I plan on installing a trans cooler for my 06 runner but I noticed in the manual that if the trans oil temp is to low the trans will not shift into fifth gear until it warms up. It can get quite cold here in western Ma. and I was wondering if this will be a problem with a large cap trans oil cooler??
Trans to cold??
- Thread starter Fred MaN
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The V8's do come with a trans cooler, so it's probably not that big of a deal if you add one.
The manual is correct - Toyota transmissions won't shift into overdrive until the trans fluid reaches a certain temperature. This feature is most noticable in winter when you head for an expressway or other high-speed road just a couple of minutes after getting the truck running.
If you let it warm up for a few minutes before going 45+ mph, you'll be fine.
The manual is correct - Toyota transmissions won't shift into overdrive until the trans fluid reaches a certain temperature. This feature is most noticable in winter when you head for an expressway or other high-speed road just a couple of minutes after getting the truck running.
If you let it warm up for a few minutes before going 45+ mph, you'll be fine.
It must have something to do with the fact that the viscosity of the fluid drops as it gets warmer. The thinner the fluid is, the better it actually works. In a brief document about ATF-WS, Toyota says that lower viscosity will "reduce drag and improve fuel economy." Now we're probably talking about some fraction of a percent of improvement in gas mileage, but it seems the car manufacturers will take any improvement they can get. That's why we've got fancy computer programs on the transmission and Toyota's recent endorsement of 5W-20 motor oil.
Hi,
I just recently bought an 03 4RV8 LTD with about 40K Km(25K miles) on it. Since it has started to get a little cool in the morning these days(0 C/32F) it feels like the tranny is slipping when I first take off, but after it warms it feels tight. Or aleast it feels like its slipping, the engine fan seems to make alot of noise too until it warms up, but I think it has a temp controlled clutch on it.
I just had the tranny fluid changed out to Amsoil tranny fluid, the one meant for this tranny but that was done in the summer.
So is this slippage normal when cold or am I just imagining this is happening. Has there been any history on something like this.
Thanks
I just recently bought an 03 4RV8 LTD with about 40K Km(25K miles) on it. Since it has started to get a little cool in the morning these days(0 C/32F) it feels like the tranny is slipping when I first take off, but after it warms it feels tight. Or aleast it feels like its slipping, the engine fan seems to make alot of noise too until it warms up, but I think it has a temp controlled clutch on it.
I just had the tranny fluid changed out to Amsoil tranny fluid, the one meant for this tranny but that was done in the summer.
So is this slippage normal when cold or am I just imagining this is happening. Has there been any history on something like this.
Thanks
Well not that I an recall, then again it wasn't cold either. I think what I'll do is check it with a brake stand when it's cold then once it's warmed up.
I can't imagine it's the Amsoil, unless of course the stealership screwed up when they put it in. Because I know they ran it so the tranny pump would empty it's self. This was on the advice of the head mechanic, whether thats Toyota practice or not I don't know.
The tranny works just fine after even 2 mins when its cold. I also wondered if maybe the pump wasn't coming up to pressure as qiuck as it should or something like that.
I can't imagine it's the Amsoil, unless of course the stealership screwed up when they put it in. Because I know they ran it so the tranny pump would empty it's self. This was on the advice of the head mechanic, whether thats Toyota practice or not I don't know.
The tranny works just fine after even 2 mins when its cold. I also wondered if maybe the pump wasn't coming up to pressure as qiuck as it should or something like that.
The 2003 still used T-IV. WS came out on the 4Runner in 2004.
Aftermarket equivalents for T-IV came out relatively recently, but Toyota will still give you a major hassle about a warranty issue with the trans if you're not using Toyota fluid. You should wait until the powertrain warranty expires before exploring other brands.
Aftermarket equivalents for T-IV came out relatively recently, but Toyota will still give you a major hassle about a warranty issue with the trans if you're not using Toyota fluid. You should wait until the powertrain warranty expires before exploring other brands.
boston_kevin
New member
007Runner said:
At normal highway speeds, you aren't reving the engine too much in 4th vs 5th. In fast, most people with the 5 spd tranny tow in 4th gear to prevent damage while towing in 5th. Don't worry about not shifting until the temp is okay. This is normal behavior and the tranny (and engine) are quiet capable of handling these situations without any damage.
I believe Toyota's reasoning (same as most other manufacturers) is that in 5th gear (overdrive) you are minmizing the amount of work the torque you are applying to the ground (since you are at speed), so the excessive pressure built up with a thicker (more viscous) transmission fluid will accelerate the wear on the passages within the tranny.
