Help with transmission woes...

[97Limited4Me]

OK, I know that my 4Runner does not have a 5 speed automatic transmission. But with that said, I have an odd problem.

When shifting from 3rd to 4th, my transmission does a wierd thing.

It shifts into fourth, and the RPMS drop aproximatly 500rpm. Then, if I keep a constant speed, the transmission will apparently shift again, dropping another couple hundred RPM's. Just like it would if I had a 5 speed automatic.

Noticed it also on a trip to LA this weekend. Driving up the grapevine, I pushed the foot down a little to downshift from 4th to 3rd for some acceleration. Tranny kicked down aprox 500 rpm like you would assume, however i decided to do a test.

A few seconds after i pushed the foot down and the tranmission kicked down, I clicked the O/D button. At this point, the transmission decided to kick down again... What the hell?

It seems to me like I have an issue with 4th gear but I was wondering if anyone here had a similar experience..

Thanks
Roger

 

[Bill_V]

My 2k Limited does the same thing and I'm certian that it is the torque converter unlocking from lockup that causes it to feel like a "shift" point.

 

[gapboi210]

bill_v is right it is just the torque converter locking and unlocking. mines does the same thing when on the highway; it goes into 4th and then the torque converter locks bringing the rpms down a little bit more.

 

[97Limited4Me]

Well if this is normal than I am not concerned. This is my first automatic that I have ever owned so I am still getting used to a few of the quirks.

I appreciate the help. The transmission operates perfectly other than this and if its normal I am not worried.

 

[crbocaj125]

A mechanic explained it to me as a passing gear.

Its like a 3-1/2 gear. When you go to pass a car on the highway, it downshifts, but not into 3rd. Make sense?