engine running at high RPMs; tranny won't shift

[brian64dplt]

Hello. I have a 1994 4 Runner V6, 3.0 with 190K on it. It runs great, but lately I've noticed that it won't shift into higher gears when the engine is cold. This makes sense, however, it takes a long time for it to shift. I'm constantly cruising at more than 3K RPMs just to get to 55 mph. I talked to Toyota and they said it normally operates like that, but shouldn't take long to warm up and therefore allow it to shift. My gas mileage is degrading significantly.

I'm just wondering if there is something I can possible look at that might be preventing the transmission from shifting into 3rd gear until the temperature guage reaches half way. I don't think it should take 30 minutes of driving until it is able to shift into 3rd.

Any thoughts? Much appreciation!

 

[fourwd1]

There is an engine temp sensor that delays O/D from kicking in until the engine is up to temp. In cold weather it may take longer. Is that what you're talking about?

 

[Kmvreter]

... a 1994 ... 190K on it.
... it takes a long time for it to shift.
... I don't think it should take 30 minutes of driving until it is able to shift into 3rd.

Your delayed shifting is normal for a cold engine. You don't have a tranny issue. You are on the right track but think of it differently.
The delayed shift is the symptom. It's taking 30 minutes to be able to shift because it's taking 30 minutes to warm up. My guess is your thermostat is stuck open and needs replacing. This will return you to a regular warmup.

 

[tman6508]

I know this is a year old thread, but I'm having the same issue with my exact same 4runner. Same year, mileage etc. Once warmed up it shifts, but after ten minutes or so it wants to down shift, doesn't matter if I'm going 60-65 mph. It's as if I turned off the O/D, and it won't shift again for another 5-10 minutes of driving. Any thoughts of what might be the issue here?

Travis

 

[TXToyota]

Travis - I also have a 1994 that is doing the exact same thing. It is in the shop today for the 3rd or 4th time... they cannot seem to find the culprit to this problem. Thermometer/thermostat is good, sensor/scannor gives off no codes, .... etc. I let it warm up for around 10 min in the morning, but it does not matter. It is still a hit-and-miss problem. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't , and sometimes it does and then knocks right out. If you find out the problem, PLEASE POST. This is very frustrating !! Driving 55mph on the highway is no fun especially when the RPM's are high and the gas is being GUZZLED !!!!!!!!!

 

[TXToyota]

SOLUTION to tranny not shifting to Overdrive

WHEW !! I had my car in the shop for 2-3 days, then off to a transmission specialist for 2 days, and then FINALLY a SOLUTION to the problem ... Seems as though it was as SIMPLE as "bad contacts," in the wiring. They used a voltameter for all the wiring and found some bad contacts. So they cleaned all of the "contacts," "openend some prongs," and reattached them, and VOILA !!! It WORKS !!!! The real test was in the cold weather we've been having the last few days, and all is well !!! Baby shifts like a charm and all is as it should be once again !!!! So if your gears are not shifting, if you're riding at high RPMS over 40/45mph ... have them check the wiring !!!!!!!