Starting to have transmission issues, suggestions please!

[d00ditsjeremy]

99 3.4 Limited 4runner
About 2 weeks ago noticed that shifting to 1st and 2nd gear was a little delayed/slipping. I just got this vehicle about 6 months ago (145k miles) and a friend suggested transmission flush.. but before I go invest a pretty penny in that I just wondered if anyone had other suggestions. Novice mechanic and planning a big road trip soon so I don't want to screw anything up worse and take care of it now. Thanks!

 

[Kanger328]

Have you checked your trans fluid level? Low level will cause this. Make sure you check while the engine is running.

As far as flush, you can prob get by with just a drain and fill which is easy (make sure you get gasket for trans drain plug). Or you can flush yourself by disconnecting trans to radiator hose, start engine and let pump push out several quarts of fluid, shut off engine and add new fluid, repeat until the fluid out of the hose turns clear red. There's a thread on it somewhere if I'm not making sense.

 

[XJeepguy]

I would not do a dealer type flush on a 145K tranny . The fill and natural drain method is fine .