and a complete new engine put in twicw and the turbos went a THIRD time! The mileage was almost twice what the law stated but since it was ongoing they let it slide- that was in Washington state though. By the time they pay that engineer and fix all your sh@t that will be like a 60g 4Runner! If that's what you want I would start filing the paperwork now. It takes a while to process and document for the Lemon law.

 

[pistolpetey]

If your issues are documented BEFORE the mileage cutoff I think you can bypass that. My father made Ford buy back a SuperDuty, I mean, POS Duty, that had both turbos replaced twice and a complete new engine put in twicw and the turbos went a THIRD time! The mileage was almost twice what the law stated but since it was ongoing they let it slide- that was in Washington state though. By the time they pay that engineer and fix all your sh@t that will be like a 60g 4Runner! If that's what you want I would start filing the paperwork now. It takes a while to process and document for the Lemon law.

Yeah, I think they started after the cutoff, which in Oregon is 12k miles, I believe. Your father's Ford problems certainly have mine beat though!

Peter

 

[nc211]

Yes, supposedly they replaced the entire transmission with a new one. I am taking the car in Friday to have them try to diagnose the problem, again. They will have a Toyota engineer/service tech looking at the car. I'll post back once they are done. I'm wondering how long things will continue before Toyota gives up on the car and considers it a lemon. Anyone have experience with this? We have a "lemon law" here in Oregon, but I believe I'm outside of the mileage requirements for this.

Peter

Have they not replaced your motor and transmission mounts yet?

 

[pistolpetey]

Have they not replaced your motor and transmission mounts yet?

They're going to look at them Friday.

 

[nc211]

$20 says they come back and say "they're fine"...another $20 says new mounts will most likely fix the problem! It is very difficult to judge the condition of these mounts by sight only. Several LS owners over the years have been told their mounts were perfect, only to spend a lot more money and time chasing other "recommendations" to end up with the mounts being the last parts to replace...and wouldn't you know it...the thumpn' & a bumpn' stopped..

 

[pistolpetey]

$20 says they come back and say "they're fine"...another $20 says new mounts will most likely fix the problem! It is very difficult to judge the condition of these mounts by sight only. Several LS owners over the years have been told their mounts were perfect, only to spend a lot more money and time chasing other "recommendations" to end up with the mounts being the last parts to replace...and wouldn't you know it...the thumpn' & a bumpn' stopped..

fingers crossed it's the mounts. I will push them to really inspect these and have them replaced.

Peter