New 4 runner owner w/ problems

[samcritton]

I just bought a 1991 T4R (160,000 miles) last night and the auto tranny would not engage at first (seemed to slip and not want to pull the truck at all). This was my 3rd time driving it, but the first time it did this and of course on the way home for the first time. Then, it finally engaged and seemed to work normally for about 20 miles @ highway speeds. Then, the A/T oil temp light comes on. So I pull over at a gas station and let it cool down. The trans was HOT, but the little radiator next to it was COLD. So, I checked the coolent level and it was low. Added a gallon of premixed coolant. Checked the trans fluid level. Seemed low. Added Dextron II, now seems full. Started the truck and let it warm back up for a while. Drove it around the block a few times and the trans was working fine. Pulled back into the gas station to wash my hands and when I came back out, the trans would not engage at all again. It seems to want to move the truck, but very little, like a clutch is slipping or something. This is my first post and I'm very nervous about completing the sale now. What do you think everyone? Thank you-Sam

 

[T?@\7]

someone will know, good luck with it! and welcome.

 

[2Walker5RS]

I just bought a 1991 T4R (160,000 miles) last night and the auto tranny would not engage at first (seemed to slip and not want to pull the truck at all). This was my 3rd time driving it, but the first time it did this and of course on the way home for the first time. Then, it finally engaged and seemed to work normally for about 20 miles @ highway speeds. Then, the A/T oil temp light comes on. So I pull over at a gas station and let it cool down. The trans was HOT, but the little radiator next to it was COLD. So, I checked the coolent level and it was low. Added a gallon of premixed coolant. Checked the trans fluid level. Seemed low. Added Dextron II, now seems full. Started the truck and let it warm back up for a while. Drove it around the block a few times and the trans was working fine. Pulled back into the gas station to wash my hands and when I came back out, the trans would not engage at all again. It seems to want to move the truck, but very little, like a clutch is slipping or something. This is my first post and I'm very nervous about completing the sale now. What do you think everyone? Thank you-Sam

I had a similar prob... The trans would go into gear but would not move (felt like the park brake was on) My ECU was flaky, got one off e-Bay for $60, fixed the problem (MAKE SURE its the right one... A/T vs. M/T - 4WD vs. 2WD)... Sooo it could possibly be an ECU control problem... Unplug the EFI fuse under the hood for about a min, it will clear any stored codes in the ECU. Or I'd try another ECU (scrap yard or e-Bay). Also change the trans oil and filter, plus check to see if the tranny cooler lines going to the rad aren't plugged.

Hope this helps! Keep us updated!

 

[bigbsvo]

This could be a number of factors. You never stated what the condition of the fluid was when you checked it. Sure it could be a computer but it could also be a toasted transmission. 160k and never had a service is my guess and it's toast.
So if you have deep pockets and have a couple grand or more to dump into a rebuild buy it, if not keep looking.

 

[90toytruck.]

had a similar prob with mine think it had a stuck valve in the trans case like a nutral safety switch was stuck was weird ran thru the gears then shifted thru the trans case and heard a pop in the trans then all worked great and has every since !!!

 

[Jdoc]

Sounds kinda like the problem I'm having. Start the truck let it warm up a little then start driving but for the first 100 yards or so it's like the truck is really strugling too move forward. Keep us posted please I'm curioius too see how you get things fixed. Good luck with it.

 

[2Walker5RS]

Sounds kinda like the problem I'm having. Start the truck let it warm up a little then start driving but for the first 100 yards or so it's like the truck is really strugling too move forward. Keep us posted please I'm curioius too see how you get things fixed. Good luck with it.

Again I had the same prob, tried another ECU and the problem was solved.. $60 is what I paid for one off e-Bay... Worth a shot unless you want to start with harder things.

This link is also very helpful... But I would really try another ECU first.
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1990-199...oypdf/95rmsour/1995/954runne/at2/troubles.pdf