fix 1999 4Runner transmission

[runi9]

The engine light on my 1999 4Runner is on now and I briefly took it the auto shop I go to so they can take a look at it. They said it was the transmission. I called the transmission place they recommended and they said it would be $3500-4500 to fix/replace the transmission. I was lamenting about it with a guy in my building and he told me about someone he knew who fixes cars on the side. I went to talk with him and he said he can call the junkyard to see about getting a transmission there.

My questions for you are:

1. Is getting a transmission from the junkyard appropriate/acceptable?
^ Or should I be purchasing a rebuilt transmission from a specified transmission shop and just having him install it? As far as I know, there is no way I can purchase a brand new transmission for a 1999 4Runner since it is too old, so rebuilds are my only option, yes?

2. How much should I be looking at for the labor charge to pay the individual mechanic? (or should I just stick to an auto shop for this type of repair job?)
^ Since this is a big fix for the car, I also like to go ahead and fix as much as possible that is wrong with the car. So, this will include:

2a. replacing a door that has rust at the top <- I will ask if he can get a door from the junkyard for this.

2b. replacing the antenna since it doesn’t work

2c. replacing the electronics for the power windows and power locks since these both are malfunctioning

2d. replace the visors

2e. replace the driver’s side seat

2f. replace brakes (?) (there was a leak the auto shop mentioned a year or so ago…)

2g. install a new radio and *maybe* indoor speakers (only if this is within his skillset as I realize auto mechanics is different from auto electronics/sound system work)

*Regarding 2f, I’m thinking of going to my regular auto shop to have them do a full diagnostic check to find out everything that needs attention on the truck. The brakes are squeaking and making a bit of noise currently. OR should I just have the side job mechanic have a look at everything and diagnose it? I was assuming a full auto shop would be better for this since they have more diagnostic equipment, but I could be wrong here and they probably would just charge me $60 for the diagnostic and then do nothing. Thoughts?

3. What are your thoughts on this? Are there any other areas I should also be sure to get fixed? Are there very particular brands for the transmission and other parts that I should make sure I purchase (ie Denzo, etc.) as well as other brands that I should NEVER purchase (ie Bosch, etc) Have I missed anything? Do you have any tips/suggestions/warnings that I must know about? Thank you!

 

[Devbot]

I don't understand, $3500 was too big of a bill so you wanna make it $5-10k instead in the effort of "saving money"..? I think you're underestimating the level of work you're throwing at them. Average price of a mechanic is $100-200 an hour, but I've seen up to $500/hr out there - entirely dependent on the shop and field.

 

[Bad Luck]

Without knowing what their specific diagnosis was and the trouble code, I can't recommend anything. It could be as simple as replacing the shift solenoids or you could have a failed transmission cooler which will require additional repairs besides replacing the transmission.

EDIT: Labor rates are going to vary drastically so call a few mechanics you are considering and ask what their labor rate is. I've seen mechanic rates from $40-$250/hr. It all depends on your area and how technical/specialized the mechanic is.

 

[runi9]

To the posters so far, I just figure get everything done since this will *probably* be an expensive fix. I know the mechanic that I'm seeing on the side will charge me a reduced rate, but I just wanted to get an idea of what the usual rates are for this kind of repair job. I will take the truck to a trans shop though to get an official quote and then report back here with the quoted price as well as the repair codes for the Check Engine light. I'll call a few trans shops thereafter to get a feel for what everyone is charging too.

For now though, can we discuss the best brand(s) for questions #2a-2g listed above? And also, what about the junkyard question regarding the transmission?

 

[Endlessblockades]

Out here a salvage-yard 'Grade A' (claimed 70k miles) used transmission can be had for $500- $700. No warranty. I would probably rather take a chance on a factory-sealed 'low miles' unit rather than someone's 'rebuild'. Finding a place/way to do the work yourself or a mechanic to do the swap is another story. If you look at automotive labor time estimating sites most say 6-8 hours for R&R so be prepared for at least $1000 labor in a mainstream independent shop. Keep in mind that this is just some info that I came up with as an unskilled dude on the internet, so do your own research. There are many pro mechanics here who can give you a better picture, but there is no way I am going to spend $3,000 or up when my time comes......and it may well be coming. I will probably rent a tranny jack and spend a week cursing in my friend's driveway if needed.

 

[audiness]

I have a transmission from a low mileage 2000 4Runner for sale in the classifieds for $1k including transfer case. PM me if interested

FS: 1999 or 2000 Automatic Transmission and Transfer case - Charleston,SC

 

[3bears]

many trans shops will be at least 4k. but as others have mentioned above...is the tranny really shot or just solenoids...which is not a hard job. What are your symptoms...codes... These trannys can go many many miles unless abused/neglected. many on this forum will tell you that you can get up to 400k on a tranny if taken care of and not abused. I have not owned one yet over 260k ( sell or wreck rig) but I have had no issues and i am not gentle and live and play in harsh places.

 

[Mark_BC]

It sounds like you want to replace everything that has any minor issue with it. The point of these old vehicles is to learn about them so you can understand the problems yourself and either fix them yourself or specifically direct someone at a shop to do it once you understand exactly what the problem is. It's a hobby.

I'm not following why you need a whole new transmission simply because you have a check engine light and the transmission shop guy who wants to sell you a new transmission says you need a new transmission.

I think you'd be better off just selling it and buying a newer 5th 4runner that won't have these maintenance costs.

 

[octanejunkie]

New transmissions can be had, Joe Joe on FB can get you one, it will not be cheap, but it will be new. Labor to R&R, expect $1,200, that's "book labor" for most shops.

To Mark's point, owning a "classic vehicle" is not inexpensive and the way most of us make it affordable, and scalable, is to learn to do the work ourselves. Check out the 3rd Gen T4R DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos sticky.

I also agree that you might want to get more than 1 shop's opinion before dropping serious cash, or at least get a code scanner and see what that CEL is actually reporting. AutoZone can run the code for you. Besides, if the truck is driveable, how bad can the trans be?

 

[mtbtim]

Like others mentioned, we need more information to comment intelligently.

What code(s) are you getting?

Is your transmission having shifting or slipping issues?

I wouldn't pay a shop for anything just yet until you do the appropriate research first to confirm a transmission replacement is actually necessary.

If you are truly in need of a transmission swap, I would not go the used route nor would I allow a shop to rebuild it. Your best bet is to buy a remanufactured one from Toyota. Remanufactured means all the moving parts are replaced. You're basically getting a new transmission other than the housing and other non-moving parts that are reused.

I will also echo what [MENTION=95183]octanejunkie[/MENTION] suggested by buying from Joe Joe via Facebook. He will get you the lowest price for a Toyota Remanufactured Transmission. He's totally legit. Thousands of guys order from him and I've never seen a negative comment regarding his parts service he provides to the Toyota community. Here's a link to his page: Facebook Send him a personal message and tell hm what you need. He gets back to people fairly quickly.

For the swap, you can use my video series to tackle it yourself and save big time in labor costs.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oZDSjlxl2Q4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Endlessblockades]

I will also echo what [MENTION=95183]octanejunkie[/MENTION] suggested by buying from Joe Joe via Facebook. He will get you the lowest price for a Toyota Remanufactured Transmission. He's totally legit. Thousands of guys order from him and I've never seen a negative comment regarding his parts service he provides to the Toyota community. Here's a link to his page: Facebook Send him a personal message and tell hm what you need. He gets back to people fairly quickly.

Dang Joe Joe is a Meme Lord. I got lost looking at all of his humor posts and forgot what I was doing there!

Thanks for sharing the resource, though.

 

[mtbtim]

Dang Joe Joe is a Meme Lord. I got lost looking at all of his humor posts and forgot what I was doing there!

Thanks for sharing the resource, though.

He's conservative with a sense of humor. Yes, he's got lots of funny memes.

 

[3bears]

He's conservative with a sense of humor. Yes, he's got lots of funny memes.

thanks for sharing...i should have been doing something else....really like his corona virus one
well i guess not very politically correct...and i have several good asian friends....oh well

 

[mtbtim]

thanks for sharing...i should have been doing something else....really like his corona virus one
well i guess not very politically correct...and i have several good asian friends....oh well

Political Correctness is not my strong point either. I make fun of everyone though.

 

[runi9]

Sorry for the wait, everyone. I finally have the codes after someone let me borrow their code scanner or whatever its called. Please see the pictures attached here.

Other information is:

1. slipping
The truck's transmission is slipping and has a hard time going from 2nd to 3rd when it first starts up.

2. shaking, oil smell
The truck has started to shake a bit lately and seems to be emitting an oil smell ever since the Check Engine light came on.

3. clicking sound
There is an intermittent clicking sound coming from the engine area, it seems.

4. brakes are screeching a bit

 

[Mark_BC]

Sorry if I came across snarky above, I just didn't want to see you get taken.

P0770 is the shift solenoid. I don't know much about how these transmissions work but it sounds like that is fixable, if that's the only problem.

The oil smell is more concerning. Ideally you could check the transmission temperature when running. The 99 outputs that from the computer but you'll need a Scangauge set up to read that, which sounds like isn't something you have easy access to.

I would suggest pulling up the trans dipstick and looking at the fluid colour. If it's brown and smells bad that isn't good.

 

[phattyduck]

1. slipping
The truck's transmission is slipping and has a hard time going from 2nd to 3rd when it first starts up.

A delayed 2-3 shift when cold is normal. It is there to help heat up the engine and transmission. It should go away fairly quickly (like, only one or two delayed shifts on 'normal' mornings above freezing).

-Charlie

 

[Mark_BC]

It's possible you have a pink milkshake where the radiator leaks coolant into the trans fluid. That will destroy your transmission. It will look pink on the dipstick. But if that happened I doubt you'd be able to drive it.

 

[runi9]

Sorry if I came across snarky above, I just didn't want to see you get taken.

No problem at all, I appreciate all advice here.

The 99 outputs that from the computer but you'll need a Scangauge set up to read that, which sounds like isn't something you have easy access to.

I'm going to try and take it to a trans shop to have them assess it since, as I suspected, they should have a procedure to run more tests and use more equipment like the Scanguage you mentioned. (also [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] ) It's just very difficult to find time to take the truck there since they are open when I'm working and close right before I get off.

A delayed 2-3 shift when cold is normal. It is there to help heat up the engine and transmission. It should go away fairly quickly (like, only one or two delayed shifts on 'normal' mornings above freezing).

This is definitely not normal for this truck as it has not been like this for many years. Also, I live in a place where it is above 75 degrees almost every single day, so there is no cold weather here.

 

[Reinout]

[MENTION=74748]runi9[/MENTION]

Some of the first things I would do is the inexpensive things such as making sure oil levels are correct and even using additives (yes I know → "snake oil") but for about $10 you can get, from your local automotive shop, transmission fix additives. Sure, it might not fix it, but then again, it might!