2001 Transmission Issues

D

Dragon Tyro

New member
I have a 2001 4Runner, about three weeks ago I started having two separate issues with the transmission.

The first issue is that when it's cold it doesn't shift out of first until the transmission is warmed up. It's never done this before, but I read on the forums that this is more or less a "normal" problem.

The second problem is more troubling, it started about the same time but not exactly. The problem is this: after I've gotten into third, when the overdrive gets engaged, if I go down a hill or otherwise unload the vehicle and the RPMs are around 2000, I hear a very loud noise in the cab - it sounds like a hollow kind of blowing noise. If I ramp up the RPMs and load the vehicle then the goes away and everything behaves as normal. This happens at any speed, even on the highway. If I disengage the overdrive, the noise goes away, but obviously the RPMs ramp up about 1000 more.

Any clues? Am I screwed?

Thanks for your replies.
 
Register to hide this ad
1st 'issue' is normal, it says so in your owner's manual. ECU is programmed to delay shifts until its a certain temp, mine does it every morning for the first 2-3 shift then no more till next bone cold start. Instead of being a light peddle 25mph 2-3 shift, it is a 35mph shift.

Not sure about 2nd issue, never heard of that. If you haven't performed basic trans maintenance like drain/fill fluids, I'd try it, that alone solves Many problems for folks. Luck!
 
Dragon Tyro said:
I have a 2001 4Runner, about three weeks ago I started having two separate issues with the transmission.

The second problem is more troubling, it started about the same time but not exactly. The problem is this: after I've gotten into third, when the overdrive gets engaged, if I go down a hill or otherwise unload the vehicle and the RPMs are around 2000, I hear a very loud noise in the cab - it sounds like a hollow kind of blowing noise. If I ramp up the RPMs and load the vehicle then the goes away and everything behaves as normal. This happens at any speed, even on the highway. If I disengage the overdrive, the noise goes away, but obviously the RPMs ramp up about 1000 more.

Any clues? Am I screwed?

Thanks for your replies.
Click to expand...

I wonder if you have something going on with the fan clutch? That's the only blowing noise thing I can think if you might be hearing. Does the vehicle drive ok when you hear this noise or does something else happen?
 
First issue is NOT normal. It shouldn't shift out of 2nd gear until roughly 3,000rpm or the engine warms slightly, not 1st gear.
 
will it manually shift into 2nd? when its cold?


I had that shifting problem, where it would stay in 1st until it was warmed up, on an old ford transmission. in fact, it wouldn't down shift to first when cold either. I had to manually do it, otherwise it would try to take off in 2nd. it was a failed front pump, and TC.
 
It may be 2nd, I'll check in the morning if it's cold enough.

When I said blowing on the 2nd problem, I meant it as an approximation of the sound. Oddly I only hear it in the cab, if I roll down the window, I don't hear anything unusual. I have done a service so it isn't low/old fluid. It does drive well otherwise.
 
I had a similar sound occur when the engine had no load. Also there was a small vibration along with a reverberating sound. Turned out to be my rear u-joint going bad. Not really related to your transmission but it may be a good thing just to check.
 
Well, the assessment before they opened it up (last Friday) was that a (the) sprag was "gone" and that I needed a complete rebuild ($2200-$2800). I haven't heard any more yet. I am taking that as good news, as if there were more to that estimate they'd have called for approval; unless they haven't gotten to it yet.
 
DizzyDoyle said:
Any word yet? I have the same issue (#2) going on with mine. It also stops when I turn overdrive off.
Click to expand...
Diz,

Don't wait, driving it like that tore up the overdrive, disengage the thing and take it now, or it will cost you more.

I just got off the phone and they're having to do extensive repair to the OD, I don't know the cost yet. It was the sprag...
 
Last edited:
Dragon Tyro said:
Well, the assessment before they opened it up (last Friday) was that a (the) sprag was "gone" and that I needed a complete rebuild ($2200-$2800). I haven't heard any more yet. I am taking that as good news, as if there were more to that estimate they'd have called for approval; unless they haven't gotten to it yet.
Click to expand...
holy hell.
how much is a new or rebuilt one? im guessing less...

slapdappy said:
AAMCO? competent and trustworthy? Second opinion maybe?
Click to expand...

not around here they aren't....
 
Oh man I'm glad I found this thread, I have been having the same issue and wondering what it was. I'm not very mechanically inclined here so bare with me, but if I kept the OD off would it prevent further damage? I am going to be looking for a used trans to buy instead of rebuilding it but if I could get away with driving it until then that would be nice.
 
thenewuser said:
Oh man I'm glad I found this thread, I have been having the same issue and wondering what it was. I'm not very mechanically inclined here so bare with me, but if I kept the OD off would it prevent further damage? I am going to be looking for a used trans to buy instead of rebuilding it but if I could get away with driving it until then that would be nice.
Click to expand...


And AW4 out of a cherokee my suit your needs. Its the same trans as the A340

Just unbolt the bell housing and bolt yours on and make sure the trans connector is the same..........
 
OD off buys time, but there's still a negative effect. So far this AAMCO seems legit, they showed me the parts; the OD was shredded and it would have happened anyway. Bottom line, if you hear something, don't wait. Rebuild with new OD gears is $2900 here.
 
bezunusa.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 230 (members: 1, guests: 229)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,306
Messages
3,554,045
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top