1999 4runner limited transmission failure

F

flightjunkie

New member
Hello,

I have a 1999 4runner limited with locker that the transmission failed on yesterday with around 88,000 miles on it. It had run and shifted perfectly until the problem started. I had drove 30 miles and stopped, put the truck in park. I then put it back in drive and got no thrust. No clunking, or noise. I put it back in park, shut the engine off, restarted, then put it back in gear. The truck shifted like normal and I went on my way. It seemed strange but I figured it was a computer problem...

A few miles later at a light, I can't move again. I put it in awd and crawled 100 ft to clear traffic and wait for a tow truck.

I took it to a highly reviewed transmission shop and they said I have extensive coolant contamination and a lot of fragments. They are quoting $2800-$3400 for complete rebuild, new computer, all service updates, and a 12,000 mile warranty.

I have read some people saying their rebuilds go out again too quickly and recommend a new transmission. I'm not the most mechanically inclined person and would really appreciate the opinions of this forum members on what they would do in my situation.

Thanks
 
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If you're transmission suffered the Pink Milkshake, it's pretty much a catastrophic event for the tranny.

I don't have extensive knowledge of these things, but from what I've read.. even good rebuilds have a short lifespan after this happens.

For that quote, they are fixing the root problem as well? Do you have trans fluid in your colling system now too?
 
flightjunkie said:
...They are quoting $2800-$3400 for complete rebuild, new computer, all service updates, and a 12,000 mile warranty...
Click to expand...

How was the computer damaged in this incident? Can they not save the original one? I'm a little confused, but I know nothing about the auto trannys in our 4Runners (I have a 5 speed, so I'm exempt from understanding it).
 
SpidermanGeek said:
If you're transmission suffered the Pink Milkshake, it's pretty much a catastrophic event for the tranny.

I don't have extensive knowledge of these things, but from what I've read.. even good rebuilds have a short lifespan after this happens.

For that quote, they are fixing the root problem as well? Do you have trans fluid in your colling system now too?

How was the computer damaged in this incident? Can they not save the original one? I'm a little confused, but I know nothing about the auto trannys in our 4Runners (I have a 5 speed, so I'm exempt from understanding it).
Click to expand...

They didn't tell me if there is trans fluid in the cooling system. I know there is coolant in the tranny. This price they will replace everything including hard parts that are in less than A-1 condition.

They say the computer update is a part of the Toyota maintinance update which they need to meet in order to complete the package/supply warranty.

Thanks for both of your responses.

A trusted mechanic of mine says to look at remanufactured moveras trannys since they have a 3 year, unlimited mile warranty and are under $2000. Seems right to me. Any thoughts?
 
My only though right now is that you're also going to need a new radiator and a major coolant/contaminant flush through your engine as well.

Just google "4Runner Pink Milkshake" and enjoy the horror stories.

But seriously, you should read up and gain a bit of knowledge on exactly what has happened to your Runner so that the mechanicss don't take you for a ride.

Have a look at your coolant to see if it got contaminated with trans fluid. My guess is that it did..it's about the only way coolant ends up in the transmission is when the barrier between the reservoirs in the rad break down.
 
A rebuild will be fine I've done one and no problems and it's probably the solenoids that need to be replaced not the whole computer The quote seems reasonable but you could cut that cost in half if you pull your trans yourself
 
I had pink milkshake a few years ago. 2-3 shops told I needed a rebuild. I replaced the radiator and then had the tranny and radiator flushed. 80k miles later I am still driving it. There is hope and I wouldn't spend that without trying a good flush & filter change.
 
flightjunkie said:
Hello,

I have a 1999 4runner limited with locker that the transmission failed on yesterday with around 88,000 miles on it. It had run and shifted perfectly until the problem started. I had drove 30 miles and stopped, put the truck in park. I then put it back in drive and got no thrust. No clunking, or noise. I put it back in park, shut the engine off, restarted, then put it back in gear. The truck shifted like normal and I went on my way. It seemed strange but I figured it was a computer problem...

A few miles later at a light, I can't move again. I put it in awd and crawled 100 ft to clear traffic and wait for a tow truck.

I took it to a highly reviewed transmission shop and they said I have extensive coolant contamination and a lot of fragments. They are quoting $2800-$3400 for complete rebuild, new computer, all service updates, and a 12,000 mile warranty.

I have read some people saying their rebuilds go out again too quickly and recommend a new transmission. I'm not the most mechanically inclined person and would really appreciate the opinions of this forum members on what they would do in my situation.

Thanks
Click to expand...

I'd say with the relatively low failure rate of these trannys and the cost to rebuild vs. value of the vehicle - if and when my tranny fails, I will be looking at a used one - $300-$500 for a used one and I can do it about 5-10 times for the price of a rebuild!
 
My buddy at the trans shop says if your lucky enough to catch the milkshake before the trans starts to slip you may be ok. The antifreeze brakes down the glue on the friction material if its contaminated long enough.
 
19963.4lsr5 said:
My buddy at the trans shop says if your lucky enough to catch the milkshake before the trans starts to slip you may be ok. The antifreeze brakes down the glue on the friction material if its contaminated long enough.
Click to expand...


He has already had a problem, thats how he found out. The car would no longer shift.

I would get used one 100%. Mine still running strong at 200k miles and I tow a big trailer across the country a few times a year.

Like others have said you need to make sure you do a good coolant flush, maybe get the kit from autozone and run the hose through it while its running for a while. Then drain and put toyota red fluid in.
 
So the shop is trying to tell me if I don't reflash the computer, the truck "will tear it's self apart or be undrivable". I've been reading through these forums and am not seeing everyone who replaces a tranny on this year is also reflashing the computer.

Are these guys up selling me or are they right that I need to reflash?

Either way, I'm now looking a salvaged tranny's for under $1,000 with a year warranty. Any thoughts?

I can't say how thankful I am for all of your time.
 
flightjunkie said:
They didn't tell me if there is trans fluid in the cooling system. I know there is coolant in the tranny. This price they will replace everything including hard parts that are in less than A-1 condition.

They say the computer update is a part of the Toyota maintinance update which they need to meet in order to complete the package/supply warranty.

Thanks for both of your responses.

A trusted mechanic of mine says to look at remanufactured moveras trannys since they have a 3 year, unlimited mile warranty and are under $2000. Seems right to me. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

Think of it this way: is revisiting a transmission issue in 3+ years worth it? What are your long-term goals for this vehicle? Is it simply for transportation or do you want it to last for other things?

flightjunkie said:
So the shop is trying to tell me if I don't reflash the computer, the truck "will tear it's self apart or be undrivable". I've been reading through these forums and am not seeing everyone who replaces a tranny on this year is also reflashing the computer.

Are these guys up selling me or are they right that I need to reflash?

Either way, I'm now looking a salvaged tranny's for under $1,000 with a year warranty. Any thoughts?

I can't say how thankful I am for all of your time.
Click to expand...

From my understanding, you can't re-flash our ECU's, especially not by a non-Toyota shop. I don't know what they mean by that.
 
gamefreakgc said:
Think of it this way: is revisiting a transmission issue in 3+ years worth it? What are your long-term goals for this vehicle? Is it simply for transportation or do you want it to last for other things?
Click to expand...

While I don't disagree with your general point, it's worth noting that these transmissions are pretty damn good as long as the radiator failure doesn't get them. If he can find one from a junkyard with less than 150k on it it's very possible for it to last another 100k miles.

gamefreakgc said:
From my understanding, you can't re-flash our ECU's, especially not by a non-Toyota shop. I don't know what they mean by that.
Click to expand...

Yeah, this re-flash charge sounds like nonsense. These transmissions aren't that sophisticated.
 
jeremyc74 said:
While I don't disagree with your general point, it's worth noting that these transmissions are pretty damn good as long as the radiator failure doesn't get them. If he can find one from a junkyard with less than 150k on it it's very possible for it to last another 100k miles.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think I would take a junkyard unit over a reman'd, plus it would probably be cheaper! A reman'd you know had issues at some point. Even junkyard parts come with warranties.
 
gamefreakgc said:
Yeah, I think I would take a junkyard unit over a reman'd, plus it would probably be cheaper! A reman'd you know had issues at some point. Even junkyard parts come with warranties.
Click to expand...

100%

I have almost NEVER seen a rebuilt toyota or honda auto tranny that didn't have a problem again after the rebuild.

I would go with a good used tranny 100% every single time.
 
flightjunkie said:
So the shop is trying to tell me if I don't reflash the computer, the truck "will tear it's self apart or be undrivable". I've been reading through these forums and am not seeing everyone who replaces a tranny on this year is also reflashing the computer.

Are these guys up selling me or are they right that I need to reflash?

Either way, I'm now looking a salvaged tranny's for under $1,000 with a year warranty. Any thoughts?

I can't say how thankful I am for all of your time.
Click to expand...

It should be WAY under $1000 - you could buy a beat up 3rd gen that runs for under a $1000!
 
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