Odd Engine Braking

[Smirch]

Hello -- I recently bought a 94 4-runner with the V6 and 4WD. I have noticed an odd transmission effect and I am not sure if it is a problem. By the way, the transmission was rebuilt four months ago -- I am not sure why that was necessary, but I have the receipt.

It happens when I am in "D" and I am coasting through the city at about 35-40 mph. I notice it is engine braking. The rpms drop when I let off the gas, and the vehicle slows down as though I am in a manual transmission. Then I tried shifting into 2nd, and nothing happened -- as though the engine is in 2nd.

My question is -- I assume it is normal when the selector is in 2nd for the one-way clutch to not be applied, therefore engine braking will take place to help with towing, etc. Is this true?

If so, then engine braking is perhaps not normal when in "D" mode, even when the tranny is in 2nd gear? So could this be a problem with some slippage, or solenoids, or could it be the transfer case slipping into 4HI or something? (The 4wd lights on the dash don't go on though...)

When it has happened, I try to shift out and back into "D" but it still goes on for a little bit. And I have checked the transmission fluid level.

Maybe its just some sort of computer assist, but if so, it sure feels strange!!

Thanks for any help you can give me! -- Brian

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Just a wild guess, but maybe your torque converter is locking and unlocking.

 

[Smirch]

Clarification

I've driven a little more now, and I notice that the engine braking happens at seeming random times, and includes when the engine is in 3rd gear (stick in "D")

Also, I should point out that all shifts -- both up and down, are nice and smooth.

Again, my question is whether anyone else notices their 4runner tachometer not returning to idle -- with the engine braking as though it were a manual transmission.

Thanks!! -- Brian

 

[Smirch]

Solved

I just realized I never reported this solved. It was the position of the stick shift, if it is pulled just down from drive the computer turns off the overdrive, and you get that engine braking feeling.

Thanks for your help -- Brian