automatic transmission problems

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MiniMoto58

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I have a 1991 4runner v6 with a automatic transmission. well here is my problem today when I started it when I put it into drive i har no response from the transmission the motor would just rev this would happen in Drive Reverse 2 and 1. I tried shifting into 4 high and still nothing then 4 low and I got some response but only enough to pull it to my garage.I turned the car off and let it sit for about five min then i tried again and it worked fine I check the trans fluid and the oil they were both normal and the car ran fine the rest of the day. I have never had any problems like this before and need some advice on where to start trouble shooting this problem I would like to prevent this from becoming something major. thank you for all the help you can give.
 
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I have the same exact same prob

Wow, I thought I was the only one... I have this same problem right now and this is the second time it happened to me. Too bad no one respond with any insight on what might be the cause of this.

This first time this happen to me was after the AT oil temp light came on and I pulled over let the transmission cool down and when I attempt to put it in drive, no response from transmission as if it's not engaging. So I got it towed home and the car been sitting for a week. I gave it another shot later and everything was fine again.

Now after driving it for a month the same thing is happening. I'm thinking it's a bad solenoid? But I'm not an expert...

Anyone out there have any ideas?
 
That would indicate either a lack of transmission fluid, or a significant problem with your torque converter. Check your fluid, and if that's not it, you're probably looking a needing a new transmission.

BabyBlue, your post was in the 'maintenance' forum, which is not frequented by many, and is not specific to any group of the 27 years of 4Runners. For future reference, you will get much more help in the forum for your generation, as the people in the specific forums are far more familiar with the quirks and tricks with those model years.
 
the_dingman said:
That would indicate either a lack of transmission fluid, or a significant problem with your torque converter. Check your fluid, and if that's not it, you're probably looking a needing a new transmission.

BabyBlue, your post was in the 'maintenance' forum, which is not frequented by many, and is not specific to any group of the 27 years of 4Runners. For future reference, you will get much more help in the forum for your generation, as the people in the specific forums are far more familiar with the quirks and tricks with those model years.
Click to expand...

Nope. Its pretty common on the older A340s. Usually a shift solenoid is going bad and not letting it downshift correctly. It will get stuck in 3rd gear.

Support Groups for Toyotaholics - A340 Transmission issues and FAQs
 
Shift solenoid?

AddictedOffroad said:
Nope. Its pretty common on the older A340s. Usually a shift solenoid is going bad and not letting it downshift correctly. It will get stuck in 3rd gear.

Support Groups for Toyotaholics - A340 Transmission issues and FAQs
Click to expand...

Will changing out the shift solenoid require dropping the transmission?
Also the transmission is having a problem overheating even on short trips. I added a transmission cooler and it did not solve the problem. Fluid level is good and there is no indication of it being burned. So what could it be?
 
Transmission wont engage

So what can cause the transmission to not engage into first gear? When I put the car in drive and hit the gas it feels like the car wants to move forward but it's not in gear. I can only get the car to move when I shift to 4wd on Low. Any other combination feels like it's in neutral or park.
 
BettyBlue4runner said:
Will changing out the shift solenoid require dropping the transmission?
Also the transmission is having a problem overheating even on short trips. I added a transmission cooler and it did not solve the problem. Fluid level is good and there is no indication of it being burned. So what could it be?
Click to expand...

No, you need to drop the pan and change out the shift solenoids. Its outlined in the link I gave you including a couple places to buy them.
 
AddictedOffroad said:
No, you need to drop the pan and change out the shift solenoids. Its outlined in the link I gave you including a couple places to buy them.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for the link! :bluejump: so I checked out the site and ordered the solenoid kit long with a new filter and gasket.

Could bad solenoids be the cause of the over heating transmission fluid? When the car was running there was no indication of any shifting problems. I would drive on the highway for about 30 mins, with my foot on the gas I can feel the car not wanting to push forward and the A/T fluid light comes on. This has happened multiple times. To fix this I just pull over and let the car idle till the light goes out and continue driving like the user manual instructs.

Also my speedometer been making a loud noise behind the dash. I'm going to replace the cable as well, but would a bad speedo cable have anything to do with the trans overheating?
 
BettyBlue4runner said:
Thanks so much for the link! :bluejump: so I checked out the site and ordered the solenoid kit long with a new filter and gasket.

Could bad solenoids be the cause of the over heating transmission fluid? When the car was running there was no indication of any shifting problems. I would drive on the highway for about 30 mins, with my foot on the gas I can feel the car not wanting to push forward and the A/T fluid light comes on. This has happened multiple times. To fix this I just pull over and let the car idle till the light goes out and continue driving like the user manual instructs.

Also my speedometer been making a loud noise behind the dash. I'm going to replace the cable as well, but would a bad speedo cable have anything to do with the trans overheating?
Click to expand...

Speedo cable would have nothing to do with the tranny overheating.

I would guess you need a much better cooler. If that light comes on its a VERY bad indication. That means it just hit 300 degrees. Anything over 250 degrees is bad. I would do a full transmission flush to get all the burnt fluid out and then install a large tranny cooler in front of the radiator. I complete flush, not just a drain and refill.
 
I had similar problems as OP with my 95 that I bought two weeks ago. I checked the solenoids as per the manual and found one of the solenoids, the S2, reading 75 ohms at the ECM plug to ground. They all three should show 11-15 ohms. I dropped the pan and pulled the wires off for another reading. SL and S1 were at 12.5 and the S2 was 52.6. The addition resistance was apparently in the wiring harness. I ordered a complete set of solenoids and changed filter and buttoned it up. Shifts out fine and have not noticed any slipping problems so far.

Solenoids were ordered from link below. They are out of stock right now though... I guess I bought the last set on hand.

http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/A340_transmission_solenoids_s/3692.htm
 
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Waiting for shipment

I took off the oil pan and the t-case pan and removed all the solenoids. I tested all of the solenoids per the FSM. I think i have 1 bad solenoid that prevented the car from moving while in drive. I hope this fixes my problem. I'm waiting on the solenoids to come in, should be here Thursday. I got it really cheap compared to any other site. It was about $204 for 2 shift solenoids and a lock solenoid. Also got a pan gasket and filter.

Check out this site.
A340, AW4, Switches & solenoids, Bulkpart transmission parts
 
Transfer case oil?

Okay so I drained the transfer case in the back of the transmission and now I'm unsure where to fill it back up. Does it get filled up through the transmission dip stick? Or the transfer case fluid completely different from the transmission fluid? It's a A340H transmission if that helps.
 
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change of plans

So instead of trying to figure out whats wrong with this transmission, I thought I would just get another one all together. Gonna try and install it myself. Wish me luck!!
 
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