2nd day of ownership, problems already!

[dougrozet]

Well, it appears that I will be turning to the forum sooner then I thought for help! My 03 V-8 4x4 is having problems... Under light throttle, it shakes from the rear end. No shake at mid to full throttle, no shake when coasting. U-Joints good, greased driveshafts, pinion and output shaft on t-case seem tight, diff is full and fluid looks good, no more slop in the diff then many other vehicles I have had... Like I said, only does it under light throttle, as in maintaining speed on a very slight up grade. Doesn't do it all the time either. When on flat ground it seems fine... Any ideas?

Also, I am posting a pic of my trans mount. Does it look loose, or is it just me? Could that cause my nasty vibration problem??? Or maybe bad gas making it miss? If it were gas, I would think it would do it more often...

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

 

[progress4m]

Hate to be bring a bad news, but you may a have an issues with your transmission know as a “rumble strip”… changing trany fluid had helped… do a search for a "rumble strip" for more info on this.

Here is one of the threads on this: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/72998-rumble-strip-transmission-issue-4.html

 

[dougrozet]

Yeah, I read your comment about 2 minutes after finding something about it... Could it maybe be anything else? Looks like I'm going back to the dealer on Monday...

Thanks!

 

[dougrozet]

Lesson of the day: Never believe the dealer, always check for yourself! Dealer said a mechanic checked it out, but I'm seriously doubting it. I checked the trans fluid last night, and after about 30 minutes idleing (I would think the trans is warm by then?) it reads low. So next step, fill the trans fluid! :doh:
I was also thinking about adding a "slip stop" type product, just in case.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I would not add any additives till you top if of with the correct Toyota fluid and try it first. Make absolutely sure you use the correct fluid.

 

[montana_jeepn]

I changed my oil right after purchase despite the "we just changed the oil". Well, they had, but I found the drain plug finger tight and I had to use a pipe wrench to get the filter off. Wise advice to already double check. What method are you using to check the fluid?

 

[dougrozet]

Do to a lack of an owners manual, and lack of experience with newer Toyota's I suppose, I wasn't sure about the procedure to check the trans fluid. I ran it down to the parts store today (to make SURE it was warmed up) and checked it. I ran it through all the gears a few times, checked in neutral and park (no difference between the two) and it showed full. Good color, didn't smell burnt, but seemed a little thinner then other cars I've dealt with. I did put in an additive (Lubegard "Instant Shudder Fix") as was recommended by a few people on other Toyota 4x4 forums with the "Rumble Strip" problem. Almost instant difference! No more "rumble strip" shake. No noise, smooth shifting into 5th. As per some other users on this and other similar forums, I figure I will do a few trans fluid changes. Drain the pan and re-fill. Several people have had good luck with that as well. I suppose only time will tell...

My guess is a viscosity problem with age and the type of fluid Toyota uses...?

And thanks for the responses everyone!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Someone may have put WS ATF in there instead of the Type IV ATF that the '03 requires; in '04+ models Toyota went to a sealed transmission that uses WS ATF which is a lot thinner than the older Type IV ATF.

 

[dougrozet]

I was wondering about that BlackWorksInc. Or maybe what ever they had on the shelf? Who knows lol. I assume that WS fluid would still be red, just lighter weight? Still thinking that a drain and fill would be a good idea. Then see how the fluid feels. If it thickens up a little after that, the I suppose I'll keep doing them until I can get it up to the thickness it needs to be (or at least close to it). I'm sure a flush would get all the bad fluid out and good in, but I've heard that can be bad for a higher mileage trans. It has 120K on it. As for now, it seems to be doing well, but I'd like to have this truck until at least 200K if not more, so I would like to get it right if I can!

Also, still wondering about the trans mount pic I posted. It just doesn't look right to me...