1997 4Runner Transmission issue

[mkzg]

So the truck was running great, shifting great, no slips. Then at a stop light today, it felt like it was slipping like crazy...and would move very slowly. It started out of the blue with no warning signs.

So Pull over, and checked for leaks and fluid levels. All good

In D - It barely moves when pushing the gas
In 2 - Same issue as D
In L - It works perfect and goes from a stop no problem. As I upshift from L to 2 and then to D, works great. If I come to a stop again, I have to put in in L to move again.

Is my trans going out? Do I need a valve body job? Torque converter?

1997 4runner, 4x4, supercharged, 214k miles.

 

[mtbtim]

Did you check the tran fluid level while the engine was running and on level ground?

 

[mkzg]

Did you check the tran fluid level while the engine was running and on level ground?

Yes I did. Running, level ground. Pulled out the dipstick, cleaned it, replaced and checked it. Repeated process a few times to confirm.

 

[mtbtim]

Yes I did. Running, level ground. Pulled out the dipstick, cleaned it, replaced and checked it. Repeated process a few times to confirm.

Well, hate to say it but sounds like major transmission work or a replacement is needed. I don't really know what the cause of your problem is but unless one of those miracle transmission additives can fix the issue, the trans is going to have to come out.

 

[thegipper]

If I were you, I'd drop the tranny pan and take a look. If you have a bunch of metal shavings in the bottom, it's time for a new/used tranny. The other thing you'll be able to check is the filter. See if it's all plugged up, if it is, you may be starving the pump.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

 

[mkzg]

It popped code P0753 today...P0753 TOYOTA - Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical Malfunction

time to drop the pan

 

[VernySanders]

It popped code P0753 today...P0753 TOYOTA - Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical Malfunction

time to drop the pan

I have found that the OEM Solenoids are not worth the couple hundred dollars a pop. I just threw some aftermarket ones with a fresh filter in my trans about 6 or 8 months ago now, and no issues. Took my check engine light away as well for the reverse shift solenoid. If it is an internal issue then I would change the filter with an OEM one and throw some lucas oil trans fix in there, that stuff did wonders for my trans. still running strong well over a year since many forum members told me it was on its last leg (it wasn't). these transmissions are incredibly resilient. If I wasn't getting ready to swap a manual in, I would be sourcing a brand new torque converter however. Mine shows signs of old age.

 

[mkzg]

I have found that the OEM Solenoids are not worth the couple hundred dollars a pop. I just threw some aftermarket ones with a fresh filter in my trans about 6 or 8 months ago now, and no issues. Took my check engine light away as well for the reverse shift solenoid. If it is an internal issue then I would change the filter with an OEM one and throw some lucas oil trans fix in there, that stuff did wonders for my trans. still running strong well over a year since many forum members told me it was on its last leg (it wasn't). these transmissions are incredibly resilient. If I wasn't getting ready to swap a manual in, I would be sourcing a brand new torque converter however. Mine shows signs of old age.

thanks for the heads up on the solenoids. Funny thing...I bought a used trans today with 120k miles on it, and after I loaded it up in the 4Runner and left, the solenoid code popped. Im thinking ill just pull the solenoids from the used trans I have, and Ill have a good backup to use in case for the future

 

[VernySanders]

thanks for the heads up on the solenoids. Funny thing...I bought a used trans today with 120k miles on it, and after I loaded it up in the 4Runner and left, the solenoid code popped. Im thinking ill just pull the solenoids from the used trans I have, and Ill have a good backup to use in case for the future

Exactly! I have a spare trans I could have pulled solenoids from but someone on this forum is actually going to buy it so that was a no no haha.

 

[mkzg]

Update on the trans issue. Swapped solenoids with new ones....did not fix it. Ended up putting a used transmission in, solved the issue. I will be tearing down the old transmission to see what may be wrong, but it seems there was probably something wrong with the clutches in the forward gears

 

[Thebeastlives]

Update on the trans issue. Swapped solenoids with new ones....did not fix it. Ended up putting a used transmission in, solved the issue. I will be tearing down the old transmission to see what may be wrong, but it seems there was probably something wrong with the clutches in the forward gears

Good it was solved bad it was the transmission.