My 4runner has begun to start moving in second gear rather than in first (while in drive). It doesn't always do this but it is becoming increasingly common. Someone suggested I get a simple tuneup. Can anyone recommend what exactly I need tuned up? Im not sure if this would be a transmission problem.
starts in 2nd instead of 1st...transmission???
- Thread starter packman55
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Yardrunner
New member
I'm having the same issue with my 98. Also if i.manually downshift into 2nd or L it wont light up in the dash and definitely isn't downshifting
thegipper
New member
I would check and see if your shift linkage is out of wack. If you look under the truck you'll see there is a bolt/nut that connect the two arms together. If I remember correctly, it is slotted so it can be adjusted. Your's may have loosened up and needs to be adjusted.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
The shift solenoids control what gear the transmission is supposed to be. There's two solenoids that control all 4 gears in a sequence of one being on, the other off, or both being on or both off. It sounds like the shift solenoid is getting a faulty signal and staying on. Here's from the FSM:
GEAR SHIFT OPERATION
During driving, the engine control module selects the shift for each gear which is most appropriate to the driving conditions, based on input signals from the engine coolant temp. sensor to TERMINAL THW of the engine control module and also the input signals to TERMINAL SP2+ of the engine control module from the vehicle speed sensor devoted to the electronically controlled transmission. Current is then output to the electronically controlled transmission solenoid.
When shifting to 1st speed, current flows from TERMINAL S1 of the engine control module to TERMINAL 1 of the electronically controlled transmission solenoid to GROUND, and continuity to the no. 1 solenoid causes the shift. For 2nd speed,
current flows from TERMINAL S1 of the engine control module to TERMINAL 1 of the electronically controlled transmission solenoid to GROUND , and from TERMINAL S2 of the engine control module to TERMINAL 2 of the electronically controlled transmission solenoid to GROUND. And continuity to solenoid no. 1 and no. 2 causes the shift. For 3rd speed, there is no continuity to no. 1 solenoid, only to no. 2 causing the shift. Shifting into 4th speed (Overdrive) takes place when there is no continuity to the either no. 1 or no. 2 solenoid.
It sounds like either the ECU or the no. 2 solenoid is not working correctly if it won't shift to 1st.
GEAR SHIFT OPERATION
During driving, the engine control module selects the shift for each gear which is most appropriate to the driving conditions, based on input signals from the engine coolant temp. sensor to TERMINAL THW of the engine control module and also the input signals to TERMINAL SP2+ of the engine control module from the vehicle speed sensor devoted to the electronically controlled transmission. Current is then output to the electronically controlled transmission solenoid.
When shifting to 1st speed, current flows from TERMINAL S1 of the engine control module to TERMINAL 1 of the electronically controlled transmission solenoid to GROUND, and continuity to the no. 1 solenoid causes the shift. For 2nd speed,
current flows from TERMINAL S1 of the engine control module to TERMINAL 1 of the electronically controlled transmission solenoid to GROUND , and from TERMINAL S2 of the engine control module to TERMINAL 2 of the electronically controlled transmission solenoid to GROUND. And continuity to solenoid no. 1 and no. 2 causes the shift. For 3rd speed, there is no continuity to no. 1 solenoid, only to no. 2 causing the shift. Shifting into 4th speed (Overdrive) takes place when there is no continuity to the either no. 1 or no. 2 solenoid.
It sounds like either the ECU or the no. 2 solenoid is not working correctly if it won't shift to 1st.
Yardrunner
New member
Awesome! I've had hell trying to google the right stuff to find info on this! Thank you!
5th4runner
New member
Had an older gen1 or gen2 4runner transmission go out. Dealer said bad solenoid or something and $1200 to fix it. In an apt. at the time and no garage so crawled under the truck in a few inches of new snow and replaced the solenoid valve without pulling the tranny, fixing the issue. Wife (1st gen wife, still running strong) bought me a new fishing hat. Called it my $1200 fishing hat. Hat blew off later while shore fishing and disappeared across the lake.
Don't know if a defective or otherwise compromised valve is your issue. One thing for certain, though, is that you want EXACTLY the same amount of tranny fluid in it after the repair as before or you can blow every seal in it.
Don't know if a defective or otherwise compromised valve is your issue. One thing for certain, though, is that you want EXACTLY the same amount of tranny fluid in it after the repair as before or you can blow every seal in it.
EXACTLY the same amount of transmission fluid isn't necessary.
Fill transmission to the hot level before starting, start the vehicle and make sure it's at the cold level on the stick with it running, run it through all the gear selections for a couple seconds each then recheck that it's at the cold mark, drive it to get the transmission to operating temperature then adjust as necessary to reach the hot level on the dipstick.
thegipper
New member
Will it go into 1st gear if you put the shifter in the 1 position?
If you manually shift into 1 and it still won't go into first gear, there is something wrong mechanically. The shift solenoids are only used while you are in D.
Now if it will go into first if you put the shifter to 1st gear but its not shifting while in D, then it most definitely could be your solenoid(s).
If you manually shift into 1 and it still won't go into first gear, there is something wrong mechanically. The shift solenoids are only used while you are in D.
Now if it will go into first if you put the shifter to 1st gear but its not shifting while in D, then it most definitely could be your solenoid(s).
Last edited:
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Can you verify if the check engine light is on and if yes, which codes are being displayed? If there's a solenoid issue the light should be on. There are other reason why it may not work but that's the first place to start.
No check engine light on
I would recommend scanning for codes anyway. There may be a pending code in there if you are lucky.
Auto-Dabbler
New member
had something similar and just had transmission fluid flush and added transmission additive and that got it going again.
spartacus
Senior Member
Sometimes the. tps sensor can effect transmission shifting. Because it's an inexpensive also easier to get to part you may want to throw at it and see if it works out. If not, then a shift solonoid kit.
I've check for the code yesterday and nothing, no code
I have tested the TPS sensor, I have disconnected that sensor and did a road test and still no difference with the 2nd and L gear. The third, forth work well both upshifting and engine breaking. I will make some other test today and let you know the results. Thank you very much for your time, sorry for my english writing.
spartacus
Senior Member
Your english is damn good. Good luck.
2008 Tacoma TRD Sport. Just came back from a road test, here are some results: if on the automatic mode the gears change as they should. If I put the shifter in L and leave it there, the trans. will shift by it self ( like it was on D) up to the 4th not higher. Than, once it reach the 4th, if I move the shifter up, there is no difference until I reach the 3th, than the revolution increase because it downshift from 4 to 3. And when manually shifted the dashboard lights, that indicate the shifter position, are not working for the L and the 2.
You have an entirely different engine and transmission than anyone in this subforum. You would probably have better luck on tacoma world. 2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015) | Tacoma World
Similar threads
