Transmission Behavior Question

[Smirch]

Odd Engine Braking
Hello -- I recently bought a 94 4-runner with the V6 and 4WD. I have noticed an odd transmission effect and I am not sure if it is a problem. By the way, the transmission was rebuilt four months ago -- I am not sure why that was necessary, but I have the receipt.

It happens when I am in "D" and I am coasting through the city at about 35-40 mph. I notice it is engine braking. The rpms drop when I let off the gas, and the vehicle slows down as though I am in a manual transmission. Then I tried shifting into 2nd, and nothing happened -- as though the engine is in 2nd.

My question is -- I assume it is normal when the selector is in 2nd for the one-way clutch to not be applied, therefore engine braking will take place to help with towing, etc. Is this true?

If so, then engine braking is perhaps not normal when in "D" mode, even when the tranny is in 2nd gear? So could this be a problem with some slippage, or solenoids, or could it be the transfer case slipping into 4HI or something? (The 4wd lights on the dash don't go on though...)

When it has happened, I try to shift out and back into "D" but it still goes on for a little bit. And I have checked the transmission fluid level.

Maybe its just some sort of computer assist, but if so, it sure feels strange!!

Thanks for any help you can give me! -- Brian

 

[fourwd1]

Sounds maybe like it's downshifting when it shouldn't, but I don't know why, unless some sensor is bad and the tranny ECM is telling it to.

 

[Smirch]

Clarification

I've driven a little more now, and I notice that the engine braking happens at seeming random times, and includes when the engine is in 3rd gear (stick in "D")

Also, I should point out that all shifts -- both up and down, are nice and smooth.

Again, my question is whether anyone else notices their 4runner tachometer not returning to idle -- with the engine braking as though it were a manual transmission.

Thanks!! -- Brian

 

[worldcoast]

Re: Clarification

I've driven a little more now, and I notice that the engine braking happens at seeming random times, and includes when the engine is in 3rd gear (stick in "D")

Also, I should point out that all shifts -- both up and down, are nice and smooth.

Again, my question is whether anyone else notices their 4runner tachometer not returning to idle -- with the engine braking as though it were a manual transmission.

Thanks!! -- Brian

That's what happens when you disengage your overdrive. Do you have an overdrive switch on the side of your gear selector? Try switching the overdrive off and see if there's a difference. If there isn't, then that's your issue. Troubleshoot from there

Of course you've read the owners manual where I gleaned this information from right?

 

[Smirch]

Thank You!

Thanks for all your help. I finally figured out that it happens if I pull the stick slightly out of "D" toward "2nd" I don't even have to push the release button, but it moves a little, and I guess its enough that the computer turns off the overdrive.

I guess I will just have to watch the position of my shift selector. Glad to know the transmission is operating correctly.

Thanks Again!! -- Brian

 

[regularguy412]

You know,, after reading thru all the posts on this thread,,, I realized that I have the same shifter issue. I have to be careful to make sure that the shifter is squarely in D and not 'slightly hung' on the other side of D,, towards 2. When that happens,, the 4Runner just goes down the road and doesn't upshift thru the last 2 gears.

I've just been making sure for so long,, it's become 2nd nature.

:bash: <- Duh Me

Mike in AR

 

[MjP]

yeah i had the same problem when i first bought my truck

 

[just66horns]

hmmm

Sounds like the shift linkage needs adjustment in both cases. Its a simple adjustment screw(or bolt on a threaded rod) I beleive, on the side of the tranny.