2003 Transmission Temp Light

[rk09]

I apologize if this has been covered. I did a few searches and found nothing addressing this.
In most of my experience, the warning lights (check engine, transmission, oil pressure, etc) on a dash light up at startup to confirm they are working.
I have a 2003 4runner sr5 v6 2wd that I bought in late 2007 with 44,000 miles. It currently has 132,000. I can say I have never seen the transmission temperature light come on.
I also know the 2003 v6 carried over the 4 speed from the 3rd generation until the 5 speed came out in 2004 (I believe).

Should this light be coming on at every start up?

The reason I ask is I want to use it to tow about 3500 lbs, plus some weight in the car. I know there are some mixed opinions on installing auxiliary transmission coolers. My dealer claimed the 5,000 lb towing capacity is fine for the car as it is. Feel free to throw your opinion in on the need for a cooler also. I'm pretty good about watching the torque converter when I tow and dropping it to 3rd when I see it cycling. I realize with the weight I'm talking ill probably end up turning 2700 rpm in 3rd gear to go 65 mph.

Thanks in advance.

 

[emoore924]

Don't know about the light coming on at startup but most cars do turn on the light to test the bulb is working. I'll have to check mine next time I get in. Maybe just put the key to on without starting?

The tranny fluid will heat up when you go up a hill or pull out from a light. If you do it a lot, like in stop-n-go traffic or up a long bridge (think GWB or Golden Gate), you can overheat the tranny, which is not good for the torque converter. I would think an aftermarket tranny cooler would make a lot of sense, even if you're not near the limits of the vehicle's towing capacity. The t4R came with them from the factory if you have the tow package, so look and see -- maybe you already have one.

So, maybe call the stealer and just ask them about the light. Or perhaps the manual has something about it...

 

[HokieRunner]

I apologize if this has been covered. I did a few searches and found nothing addressing this.
In most of my experience, the warning lights (check engine, transmission, oil pressure, etc) on a dash light up at startup to confirm they are working.
I have a 2003 4runner sr5 v6 2wd that I bought in late 2007 with 44,000 miles. It currently has 132,000. I can say I have never seen the transmission temperature light come on.
I also know the 2003 v6 carried over the 4 speed from the 3rd generation until the 5 speed came out in 2004 (I believe).

Should this light be coming on at every start up?

The reason I ask is I want to use it to tow about 3500 lbs, plus some weight in the car. I know there are some mixed opinions on installing auxiliary transmission coolers. My dealer claimed the 5,000 lb towing capacity is fine for the car as it is. Feel free to throw your opinion in on the need for a cooler also. I'm pretty good about watching the torque converter when I tow and dropping it to 3rd when I see it cycling. I realize with the weight I'm talking ill probably end up turning 2700 rpm in 3rd gear to go 65 mph.

Thanks in advance.

So the light is coming on at startup and then going off and not lighting up again until the next startup?

I'm pretty sure all the lights come on and go off at startup. To the best of my knowledge, all V8 4Runners came from the factory with a trans cooler. The V6 4Runners did not. If I was going to be doing a lot of towing I would add one just because it's a relatively cheap addition with great benefit. Especially if you'll be towing on a regular basis. Have you done a drain and fill on the trans recently?

 

[rk09]

The light has never come on. I think at this point I have tried most combinations that would trigger a bulb test. The manual says nothing about the light coming on at start up either.

I thought the tow package was pretty much v6 comes with the cooler built into the radiator and the v8 comes with the auxiliary cooler. I do have the cooler built into the radiator, which is not great from my understanding. When I spoke with my dealer about an auxiliary cooler, they said they had never seen one (These guys also told me they knew nothing of TSBs).

I have had the dealership do flushes at about 50k and 100k. At 150k I will probably drain and fill it myself.

I should probably add the cooler just to be safe, but I won't be towing regularly. The other piece of it is I'd like to replace the 4R in the next year.

Thanks for the help. Unless someone knows something more definitive, I'll try to get some info out of my dealer.

 

[Jj51702]

Resurrecting this thread because I have the same question about my 2007 v6 2wd. At startup all the A/T oil temp light does not come on. Anyone know if this is common and only attributed to the 2wd rigs?