Signs of trans failing?

[duke808]

Hi all. 2000 T4R with 106k. Bought with 95k 6 months ago. I've driven this car 11k and have noticed the shifts are rough. Especially when on the freeway and gunning it 3/4 down to pass somebody. When the RPMs go back down the car shifts..... hard. From 1 to 2, 75% of the time it's a hard shift. Sometimes hear some chatter when throwing it into P to D (vehicle stopped, not in motion).

I've never experienced this with any other car. Unfortunately I have sunk 2-3k into this thing (luckily got it for 3500), but still.... makes me wonder how much more I should be putting into it. I also had the trans fluid changed a couple months back, he said it looked fine in there.

What are the signs of these things failing?

Thanks!

 

[Elan750]

.... I also had the trans fluid changed a couple months back, he said it looked fine in there.

First thing I would do is make sure its not leaking after the change, - was it a toyota dealer? if not, do you know what fluid they used?

 

[T4R2014]

Did you check the adjustment of the kickdown cable? What fluid was used? I recommend Castrol Import ATF over The commonly recommended Valvoline Maxlife.

 

[duke808]

First thing I would do is make sure its not leaking after the change, - was it a toyota dealer? if not, do you know what fluid they used?

I don't know the fluid they used.... it was a japanese auto repair shop. It has been doing this since I bought it. So even before the fluid was changed.

Did you check the adjustment of the kickdown cable? What fluid was used? I recommend Castrol Import ATF over The commonly recommended Valvoline Maxlife.

What's a kickdown cable? lol. Not sure about the fluid

 

[LittleCaesar]

+1 with the Castrol Trans Import ATF.

You can also try adjusting the cable at the throttle body. Need two 14mm wrenches. My guess is that is the problem.

It may be time for a new TPS sensor. OEM only here. Can be found on Ebay for $25.

Does it have the original radiator?

 

[T4R2014]

+1 with the Castrol Trans Import ATF.

You can also try adjusting the cable at the throttle body. Need two 14mm wrenches. My guess is that is the problem.

It may be time for a new TPS sensor. OEM only here. Can be found on Ebay for $25.

Does it have the original radiator?

I'm pretty sure I chose that fluid based off one of your posts. Thanks for that, I was amazed by the difference.

And what he said about the kickdown cable. My bet is that it's very loose.

 

[duke808]

I'm pretty sure I chose that fluid based off one of your posts. Thanks for that, I was amazed by the difference.

And what he said about the kickdown cable. My bet is that it's very loose.

I'll have to google how to check that. Thanks for the info ill come back once I try that.

 

[T4R2014]

I'll have to google how to check that. Thanks for the info ill come back once I try that.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/186213-quick-fix-better-throttle-response-better-shifts-throttle-cables.html

 

[reelamin]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/186213-quick-fix-better-throttle-response-better-shifts-throttle-cables.html

Responses like this is why I love this forum!! Winner Winner!!!

 

[tx_shooter]

OP - do you have a way to read the transmission temps? That info will tell you if you are having excessive slipping in your transmission which will lead to failure.

My current transmission hit temps of 200 degrees really easy. If I floor it and pass someone it will spike around 230 degrees for as long as I am hard on the gas; then it quickly falls back to around 210 for a while before settling at 190-200 again. I have learned the hard way that superchargers can kill these transmissions. I have plans to install a known good transmission with a Transgo shift kit into my 4R.

 

[thegipper]

I'm pretty sure I chose that fluid based off one of your posts. Thanks for that, I was amazed by the difference.

And what he said about the kickdown cable. My bet is that it's very loose.

I could be totally wrong here but doesn't tightening the kick down cable increase the tranny line pressure and make shifts harder? If it is already loose, then the shifts should already be light. If your cable is too tight, that could be the cause of your harsh shifts.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/140097-transmission-kickdown-cable-question.html

 

[T4R2014]

I could be totally wrong here but doesn't tightening the kick down cable increase the tranny line pressure and make shifts harder? If it is already loose, then the shifts should already be light. If your cable is too tight, that could be the cause of your harsh shifts.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/140097-transmission-kickdown-cable-question.html

From what I understand, a loose cable also leads to slop that can cause a slow and rough shift. If it is indeed too tight, loosen it and see what happens.

 

[562uned]

drive shafts

also check the drive shafts. i recently greased the front and rear shafts and it removed 90% of the clunks. hard shifts are probably the kick down cable or low / high fluids.

 

[T4R2014]

also check the drive shafts. i recently greased the front and rear shafts and it removed 90% of the clunks. hard shifts are probably the kick down cable or low / high fluids.

I totally forgot that. Before greasing the driveshafts, I noticed the downshifts produced a fairly harsh jolt. Had the mechanic grease them and the problem was solved.


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