4runner transmission problem. Will not downshift

[haddix]

What would make a transmission upshift through all the gears no problem but it will not downshift. You must put it in neutral to while slowing down to get it to go to lower gears. It's a pretty good deal on Craigslist and wasn't sure if this could be an easy fix or does it call for a whole new transmission?
Thanks in advance.

 

[99SC4Runner]

Did you check the trans fluid for level and condition? It shouldn't smell burnt or have the pink milkshake.

If the fluid is where it's supposed to be, then ask about any CEL codes that might have popped up on the current owner.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Shift solenoid.

 

[boudreauxsd]

2000 limited tranny doesn't downshift at a harder stop

If I slow to a stop, my runner will downshift like it is supposed to. If I come to a harder stop, it stays in the higher gear. If I bump the accelerator it will downshift. It downshifts well while driving, and when I demand more power. There are no problems shifting up. Fluid looks and smells clean. I ran a scan tool and there were no codes. The previous owner replaced the tranny with a used one 10,000 miles ago and did not have a problem initially. Could this be a speed sensor, throttle position sensor or a solenoid in the tranny (a Toyota mechanic said that the solenoid would throw a code)?

 

[StreetCreeper]

If I slow to a stop, my runner will downshift like it is supposed to. If I come to a harder stop, it stays in the higher gear. If I bump the accelerator it will downshift. It downshifts well while driving, and when I demand more power. There are no problems shifting up. Fluid looks and smells clean. I ran a scan tool and there were no codes. The previous owner replaced the tranny with a used one 10,000 miles ago and did not have a problem initially. Could this be a speed sensor, throttle position sensor or a solenoid in the tranny (a Toyota mechanic said that the solenoid would throw a code)?

Before my 97 threw two solenoid codes, I noticed it would not downshift properly. Especially if after cruising at 45+, when I would slow down (as if coming to a red light) then before stopping, if I gave it some throttle to accelerate again, there would be an unusual delay before it would find the appropriate gear. That was my first indication of a problem.

Eventually it threw codes — but not at first.

 

[gamefreakgc]

If yours has the transmission kick down cable, make sure it's not too tight and that the cable moves as it should. The transmission cable is attached to the throttle body and is smaller than throttle and does not lead to the cruise control module.

 

[mtbtim]

If I slow to a stop, my runner will downshift like it is supposed to. If I come to a harder stop, it stays in the higher gear. If I bump the accelerator it will downshift. It downshifts well while driving, and when I demand more power. There are no problems shifting up. Fluid looks and smells clean. I ran a scan tool and there were no codes. The previous owner replaced the tranny with a used one 10,000 miles ago and did not have a problem initially. Could this be a speed sensor, throttle position sensor or a solenoid in the tranny (a Toyota mechanic said that the solenoid would throw a code)?

My transmission has the same problem. Sometimes when coming to a stop, the transmission hasn't made it into first yet. When I left off the brake and roll forward a little, it will drop in and sometimes be very noticeable like somebody nudged you with their bumper. I bought the rig with 111,000 miles on it and it's done it since I've owned it. Some people think it's the slip yoke binding and unbinding but I don't think that's what this is. It's just the fact that the transmission hasn't found the lower gear yet. Never had an automatic transmission act this way but if this is the worst it's going to get, I can live with it. Like you said, the transmission shifts and downshifts fine in all other circumstances except when it comes to dropping into first. Maybe it's a shift solenoid? It's not an old trans fluid issue because I've changed it.

 

[alumarine]

Never mind, just realized boudreauxsd just went all necrothread.
Don't do that dude. The op never came back anyway.

 

[AlamoShooter]

cable link photo

If some one can help a new 4 Runner guy with a photo of how the "kick down" cable should connect . on a 1994 . I just got one off CL and the cable is not connected , along with a few other problems . I can't tell if they switched out the Throttle body , as I can see no way to connect the cable .
I think this is why the transmission is trying to start out in a high gear. I have to put the shift in 1 to get it pull its self up even a small hill
Thanks

 

[StreetCreeper]

If some one can help a new 4 Runner guy with a photo of how the "kick down" cable should connect . on a 1994 . I just got one off CL and the cable is not connected , along with a few other problems . I can't tell if they switched out the Throttle body , as I can see no way to connect the cable .
I think this is why the transmission is trying to start out in a high gear. I have to put the shift in 1 to get it pull its self up even a small hill
Thanks

You will have better luck if you post your question in the Classic section of the forum as your truck is a 2nd gen and this is the 3rd gen section. Good luck with that — I'm sure someone will get you the info you need.

Classic T4Rs - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

 

[gamefreakgc]

If some one can help a new 4 Runner guy with a photo of how the "kick down" cable should connect . on a 1994 . I just got one off CL and the cable is not connected , along with a few other problems . I can't tell if they switched out the Throttle body , as I can see no way to connect the cable .
I think this is why the transmission is trying to start out in a high gear. I have to put the shift in 1 to get it pull its self up even a small hill
Thanks

Yeah I can't help there either. My Pickup I had from that generation (before 96) had a manual transmission! Not sure how they were hooked up on the older engines.

 

[AlamoShooter]

Thanks

Thanks , I posted in the "old Guy" area for the 2nd generation 4Runners.
from salvage yard photos ,it looks like my motor is missing a link on the Throttle body.