Hesitation in Drive "D" 1999 4Runner.

[Kowitz]

Hey everyone,

Just recently, my 4Runner(automatic transmission) has been having an issue right after startup. It moves just fine in reverse. But when I put it in drive "D", it's very slow and sluggish. If I put it "L" it drives just fine, and then I can put it back into drive almost immediately after that, and the truck is just fine.

Again, this issue is almost only after startup, and it's worse when it's cold outside.

It almost feels like the truck is trying to start itself in 2nd gear.

Any ideas? Thanks!!

PS: I forgot to mention, I also have CEL p0171, Fuel System too lean, Bank 1

 

[TravisM]

Can you explain what's happening? Like when you put it in D, does it shudder? Does it not have any power?

 

[Kowitz]

No stuttering, just feels very down on power. Almost if you were trying to start in a high gear.

The problem doesn't last long. And like I said, if I put it into low myself, it drives fine, and then shift it back into Drive, the issues doesn't come back.

 

[johnbyebye]

If you leave it in Drive, does it shift through all the gears when you get up to speed?

Also check to see if you have Overdrive.

 

[Kowitz]

It's not in overdrive.

And yes, if I leave it in drive, it will be slow and underpowered, until it shifts. But after the 1st shift, its fine and drives/shifts like normal.

 

[Fayettebro]

Did you ever figure this out? Have the EXACT same problem with it being slow in "D" but not in L or 2.

Edit: Unlike some people, I have come back to follow up if anyone has the same issue. After reading other threads I replaced the transmission solenoids. I got a filter and 3 solenoids off Ebay. The solenoids were smaller then the factory ones but everything works great now. I didn't replace the filter. It was not a fun job... very messy. Drop the sway bar, don't try to do it with the sway bar on - only takes a few minutes. Luckily someone in the past had already swapped out the tranny gasket and I didn't have to fight with removing the gasket material. One of my solenoids screw hole didn't line up exactly with the hole in the valve assembly (?) so I used a step drill bit to enlarge it. I cleaned a bucket and stored all my old fluid there to reuse later. I covered the bucket so nothing could get in. Someone later said I should have filtered it before putting it back in... you might try that if you do this.