3rd Gen Automatic Transmission Knowledge

[A2toHgt]

Hello all,

I'm starting to have some trans problems. Occasionally, my rig won't go into reverse. I'll put it in reverse, but I'll need to give a lot of throttle to get it to move. Even then, it feels rough. The same problem sometimes occurs in drive. The transmission fluid was also burnt quickly after I changed it.

Given all that, I want to replace the transmission. There's a lot of used options, but I know there were several running changes over the years Toyota built 3rd gens. My car (4/99) build is on the cusp of one of the changes :-(

A few questions...

1) Can any 3rd gen automatic transmission bolt into my '99 limited? If so, do I need to install parts from my transmission (e.g. input shaft) to get them to fit?


2) What auto transmission model is in my car? Is the part number written anywhere on the transmission case where I can see if a used transmission is the exact same part?


3) Does anyone have a link showing the differences between 3rd gen automatic transmissions?

Thanks

 

[phattyduck]

The changes to the V6 auto trans from '96-'00 are all internal (valve body changes). '01/'02 use a solenoid for line pressure control instead of a throttle cable. Any 4WD transmission from '96-'00 will bolt in place at work for you.

A 2WD transmission from those same years has a different output shaft and pan/pickup but is also otherwise compatible. Changing the output shaft is a pretty big hassle (basically a complete disassembly), so I'd suggest you avoid the 2WD transmissions.

For reference, I am running a '97 4WD trans on my (originally) 2WD '99. Another guy on here has a '99 trans in is '97 and it also works fine.

-Charlie

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Hello all,

I'm starting to have some trans problems. Occasionally, my rig won't go into reverse. I'll put it in reverse, but I'll need to give a lot of throttle to get it to move. Even then, it feels rough. The same problem sometimes occurs in drive. The transmission fluid was also burnt quickly after I changed it.

Given all that, I want to replace the transmission. There's a lot of used options, but I know there were several running changes over the years Toyota built 3rd gens. My car (4/99) build is on the cusp of one of the changes :-(

A few questions...

1) Can any 3rd gen automatic transmission bolt into my '99 limited? If so, do I need to install parts from my transmission (e.g. input shaft) to get them to fit?


2) What auto transmission model is in my car? Is the part number written anywhere on the transmission case where I can see if a used transmission is the exact same part?


3) Does anyone have a link showing the differences between 3rd gen automatic transmissions?

Thanks

Are we getting any codes with this at all. The codes will point u in the direction of repair I had the same problem starting out and as I progressed codes started to appear. My end result after a lot of trial and error was a clogged up valve body. The problems where more obvious during cold start up.

 

[A2toHgt]

The changes to the V6 auto trans from '96-'00 are all internal (valve body changes). '01/'02 use a solenoid for line pressure control instead of a throttle cable. Any 4WD transmission from '96-'00 will bolt in place at work for you.

A 2WD transmission from those same years has a different output shaft and pan/pickup but is also otherwise compatible. Changing the output shaft is a pretty big hassle (basically a complete disassembly), so I'd suggest you avoid the 2WD transmissions.

For reference, I am running a '97 4WD trans on my (originally) 2WD '99. Another guy on here has a '99 trans in is '97 and it also works fine.

-Charlie

Thanks Charlie. This is exactly the info I was looking for. What build date is your 4runner? From the information I read online, the change in transmission occurred in mid 99.

 

[phattyduck]

Thanks Charlie. This is exactly the info I was looking for. What build date is your 4runner? From the information I read online, the change in transmission occurred in mid 99.

Mine was a 3/99 production date.

-Charlie

 

[thegipper]

I'm the guy with the 99 tranny in a my 97.

The change that happened in 99 mid year is I believe when the valve bodies changed, but it will still work.

Any 96-00 4WD transmission will bolt/plug in just fine with no modifications or issues. In the middle of 99 they changed the valve bodies but that won't matter and it still works fine.

01/02 transmissions do not have a mechanical kickdown cable and will not work in a 96-00 truck.

Good luck

 

[thegipper]

If you want to further diagnose your tranny, if you haven't dropped your transmission pan, I would do that next. The filter could be all plugged up and starving the pump. Once it starts to warm up, enough fluid gets by which allows the gear changes.

I would at least do a little investigating before I swapped in a different tranny. It's a big job for sure...

 

[Kotrin]

I agree with a lot of the other posts. Do some preliminary troubleshooting before just swapping it out. Metal on the drain plug or in the oil after draining it? I didn't see a mile post on the 'transmission/truck' either, might have missed it. But most likely sounds like the linkage inside is bad, clutch is slipping or failed torque converter.

It sounds like you are already on the right track just swapping it out. Be careful and use two people if possible, the transmissions aren't light.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I agree with a lot of the other posts. Do some preliminary troubleshooting before just swapping it out. Metal on the drain plug or in the oil after draining it? I didn't see a mile post on the 'transmission/truck' either, might have missed it. But most likely sounds like the linkage inside is bad, clutch is slipping or failed torque converter.

It sounds like you are already on the right track just swapping it out. Be careful and use two people if possible, the transmissions aren't light.

Can't agree more with the last statement here. You will NEED a transmission jack and two people. You can remove the old transmission with one person, I've done it, but no way you can put a new one in without a transmission jack, and two people make it infinitely easier when trying to line it up just perfect to bolt back in.

 

[Kotrin]

Can't agree with the last statement here. You will NEED a transmission jack and two people. You can remove the old transmission with one person, I've done it, but no way you can put a new one in without a transmission jack, and two people make it infinitely easier when trying to line it up just perfect to bolt back in.

I was implying by default to use a transmission jack. I've done it with my dad without and WE regretted it. Guess I shouldn't assume as this is the internet...

 

[gamefreakgc]

I was implying by default to use a transmission jack. I've done it with my dad without and WE regretted it. Guess I shouldn't assume as this is the internet...

And I should not omit words. I meant to say "Can't agree with this more" lol! All good. I edited it.

 

[A2toHgt]

Thanks guys. I am planning using a proper jack when I R&R the transmission. I have the good fortune of having an extremely well equipped shop at the University so I have just about all the tools I need at hand.

Regarding a possible fix, I am planning on dropping the pan and inspecting the valve body and filter. Given that my fluid burned after ~1000 miles, I think my transmission is toast.

 

[thegipper]

Make sure the torque converter is fully seated when you re-install the new/used tranny. That can be a huge mistake if you forget about it (ask me how I know).

Other than that, there are a few hard bolts to get at (a couple on the inspection plate cover) but the rest of the job is pretty straight forward.

Lets hope you don't even need to replace the tranny, good luck.

 

[A2toHgt]

Does anyone know if 3rd gen transmissions have the VIN engraved on the trans case?

 

[Nate_GB]

Does anyone know if 3rd gen transmissions have the VIN engraved on the trans case?

None that I have seen do.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Thanks guys. I am planning using a proper jack when I R&R the transmission. I have the good fortune of having an extremely well equipped shop at the University so I have just about all the tools I need at hand.

Regarding a possible fix, I am planning on dropping the pan and inspecting the valve body and filter. Given that my fluid burned after ~1000 miles, I think my transmission is toast.

[MENTION=173821]A2toHgt[/MENTION]

Ahhhh what? It sounds as if you implying that a mechanical failure of your transmission, eg slip packs going bad or other components = fluid becoming “burnt” within 1,000 miles.

What did the fluid look like before that 1,000 miles started? What is the maintenance history?

I have at one point had my transmission slip when going into reverse first thing in the morning. But guess what... it turned out the fluid was low. I did a drain and fill then made sure the fluid was at the proper level. That was in 2005. I have owned my 4Runner since 2002 at 65K miles until now at 255K miles. I am still on my original transmission.

Does the person you are talking to actually know what he is talking about?

Basic troubleshooting... probably a good idea here.

I agree with a lot of the other posts. Do some preliminary troubleshooting before just swapping it out.

This! Btw OP I noticed you never replied to any of the posts about basic troublehsooting. Who is advising you on this and do they actually know our 4Runners? You wouldn’t have posted if you knew this on your own.

 

[Nauni]

Transmission won't go in reverse

Hello, I'm new here and I'm having the same issue plus my truck wouldn't go into drive at first either til I kept working with it even then it went forward and pull my steap hill in neutral. Now I am a woman and new at learning about my 4runner and trying to fix things myself but I do know it shouldn't move at all in neutral lat alone pull a hill. Any suggestions? I just put the used transmission in it as a few months ago. And just realized after topping off fluid that it looks burnt as well. Please help. BTW mine is a 98 3rd gen 2wd auto

Thank you in advance
Nauni

 

[spartacus]

Hello, I'm new here and I'm having the same issue plus my truck wouldn't go into drive at first either til I kept working with it even then it went forward and pull my steap hill in neutral. Now I am a woman and new at learning about my 4runner and trying to fix things myself but I do know it shouldn't move at all in neutral lat alone pull a hill. Any suggestions? I just put the used transmission in it as a few months ago. And just realized after topping off fluid that it looks burnt as well. Please help. BTW mine is a 98 3rd gen 2wd auto

Thank you in advance
Nauni

Check the shifter linkage at the transmission better yet have the folks who installed the trans look at it. The shifter bushings disintegrate over time could need replacement. The transmission solonoids could be bad. Good luck.

 

[Nauni]

Thank you so much for replying and your advice. Will check linkage and solenoids. Btw I was thinking the linkage as well.

Thanks again,
Tami