87 Auto-Trans Wont Down Shift at Stop Sign

[Chillin209]

Okay, first I'm new to the forum. I have been reviewing the site for while now and it's awesome place for information $runner Pride. So, I bought a 87' 4runner with 200k+ miles on CL. It is just a project toy for when me and my family go camping and 4wheelin at the sand dunes of Pismo Beach, CA (see below link). Anyway, the first thing I noticed wrong was the Trans did not automatically downshift to 1st gear when coming to a stop sign. You have to manually grab the shift lever and pull it down into 1st, then take off and up shift to D....The trans works fine when you do this. Reading some posts, it sounds like a possible bad Solenoid? Is this an easy fix, just drop the trans oil pan and swap out the Solenoid? I would appreciate any insight to fixing this problem.

Oceano Dunes Sand Dune Guide

 

[yotarob]

More than likely you do have a shift solenoid problem and changing them out is exactly as you described it, just drain the transmission fluid and drop the pan and you can see them. Might as well go ahead and replace the transmission filter while you have the pan down and I recommend that you use good silicon to put the pan back on. I like to use Permatex "Right Stuff" It's not cheap but better than having a leak and having to do it twice

Permatex 85224 | Liquid Gasketing & Silicone Sealants

 

[SV_Dude]

Try avoiding stop signs.

 

[Chillin209]

Thanks for the reply.....I'm going to drop the trans pan down this weekend and remove the solenoid or solenoids. Apparently there are two solenoids, one for 1st and one for 2nd.......I'm also going to replace the trans filter, or at least clean it if it's just a screen type. Permatex Right Stuff link looks good, I will give it a try out. I will follow up with a post and some pics of the job and let you all know how it goes. Hopefully I can still buy new Solenoids from Toyota?? Cheers!

 

[Clone of the Mean]

I did this on my 94. It's an easy job but I removed the sway bar just for better access. Definitely change the filter.

I paid less than $200 for my solenoids from a transmission supply shop. Dealer is probably twice that…..

 

[Chillin209]

Update:I found the solenoid kit (all 3 solenoids), gasket and filter on the below web site link. I ordered the parts to be delivered next week. It was approx $220. Cheers!

Transmission Part by Bulk Part Switches & solenoids Solenoid kit, A340, 2 Shift solenoids & 1 Lock-up

 

[Clone of the Mean]

mine didn't come w a pan gasket……

Keep in mind, just bcos you drain the pan doesn't mean there still isn't a quart in the pan waiting to pour itself all over your head when you pull it down.