2004 Transmission on the fritz... what would YOU do?!?!

[Fins_UP]

Hey folks... haven't posted here in a while, I guess that's what having twins does to your life! Anyway, I've finally emerged from the new baby (x2) fog some 20 months later.

I have a 2004 SE V8, original owner, picked her up with 12 miles on her. Now we're a little over 180,000 miles, 13+ years later. NEVER had a problem, it's been flawless up until now. And, I should mention, it owes me nothing at this point.

So, getting to the heart of the matter... This doesn't happen every time, but 3-4 times in the last few weeks: when driving and coming to a complete stop, about a full 2-3 seconds after stopping, there is a loud, very noticeable "thud" from underneath the vehicle. It's significant enough that the first time it happened to me, I thought maybe someone had tapped me from behind at the red light. Along with the "thud" comes the Check Engine Light, as well as the VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights. After that point, it struggles to have any power when you hit the gas. Sometimes it will slip and then catch and lurch forward; other times it just has no power whatsoever. I'm no mechanic, but clearly a transmission problem.

My quick solution to this was to put it in park, and turn the car off and back on again. That seemed to clear the dash lights for the time being, but it happened twice last week and I finally found some time to get it to a friend who has a repair shop. He pulled the codes, and I have the dreaded 'P2714' - solenoid valve code. He recommended a transmission shop for me, and off I went.

Here's what I've found over the last week or so:

I drove (limped) it to a local Toyota dealership that has a really good rep (Expressway Toyota just south of Boston, if you're curious) and they quoted me $2,800 to put a used transmission in (with 140k miles). They quoted me $4,500 to rebuild it.

I've since spoken to 2 other transmission shops around the area and their price quotes (used vs. rebuild) were almost exactly in line with what was quoted to me by Toyota.

My dilemma is this: the 4Runner is now a secondary vehicle for us, as we have a new daily driver for the twins. I was hoping to keep it for at least another 4-5 years, in a perfect world. I'm also not opposed to selling it, and considered that when we bought our other car back in February.

Paying almost $3k to put a transmission in with 40k fewer miles doesn't really sit well with me. At that point, I'm really just buying back a few miles for almost $3,000. I feel like I would almost rather spend the extra $1,700 and have it completely rebuilt, especially if I'm leaning toward keeping it. If I'm going to sell it, I think doing the bare minimum makes sense (used tranny) just to get it up and running for sale.

I've searched some things on here, and read quite a bit over the last few nights, but I'm still looking for some information. My questions to you all are:

If you've had to replace your transmission, when did it happen (how many miles) and what did you do?

If you were in my shoes, what would you do? I know this is a very open-ended question with a lot of variables, but I'm still asking anyway.

Anything else I'm not thinking of?

As always, I really appreciate the help and feedback from this site.

Thanks guys and girls!!

 

[Trumpet]

If you own it outright, and plan to keep it go for a full rebuild. From Toyota with a warranty.

If you plan on selling it, two paths, do what's right, or just what needs doing. Follow your conscience.

A used tranny may outlast your vehicle, may not. It's a gamble. I've been down this road with engines and tranny's. Sometimes it pays off sometimes not.

A rebuild on yours or remaned transmission should be good as new, the variable is quality of the technician working on it and whether or not everything is replaced and cleaned thoroughly.

A modern transmission is a electro/mechanical wonder, and a far cry from what I've worked on in the past. That being repeated, Toyota , toyota or toyota for a reman or rebuild if they'll do it.

 

[Fins_UP]

Trumpet, thanks for the feedback; much appreciated.

 

[loarmistead]

The thud at a red light isn't necessarily a bad thing - most folks will probably experience that, and it's the transmission downshifting. I have experienced it on my GX and 4th Gen V8. Accompanied by lights is an issue. Curious to learn why the thud is setting them off.

Make sure the drive shaft is well lubricated. It might not be a failing tranny at all.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[twa318]

Whats the service history on the transmission?

Since you have owned it essentially since birth I'm curious to see how often the tranny was serviced. Also wondering if you have considered a machine flush at the dealership.

 

[Fins_UP]

Just for point of reference, I put the vast majority of the 180k miles on the car; my wife only drove it sparingly. I'm extremely familiar with the light "thud" of the transmission after coming to a stop. What I'm referring to is most definitely NOT that. It's a "WTF was that?!?!" HEAVY thud. As I said, the first time it happened, I thought the person behind me hit me going very slow. It's that heavy of a "thud". And clearly with the lights going on, and the lack of response from hitting the accelerator, it's something more than the normal light "thud" we've all experienced.

That being said, there's a ton of mileage and experience on here, and our 4th gens are getting older, so there have to be quite a few people out there who have dealt with rebuilding or replacing their transmission at this point. I'm curious to hear from the people who have gone through this and what they decided to do. Also the mileage, as I have no idea whether having to replace my tranny at 180k is out of the ordinary or not at all.

Thanks!

 

[Fins_UP]

[MENTION=62245]twa318[/MENTION]: I've kept all the service records, so I can look tonight. I remember off the top of my head that the transmission fluid was flushed by the dealer around 165k miles, along with the rear differential. I'm not sure that the tranny fluid had ever been flushed prior to that. I'll have to look tonight and get back to you.

 

[CookieRoe]

If I were you, I would have it rebuild. Having a rebuild by Toyota is like money in the bank (warranty). As you know, this rigs can go to 300-400K miles without breaking a sweat. I currently have 140,000 on mine and have no plans to get rid of it. It wouldn't sit well with me either if I paid $2800 with a used tranny. The extra $ is worth it to have piece of mind for yourself and potentially the next owner.

Kids? I know too well. I have a 5 year old and a soon to be 2 year old. My mods have taken a back seat to my kids. I guess life does that to ya, LOL.

Boston? I have to ask: In what shape is your chassis (rust)? If it's bad, reconsider, if not, go for the reman tranny from Toyota.

Hope this helps.

 

[Jefe]

You don't necessarily need to replace the whole transmission. You can just drain the fluid, remove the pan and replace just the line pressure control solenoid. Put a new filter in it with fresh fluid and it should be good to go. I have done this numerous times on many Toyota transmissions (cars & trucks) with high mileage. Had a customer come in (3rd gen T4R) about a month ago, dealer told him he needed a new transmission. We replaced the bad solenoid. Took care of his problem.

 

[Fins_UP]

Thanks for the replies. I have some mechanical skills, but when we start talking transmissions, I'm admittedly very lost.

So, just playing devil's advocate here, let's say I do what [MENTION=102241]Jefe[/MENTION] suggested. That may address the error code and the pressure control solenoid, which would be fantastic. But I've heard of others replacing that and still having the issue. Is replacing that pressure control solenoid part of a rebuild? Or would I just be SOL on that avenue and then need to go into a complete rebuild?

Also - I'm still surprised there is no one out there who was had to go through replacing/rebuilding their transmission on a 4th gen.... at least no one who has chimed in yet!

Thanks again for all the replies!! I'll keep everyone posted on how this goes...

 

[Levinz11]

Does your Runner have a tranny dipstick? 5 speed? Just curious as my 03 has a dipstick and is 4 spd.

Yea, as you mention not a lot of tranny problems yet on this board. They seem to be pretty damn good.

 

[Door Ding]

I'd go for a full fluid exchange. At this point, its messed up already. Mine had shifting issues and a full fluid exchange fixed it. Mine had solenoid codes and shifting issues occasionally. That was 25k miles and almost a year ago. No issues since. Better to spend 120 bucks on fluid than to spend 4k on a transmission. My $.02

 

[Jefe]

Thanks for the replies. I have some mechanical skills, but when we start talking transmissions, I'm admittedly very lost.

So, just playing devil's advocate here, let's say I do what [MENTION=102241]Jefe[/MENTION] suggested. That may address the error code and the pressure control solenoid, which would be fantastic. But I've heard of others replacing that and still having the issue. Is replacing that pressure control solenoid part of a rebuild? Or would I just be SOL on that avenue and then need to go into a complete rebuild?

Also - I'm still surprised there is no one out there who was had to go through replacing/rebuilding their transmission on a 4th gen.... at least no one who has chimed in yet!

Thanks again for all the replies!! I'll keep everyone posted on how this goes...

I've never heard of anyone replacing this solenoid and then still needing to replace the transmission. Not saying it didn't or cant happen, just in the 11yrs I've owned my Toyota repair shop I haven't run into that.
A quality rebuild should have all new solenoids in it.
I've only replaced one or two of these transmissions. They were dealer serviced trucks and the local dealers here like to tell people its a "lifetime" fill. Mine currently has 215k miles on it. I have seen some with 300k+ on them without any problems at all.
The key is to do your transmission (drain & fill) service every 60k miles. I've noticed that at about around 60k the fluid is getting pretty dark and nasty.

 

[ekywildcat]

My 2004 has 209,000 on it and so far no problems (knocking on wood) I do the drain and refills at least once a year, sometimes more.

I agree with Jefe, change the fluid, filter and solenoid and I'd say you'll be good to go. I have a 97 Dodge Ram with around 180,000 on it, about once a year the transmission does crazy things, I'll change the fluid, filter and add a bottle of Lucas to it, and it works fine for another year or more.

 

[Kylota]

2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 auto 4wd 214kmil

Transmission started slipping yesterday and is worse today. Fluid level checked yesterday and was good (according to my oil service guy).

It now slips 75% of the time. Slips when taking off from full stop, from rolling stop, at about any speed and up to any gear. Occasionally when coming to full stop it will aggressively downshift after stopped.

I live in a small mid-west town so very few mechanics willing to do much. Closest Toyota dealership is an hour away.

Other then this, the vehicle runs great and is solid (even for a road salt using state).

Should I do a fluid/filter change and have system scanned? Solenoid change? Or does it sound like it's past that as a remedy and just move on to the expensive transmission rebuilt/reman?

Thank you!

 

[Ericcamaro]

I would look for a used trans and a good independent shop. If you source the tyranny it shouldn't be more than $900 in labor to swap it out. I see low mileage trannies for pretty cheap on ebay.

 

[JLTD]

I'd go for a full fluid exchange. At this point, its messed up already. Mine had shifting issues and a full fluid exchange fixed it. Mine had solenoid codes and shifting issues occasionally. That was 25k miles and almost a year ago. No issues since. Better to spend 120 bucks on fluid than to spend 4k on a transmission. My $.02

100% agree! Fresh fluid is what these are designed to use. Years ago, had a friend that did this, it cleared up his issues and he got another 150k on the transmission.

If it doesn't work, then my vote goes to rebuild.

 

[firebirdguy]

2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 auto 4wd 214kmil

Transmission started slipping yesterday and is worse today. Fluid level checked yesterday and was good (according to my oil service guy).

It now slips 75% of the time. Slips when taking off from full stop, from rolling stop, at about any speed and up to any gear. Occasionally when coming to full stop it will aggressively downshift after stopped.

I live in a small mid-west town so very few mechanics willing to do much. Closest Toyota dealership is an hour away.

Other then this, the vehicle runs great and is solid (even for a road salt using state).

Should I do a fluid/filter change and have system scanned? Solenoid change? Or does it sound like it's past that as a remedy and just move on to the expensive transmission rebuilt/reman?

Thank you!

not doubting your "oil service guy" but did you confirm how he checked the fluid level? these transmissions need to be at the proper temp then the check plug pulled & fluid should be at a trickle.

if that has been confirmed then id also want to know the history of trans fluid maintenance & maybe look at a sample that came out when he checked it, if its dark & hasnt been changed in 60-100k miles, i would try a complete fluid exchange to see if that helps. but, if the fluid is at the right level & not black & burnt, sounds like the trans is about done, would be a good idea to check for codes, could be a solenoid issue or some other reason for the slipping.

check fluid & trouble codes before paying big bucks for a used trans or rebuild. best of luck that it doesnt need a trans replacement

 

[waypoint]

Another vote for a fluid exchange. See the thread on how to do this, buy 14 quarts of WS (or maybe Valvoline MaxLife to save $) and then set the fluid level correctly.

 

[GLP]

I’ve never heard of anyone with a V8 needing a new transmission. They are bulletproof, mine has 296,000 miles and no problems. So make sure it needs a new transmission before you put one in.

But if you do need a new one I would go with used because of they’re reliability and it’s a part-time vehicle for you. BTW just curious how often did you change the tranny fluid? Did you tow a lot?