2003 V8 Sport 4WD with 182,500 miles – Transmission issues

[ehammond]

I started having transmission problems when driving at low speed in OD (5th gear)the trans acts like it comes out of gear, RPM’s raise to about 3000 for a few seconds then goes it will go back into gear again and the CEL came on. I took it to the dealership and they are saying that I need to replace one solenoid and wiring harness for $955 to get it back on the road OR their recommendation is to replace the trans with remanufactured for $4500. The reason they are recommending replacement is they say that the other solenoids will not be far behind due to corrosion affecting the wire connectors. The vehicle was purchased and spent its entire life in Michigan until this fall when I moved to Houston, its seen more than its share of road salt and pretty rusty underneath. According to the dealership the vehicle is only worth about $3000 wholesale (parts car) and about $6500-$7000 retail if everything was working. I’m having a hard time deciding which way to go, I work from home and don’t drive the vehicle very often. Other items that need repair are Yaw Sensor, Drivers door lock actuator and timing belt in 10K basically about another $2500.

Anyone have any advice or thoughts..I know it’s ultimately my decision just looking for input from others before I give it away and buy new or spend the big bucks to repair.

 

[DC runner]

Take it to a non-toyota shop. Have them replace the solenoid for half the cost. That isn't a job that a dealer needs to do.

Dump it. Fully disclose the issue, but stat that is is 100% functioning at this time. You should be able to get 6k, at least, since it does function.


If the rust is so bad it has corroded the trans frame and has impacted the internal components, then it is in horrid condition and will fail.
Be rid of it.

 

[ehammond]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, you're advice seems reasonable. I've called a local shop and have an appointment for next week.

 

[corradovrt]

ive had mixed luck with solenoids on toyota vehicles. like 90% of them have ended up needing a trans even after putting a solenoid/harness in. though the one person i really tried to talk out of putting a solenoid in as i didnt want them to waste money. that one ended up completely fixing it

 

[gshadow325]

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

used transmission with 50k for $1050
2003
Transmission
Toyota 4Runner 4.7,AOD,TCD,FLR VEH NOT HIT, A18725 53,715 A UE0019 $1050 Kubis Auto Parts, Inc. USA-NY(Auburn) E-mail 1-800-233-3799

labor $500
misc stuff fluids, lube ect $200

yaw sensor? why? ZPC wont help? anyways ebay $95. quick search yielded its under the center console

tb/wp kit $250-300 labor 250-300
fluids $50

actuator $$120
Lexus Toyota Scion Front Left Door Lock Actuator 2002 2010 $30 Refund | eBay

I think you can spend $3000 and get everything done parts and labor.

OR

Sell the truck woth a bad transmission on craigslist start at $5-7000 and see what you get. if you get $5000 AND take that $3000 you were going to spend to fix it, you got $8000. For $8000 you can buy another 4runner with less miels and its running.

it all depends on how you look at it. ALSO lots of people looking for trucks like this to send overseas to africa where they love toyotas and do diesel swaps on them.

Put it up on craigslist and see what you get and see what happens. you dont have to sell it if you dont want to.