trans question 3.0 V6 auto

[dobierunner]

i know these transmissions have to be at operating temp before they shift into 4th and O/D but what im finding is that when it IS to temp it still wont just shift. i actually have to pull over, shut off the engine, restart and then the thing shifts flawlessly. i have been told to check an "efi temp sensor" and adjust the kickdwon cable. any other suggestions. im not sure what the efi temp sensor is. could it be the cold start injector? like i said once its to operating temp and i stop, restart the engine, it shifts perfect.

 

[Hyde802]

Not an expert on the autos, but I would look into replacing the shift solenoids..

 

[rlpjw1959]

Hey Dobey I feel your pain... I have the same problem. My truck ran flawlessly until I had to replace my cooling system (radiator ect...) ever since I have a very similar problem. When it is cold outside my transmission will not work in OD. Unless I'm driving local roads. soon as I go on the highway OD turns off. And I noticed a similar situation hat you have when this problem first started. My truck would get to operating temps but OD would not work. Turn off the truck turn back on and OD would work... If you find your problem please share it.

Replaced thermostat
Replaced some other sensors dont remember which ones...
Somebody suggested putting cardboard on the radiator to slow down the airflow. Which Im going to try when it gets colder.

 

[JohnnyReb]

Is your transmission all gummed up? How long has it been since you changed the fluid and filter?

If that's not it, I would have the solenoids checked and bands tightened.

That's the extent of my knowledge of automatic transmissions.

 

[dobierunner]

thanks for the input. i had the tranny completely flushed when i bought it, about 100 miles ago. i am kinda at my wits end with this, just bought the vehicle and of course shifted flawless when i test drove it. there is a place cloe to my house thats supposed to be pretty good with toyota's.i might just drop it off to them and see if they can fix it, hopefully cheap!!

 

[ToyoTech]

its a long shot and this is what happen with mine. mine would go to operating temp, well at least i thought it was. mine end up being the t-stat sticking open. it was just a hair off from operating temp and would go into o/d sometimes. the gauge is not that accurate and you really cant tell if its at true operating temp.

 

[4runnerBrett]

Hey Dobey I feel your pain... I have the same problem. My truck ran flawlessly until I had to replace my cooling system (radiator ect...) ever since I have a very similar problem. When it is cold outside my transmission will not work in OD. Unless I'm driving local roads. soon as I go on the highway OD turns off. And I noticed a similar situation hat you have when this problem first started. My truck would get to operating temps but OD would not work. Turn off the truck turn back on and OD would work... If you find your problem please share it.

Replaced thermostat
Replaced some other sensors dont remember which ones...
Somebody suggested putting cardboard on the radiator to slow down the airflow. Which Im going to try when it gets colder.

Did you buy a oem thermostat?

 

[fourwd1]

...i have been told to check an "efi temp sensor" and adjust the kickdwon cable. any other suggestions. im not sure what the efi temp sensor is. could it be the cold start injector?...

The EFI temp sensor tells the EFI and A/T ECMs the temp of the engine coolant.
Both ECMs use engine temp to make a lot of decisions. One of those is decisions preventing the trans from going into O/D until the engine is up to operating temp. This is for emissions purposes. NOTE, this is not the same sensor as the coolant temp gauge sensor.

 

[fourwd1]

You could raise the engine temp a bit by going to a slightly higher temp t-stat (like from a 180* unit to a 190* unit) and see if that makes a difference. It's a simple inexpensive troubleshooting step.

 

[dobierunner]

thanks for the replies. i adjusted the kickdown cable and seemed to help a little, very little. i am going to do the thermostat next because like it was said is "cheap". this is so frustrating because once it decides to shift properly it works great.