1999 4Runner Transmission Fluid Gusher

[TRguy]

Hello from a newbee - I own a 1999 4Runner SR5 with around 150k miles. The other day the transmission started acting up. Here's the details.....

First instance: When stopping at a stop light, the transmission would clunk after about fifteen to thirty seconds sitting still. When the light turned green, I would accelerate, but the truck seemed to be in neutral for a several seconds, but would then go. Once moving, the transmission seemed to shift normally. This continued every time I came to a stop. Today after work I pulled the truck into my garage to check the transmission fluid while the engine was running at idle. The dip stick indicated the fluid was low. While standing next to the truck reading the dip stick, I heard a hissing sound all of a sudden, then heard fluid gushing all over the garage floor. I immediately turned off the engine, and haven't driven it since.

The fluid is red and smells like transmission fluid. Any ideas what this could be? Thanks for any help.

 

[Drcoffee]

Search "strawberry milkshake". Its not good news.

 

[JamesDean91]

Sounds like a bunch of problems, cylinoids, broken hose.

 

[TRguy]

Thanks for the feedback. The transmission fluid on end of dip stick read low, but appeared normal, not foamy like a strawberry milkshake. The radiator fluid level appears to be low but no signs of foamy residue. I'm hoping that maybe I caught this early enough that it didn't do damage to the tranny.

I couldn't find any info on what to do next to fix this problem. A lot of discussion about the problem, but so far no "how to fix" details. I guess I'm not a very savvy searcher. For those who are interested, I'll update this as I learn more.

Thanks again

 

[Dan.3]

Where was the fluid gushing from on the transmission?

 

[TRguy]

I haven't had a chance to crawl underneath the truck yet, but it appeared to be coming from the passenger side of the transmission, approximately just rearward from the front axle. I heard a sound similar to a pressure relief valve, then saw the fluid dumping on the ground. I'm guessing around 2 quarts. Big bummer.....

I've read one post that recommended replacing the radiator as part of the solution, but I don't understand how replacing the radiator would be a solution to a fluid burst near or inside the transmission.

I picked up a couple of Toyota Corporation repair manuals today at the library (Volume 1 & Volume 2) and hope to learn something.....but greatly appreciate any first hand experience information.

Thanks

 

[Dan.3]

I haven't had a chance to crawl underneath the truck yet, but it appeared to be coming from the passenger side of the transmission, approximately just rearward from the front axle. I heard a sound similar to a pressure relief valve, then saw the fluid dumping on the ground. I'm guessing around 2 quarts. Big bummer.....

I've read one post that recommended replacing the radiator as part of the solution, but I don't understand how replacing the radiator would be a solution to a fluid burst near or inside the transmission.

I picked up a couple of Toyota Corporation repair manuals today at the library (Volume 1 & Volume 2) and hope to learn something.....but greatly appreciate any first hand experience information.

Thanks

I dont know how replacing it would help either. However, if it is still the original, you will want to get that replaced ASAP. The problem with the leaking trans fluid could be one of the cooler lines. They exit and enter the transmission from the passenger side. Have someone start the truck while you look for the leak.

 

[TRguy]

Okay, thanks. I'll give that a try.

 

[BlackCat914]

I agree, its probably a cooler line, which is a fairly easy fix. I'd fix the line, fill it up with fluid, and see how it drives.

 

[TRguy]

I finally got a chance to take a look underneath my truck today. I removed the splash plates and located the leak at the bottom of the radiator. One of the two oil cooler hoses popped out of the inlet at the bottom of the radiator. I'm not sure why this happened, but I think this is a better scenario than what I was expecting. My assumption is that the tranny fluid was leaking little by little, then eventually got low enough to cause the problem shifting into gear. As a stroke of luck, the hose popped off while the truck was idling in my garage.

I'm pretty sure the radiator is the original and still looks good from the outside, but I'm going to buy a new one. Any recommendations of items I should replace while doing so? Radiator brands to buy?

Thanks

 

[Dan.3]

I finally got a chance to take a look underneath my truck today. I removed the splash plates and located the leak at the bottom of the radiator. One of the two oil cooler hoses popped out of the inlet at the bottom of the radiator. I'm not sure why this happened, but I think this is a better scenario than what I was expecting. My assumption is that the tranny fluid was leaking little by little, then eventually got low enough to cause the problem shifting into gear. As a stroke of luck, the hose popped off while the truck was idling in my garage.

I'm pretty sure the radiator is the original and still looks good from the outside, but I'm going to buy a new one. Any recommendations of items I should replace while doing so? Radiator brands to buy?

Thanks

Glad you found it. As for radiator brands, I think there was a thread about which one to go with recently. If you do a search for radiators, you should be able to find it. Koyo is a popular brand.