Failed transmission questions

[Gulah]

The other day my beloved 2000 4wd/auto/limited/elocker with ~215k lost all power to the wheels and drifted to the side of the road. I immediately presumed it was the transmission, but some of my research on here had me thinking maybe it was the flex plate. In retrospect, I noticed a light rattling sound at low RPM and low engine load only (that I wrote off at the time) for about a month before failure. I also noticed slightly harder up shifting, only when cold. I abuse my vehicle, wheeling it quite hard in high desert temperatures. I am running an external trans cooler in series with the stock radiator (replaced prophylactically about 40k ago) and a recently replaced magnafine transmission filter. I'm running valvoline maxlife synthetic and my fluid looks and smells fine. It's about 40k old as well.

I removed inspection panel to look at the flex plate and couldn't find any obvious damage. I tried using a bore scope to inspect the connection to the crank but couldn't really get in there well. The starter engages and starts the engine fine. In park theres a pretty concerning noise when started and idling, and if i shift into any gear the noise worsens substantially and persists even after returning to park. The transfer case seems to shift normally with no impact on the noises.

Today i drained and dropped the transmission pan and found what I believe enough shavings to consider the transmission failed, but I'd appreciate some other opinions on ruling out the flex plate/transfer case/anything else I'm not considering. I dropped the pan and cleaned the magnets with the last fluid change. I can chop my magnafine filter too if suggested, I'm guessing theres tons of shavings there as well.<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/YDcurOb" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/YDcurOb"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Assuming the trans is toast, perhaps someone can chime in on some follow up questions:
I've found conflicting information on here; can I drop in any 96-00 4runner A340F, or only 99-00?
What would I have to do use an A340F from a 01-02 4runner? How about an A340F from another model vehicle?
What parts should I replace while I'm doing this work? I plan on doing the rear main as I believe I have some slight seepage. Trans front seal under the torque converter seems recommended. What about transfer case seals/bearings or other transmission seals?
Obviously the trans filter needs replacement; how about the lines and radiator? Is flushing with fluid and air sufficient?

Any suggestions on sourcing a quality used transmission would be appreciated also. Theres a wrecking yard that sells on ebay with lots of 4runners a couple hours from me that appears promising absent any better ideas.

I've already watched Timmy's trans replacement videos, armed with them I think I'm up for the task.

Many thanks.

 

[Bad Luck]

The other day my beloved 2000 4wd/auto/limited/elocker with ~215k lost all power to the wheels and drifted to the side of the road. I immediately presumed it was the transmission, but some of my research on here had me thinking maybe it was the flex plate. In retrospect, I noticed a light rattling sound at low RPM and low engine load only (that I wrote off at the time) for about a month before failure. I also noticed slightly harder up shifting, only when cold. I abuse my vehicle, wheeling it quite hard in high desert temperatures. I am running an external trans cooler in series with the stock radiator (replaced prophylactically about 40k ago) and a recently replaced magnafine transmission filter. I'm running valvoline maxlife synthetic and my fluid looks and smells fine. It's about 40k old as well.

I removed inspection panel to look at the flex plate and couldn't find any obvious damage. I tried using a bore scope to inspect the connection to the crank but couldn't really get in there well. The starter engages and starts the engine fine. In park theres a pretty concerning noise when started and idling, and if i shift into any gear the noise worsens substantially and persists even after returning to park. The transfer case seems to shift normally with no impact on the noises.

Today i drained and dropped the transmission pan and found what I believe enough shavings to consider the transmission failed, but I'd appreciate some other opinions on ruling out the flex plate/transfer case/anything else I'm not considering. I dropped the pan and cleaned the magnets with the last fluid change. I can chop my magnafine filter too if suggested, I'm guessing theres tons of shavings there as well.<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/YDcurOb" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/YDcurOb"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Assuming the trans is toast, perhaps someone can chime in on some follow up questions:
I've found conflicting information on here; can I drop in any 96-00 4runner A340F, or only 99-00?
What would I have to do use an A340F from a 01-02 4runner? How about an A340F from another model vehicle?
What parts should I replace while I'm doing this work? I plan on doing the rear main as I believe I have some slight seepage. Trans front seal under the torque converter seems recommended. What about transfer case seals/bearings or other transmission seals?
Obviously the trans filter needs replacement; how about the lines and radiator? Is flushing with fluid and air sufficient?

Any suggestions on sourcing a quality used transmission would be appreciated also. Theres a wrecking yard that sells on ebay with lots of 4runners a couple hours from me that appears promising absent any better ideas.

I've already watched Timmy's trans replacement videos, armed with them I think I'm up for the task.

Many thanks.

If you can start the engine then the flexplate isn't the problem. The starter engages the circumference of the flexplate causing it to turn the crank and the torque converter. The torque converter bolts to the flexplate towards the outside and the crank bolts to the flexplate in the the center. Therefore if the starter can turn the engine crank then everything between the two points is still connected.

When you lost power did you try using 2/L/R for the transmission?

As for interchange 99-00 is what you need. The valve bodies in 96-98 are different therefore the connector is different. 01-02 do not have the provisions for the transmission line pressure cable (commonly referred to the kickdown cable even though it doesn't function as such in this transmission. I can't tell you for certain that a transmission from a 99-02 V6 Tacoma would work, but I believe they are close. I would do your own research on if the are close enough to interchange.

EDIT: LKQ is a good source for used parts. I would recommend calling them with your VIN to get the best service, but be prepared to be on hold for a while. They are very busy. I believe they offer a 6 month warranty. They also sell on ebay as well.

EDIT 2: 96-98 will also work according to other people in this thread

 

[Gulah]

If you can start the engine then the flexplate isn't the problem. The starter engages the circumference of the flexplate causing it to turn the crank and the torque converter. The torque converter bolts to the flexplate towards the outside and the crank bolts to the flexplate in the the center. Therefore if the starter can turn the engine crank then everything between the two points is still connected.

When you lost power did you try using 2/L/R for the transmission?

As for interchange 99-00 is what you need. The valve bodies in 96-98 are different therefore the connector is different. 01-02 do not have the provisions for the transmission line pressure cable (commonly referred to the kickdown cable even though it doesn't function as such in this transmission. I can't tell you for certain that a transmission from a 99-02 V6 Tacoma would work, but I believe they are close. I would do your own research on if the are close enough to interchange.

Thank you very much for the reply and explanation, that makes sense. I believe I tried all the other gears on the the transmission shifter, all with no power, I'm not 100% certain though. I definitely cycled through transfer case options.

 

[Bad Luck]

Thank you very much for the reply and explanation, that makes sense. I believe I tried all the other gears on the the transmission shifter, all with no power, I'm not 100% certain though. I definitely cycled through transfer case options.

You're welcome. It's a bummer that your transmission failed, but if it was a GM you probably would be on your 3rd transmission by now lol

If you lost all movement in either direction with any selection then I would suspect a failed transmission pump. No pressure equals no propulsion. I would be curious what you find in your magnafine filter if you decide to cut that open.

 

[Gulah]

You're welcome. It's a bummer that your transmission failed, but if it was a GM you probably would be on your 3rd transmission by now lol

If you lost all movement in either direction with any selection then I would suspect a failed transmission pump. No pressure equals no propulsion. I would be curious what you find in your magnafine filter if you decide to cut that open.

Thanks. Indeed, these transmissions are pretty impressive. This is my 3rd 3rd gen and I've put a ton of abusive miles on them and this is my first trans issue.

Your curiosity is enough of a reason to chop it, I'll get to that in the next few days.

Idk much about auto trans internals, but what about a failed torque converter? Perhaps could explain my hard cold shifts and low load rattle noises?

 

[Gulah]

If you can start the engine then the flexplate isn't the problem. The starter engages the circumference of the flexplate causing it to turn the crank and the torque converter. The torque converter bolts to the flexplate towards the outside and the crank bolts to the flexplate in the the center. Therefore if the starter can turn the engine crank then everything between the two points is still connected.

When you lost power did you try using 2/L/R for the transmission?

As for interchange 99-00 is what you need. The valve bodies in 96-98 are different therefore the connector is different. 01-02 do not have the provisions for the transmission line pressure cable (commonly referred to the kickdown cable even though it doesn't function as such in this transmission. I can't tell you for certain that a transmission from a 99-02 V6 Tacoma would work, but I believe they are close. I would do your own research on if the are close enough to interchange.

EDIT: LKQ is a good source for used parts. I would recommend calling them with your VIN to get the best service, but be prepared to be on hold for a while. They are very busy. I believe they offer a 6 month warranty. They also sell on ebay as well.

When I go through some of the standard wrecking yard searches they differentiate 4runner 4x4 transmissions by California and Federal, 4cyl and 6cyl, and the 99 versions are seperated by build date. All 99 and 00 model year 4runner A340F should be interchangeable though? Just wanted to double check so I don't buy/install an incompatible trans. Thanks again for all the wisdom.

 

[mtbtim]

Yeah, your trans is toast. The shavings accumulated on the magnets in the pan is not normal wear. Something majorly failed. The planetary gear bearing for overdrive is a common failure.

If it were me, I wouldn't do all that work to replace the trans with a used one unless I was seriously strapped for cash and I didn't mind rolling the dice that all the labor I did was for nothing if I got a bad transmission. Your best option to save you time and frustration is to put in a remanufactured or rebuilt transmission so you know you're going to be good for a long time. From what I have heard, Toyota is no longer remanufacturing our auto transmissions. So, you have to find a quality shop that rebuilds them.

Yota1 Performance in Riverbank, California can rebuild your transmission. I know the owners, Nick and Rebecca and they are good people. Give them a call and get a quote to have your trans rebuilt.

Yota1 Performance Engine & Machine - Your Toyota needs all in one place!

Tell them Timmy the Toolman referred you. They know me well.

 

[Gulah]

Yeah, your trans is toast. The shavings accumulated on the magnets in the pan is not normal wear. Something majorly failed. The planetary gear bearing for overdrive is a common failure.

If it were me, I wouldn't do all that work to replace the trans with a used one unless I was seriously strapped for cash and I didn't mind rolling the dice that all the labor I did was for nothing if I got a bad transmission. Your best option to save you time and frustration is to put in a remanufactured or rebuilt transmission so you know you're going to be good for a long time. From what I have heard, Toyota is no longer remanufacturing our auto transmissions. So, you have to find a quality shop that rebuilds them.

Yota1 Performance in Riverbank, California can rebuild your transmission. I know the owners, Nick and Rebecca and they are good people. Give them a call and get a quote to have your trans rebuilt.

Yota1 Performance Engine & Machine - Your Toyota needs all in one place!

Tell them Timmy the Toolman referred you. They know me well.

Thank you for the confirmation and the referral, and thank you even more for all the videos, they have been and will continue to be incredibly useful!

I got the feeling searching around here that low to moderate mileage used transmissions (assuming they were pulled functioning) are often a better bet than rebuilt ones, even Toyota remans, but I have immense trust in your judgement. Do you know of a lot of longer term success with remans? I would hate to have to replace the trans twice of course. I will contact Yota1 regardless to get specifics, thank you again.

 

[phattyduck]

As for interchange 99-00 is what you need. The valve bodies in 96-98 are different therefore the connector is different. 01-02 do not have the provisions for the transmission line pressure cable (commonly referred to the kickdown cable even though it doesn't function as such in this transmission. I can't tell you for certain that a transmission from a 99-02 V6 Tacoma would work, but I believe they are close. I would do your own research on if the are close enough to interchange.

The '96-'98 trans will also work once you swap the neutral safety switch (range switch) to match the truck's wiring. I am currently running a '97 trans in my '99.

It is correct the valve bodies are different, but the function and are controlled the same from the outside.

-Charlie

 

[Gulah]

You're welcome. It's a bummer that your transmission failed, but if it was a GM you probably would be on your 3rd transmission by now lol

If you lost all movement in either direction with any selection then I would suspect a failed transmission pump. No pressure equals no propulsion. I would be curious what you find in your magnafine filter if you decide to cut that open.

Here are some photos of the chopped magnafine filter. Definitely some shavings, though some are undoubtedly from the destruction process.

 

[Gulah]

The '96-'98 trans will also work once you swap the neutral safety switch (range switch) to match the truck's wiring. I am currently running a '97 trans in my '99.

It is correct the valve bodies are different, but the function and are controlled the same from the outside.

-Charlie

That is excellent to know, thank you.

 

[Bad Luck]

The '96-'98 trans will also work once you swap the neutral safety switch (range switch) to match the truck's wiring. I am currently running a '97 trans in my '99.

It is correct the valve bodies are different, but the function and are controlled the same from the outside.

-Charlie

Good to know. I thought the transmission connectors were too different to interchange.

 

[Bad Luck]

Here are some photos of the chopped magnafine filter. Definitely some shavings, though some are undoubtedly from the destruction process.

That’s a lot of metallic sludge in there! Crazy to see! Thanks for posting photos of it

 

[Bad Luck]

When I go through some of the standard wrecking yard searches they differentiate 4runner 4x4 transmissions by California and Federal, 4cyl and 6cyl, and the 99 versions are seperated by build date. All 99 and 00 model year 4runner A340F should be interchangeable though? Just wanted to double check so I don't buy/install an incompatible trans. Thanks again for all the wisdom.

You’ll need one for a V6 and 4wd. The 4 cyl bell housing and torque converter are different. Federal and California emissions do not matter for interchange.

 

[mtbtim]

Thank you for the confirmation and the referral, and thank you even more for all the videos, they have been and will continue to be incredibly useful!

I got the feeling searching around here that low to moderate mileage used transmissions (assuming they were pulled functioning) are often a better bet than rebuilt ones, even Toyota remans, but I have immense trust in your judgement. Do you know of a lot of longer term success with remans? I would hate to have to replace the trans twice of course. I will contact Yota1 regardless to get specifics, thank you again.

No way a used transmission is better than going with a remanned or rebuilt one for the reason I stated above. You have no idea the mileage the transmission you purchased had on it unless you were there to see the vehicle it came out of and you could check the mileage. You have to take their word for it. It's the same deal with a JDM engine. No freaking way would I drop big money down on a total unknown. There are crooks everywhere and I'm not going to take somebody's word for it unless I know them personally or someone I respect has vouched for them.

A remanufactured transmission means every moving part was replaced. The only things reused are the case, bell housing and other non-moving parts. Rebuilt on the other hand means parts can be reused if they meet acceptable tolerances. The terms remanufactured and remanned are used synonymously but they do actually mean different things.

I use to steer people to buy a remanufactured transmission from Toyota but Toyota has stopped remanning them from what I have heard. My buddy Sean [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] has been running a Toyota remanned transmission for the last 5 years with no issues.

Definitely give Yota1 a call and ask to talk to Nick so he can describe to you their rebuild process and the warranty they offer.

 

[mtbtim]

Thank you for the confirmation and the referral, and thank you even more for all the videos, they have been and will continue to be incredibly useful!

I got the feeling searching around here that low to moderate mileage used transmissions (assuming they were pulled functioning) are often a better bet than rebuilt ones, even Toyota remans, but I have immense trust in your judgement. Do you know of a lot of longer term success with remans? I would hate to have to replace the trans twice of course. I will contact Yota1 regardless to get specifics, thank you again.

No way a used transmission is better than going with a remanned or rebuilt one for the reason I stated above. You have no idea the mileage the transmission you purchased had on it unless you were there to see the vehicle it came out of and you could check the mileage. You have to take their word for it. It's the same deal with a JDM engine. No freaking way would I drop big money down on a total unknown. There are crooks everywhere and I'm not going to take somebody's word for it unless I know them personally or someone I respect has vouched for them.

A remanufactured transmission means every moving part was replaced. The only things reused are the case, bell housing and other non-moving parts. Rebuilt on the other hand means parts can be reused if they meet acceptable tolerances. The terms remanufactured and remanned are used synonymously but they do actually mean different things.

I use to steer people to buy a remanufactured transmission from Toyota but Toyota has stopped remanning them from what I have heard.

Definitely give Yota1 a call and ask to talk to Nick so he can describe to you their rebuild process and the warranty they offer.

 

[thegipper]

I have a 99 transmission in my 97 and I didn't have to switch any connectors if I remember correctly. Everything bolted up and plugged in to the same connectors. You definitely can't use an 01/02 tranny because the lack of a kickdown cable but any 4WD 96-00 transmission should work. I'll see if I can find my post and share it here when my original tranny bit the bullet (died because of a pink milkshake).

I put in a used transmission because I bought a donor truck from another member on here who got rear ended. He had meticulous maintenance records for his truck and I was even able to drive it around the block a little bit to make sure the tranny was good. Many years later, the tranny is still going strong. Best case scenario is if you do go the used tranny route, you have a least some knowledge of its history and that it was taken care of. That's probably not going to happen if you just get one from a junkyard but maybe you can find someone parting out their truck or something. The transmissions in these 3rd gens are pretty damn reliable if they were taken care of.

I thought I saw someone on here recently (gamefreak?) say they found a dealership who still had rebuilt OEM toyota transmission for sale. That would obviously be the best choice.

Good luck either way!

 

[Gulah]

No way a used transmission is better than going with a remanned or rebuilt one for the reason I stated above. You have no idea the mileage the transmission you purchased had on it unless you were there to see the vehicle it came out of and you could check the mileage. You have to take their word for it. It's the same deal with a JDM engine. No freaking way would I drop big money down on a total unknown. There are crooks everywhere and I'm not going to take somebody's word for it unless I know them personally or someone I respect has vouched for them.

A remanufactured transmission means every moving part was replaced. The only things reused are the case, bell housing and other non-moving parts. Rebuilt on the other hand means parts can be reused if they meet acceptable tolerances. The terms remanufactured and remanned are used synonymously but they do actually mean different things.

I use to steer people to buy a remanufactured transmission from Toyota but Toyota has stopped remanning them from what I have heard.

Definitely give Yota1 a call and ask to talk to Nick so he can describe to you their rebuild process and the warranty they offer.

Thank you for your sound advice. I called Yota1 and placed an order- they'll have a reman unit for me in ~3 weeks.

I checked with my usual Toyota parts dealers and indeed they were not able to source a new or remanufactured unit.

For those following along, Nick clarified that the Federal and California transmissions differ at the range switch, which is reused anyways. Also I'm required to replace my radiator and aux cooler to receive the warranty, he said they are extremely difficult to completely flush. He also suggested I replace my external transfer case seals given my usage, but would have suggested doing nothing if conditions were less abusive and no issues were present.

Thanks again Tim and everyone for the timely support.

 

[Gulah]

I have a 99 transmission in my 97 and I didn't have to switch any connectors if I remember correctly. Everything bolted up and plugged in to the same connectors. You definitely can't use an 01/02 tranny because the lack of a kickdown cable but any 4WD 96-00 transmission should work. I'll see if I can find my post and share it here when my original tranny bit the bullet (died because of a pink milkshake).

I put in a used transmission because I bought a donor truck from another member on here who got rear ended. He had meticulous maintenance records for his truck and I was even able to drive it around the block a little bit to make sure the tranny was good. Many years later, the tranny is still going strong. Best case scenario is if you do go the used tranny route, you have a least some knowledge of its history and that it was taken care of. That's probably not going to happen if you just get one from a junkyard but maybe you can find someone parting out their truck or something. The transmissions in these 3rd gens are pretty damn reliable if they were taken care of.

I thought I saw someone on here recently (gamefreak?) say they found a dealership who still had rebuilt OEM toyota transmission for sale. That would obviously be the best choice.

Good luck either way!

Thanks! Perhaps you have a pre 06/99 donor transmission and that's when the connector changed? Starting to make some sense of all the part numbers and maybe that explains it.

 

[phattyduck]

Thank you for your sound advice. I called Yota1 and placed an order- they'll have a reman unit for me in ~3 weeks.

I checked with my usual Toyota parts dealers and indeed they were not able to source a new or remanufactured unit.

For those following along, Nick clarified that the Federal and California transmissions differ at the range switch, which is reused anyways. Also I'm required to replace my radiator and aux cooler to receive the warranty, he said they are extremely difficult to completely flush. He also suggested I replace my external transfer case seals given my usage, but would have suggested doing nothing if conditions were less abusive and no issues were present.

Thanks again Tim and everyone for the timely support.

CA vs. Federal is also the dipstick tube to clear the slightly different exhaust routing. As part of that '97 trans in my '99, it was a Federal emissions '97 into my CA emissions '99. I just used the complete dipstick that matched my trans.

-Charlie