transmission fluid in the rad

[jds129]

Hello all, I have a 1997 4runner with 215000 miles on it, I just discovered tranny oil in my rad and am being told that toyota had a built in tranny cooler hooked up to the rad. Anyone ever have this problem and if so how expensive was it to fix.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Ouch. Search for "pink milkshake" and you will find a ton of info on this. I think usually the only solution is replacing the transmission. I think one or 2 guys that caught it quickly have been able to fully flush the trans and salvage it, but figure it out fast.

 

[t4r4life]

Hello all, I have a 1997 4runner with 215000 miles on it, I just discovered tranny oil in my rad and am being told that toyota had a built in tranny cooler hooked up to the rad. Anyone ever have this problem and if so how expensive was it to fix.

my best advise it to not drive it drain out all fluid and as for price your wallet may have to suffer, but if its not long you can still save the tranny, 50 bucks on a tranny cooler is way cheaper than the $$$$$ to fix the tranny

 

[BrianSD_42]

dammm

well that sucks.

I too had never heard of this because I hadn't been on the forums for like 3 years. I just replaced my radiator as preventive M to avoid this happening. I have a 97 Limited 4x4 with 197,000k.

There has been talk that it only affects 99-00 but clearly not the case.

Sorry to hear about the situation. It is also well documented on YotaTech.com

 

[Volley]

Yep definitely the dreaded pink milkshake. Sorry to hear but hopefully you haven't been driving it and can salvage the tranny and get some more miles out of her.

 

[t4r4life]

well that sucks.

I too had never heard of this because I hadn't been on the forums for like 3 years. I just replaced my radiator as preventive M to avoid this happening. I have a 97 Limited 4x4 with 197,000k.

There has been talk that it only affects 99-00 but clearly not the case.

Sorry to hear about the situation. It is also well documented on YotaTech.com

i think ex tranny cooler should be mandatory on our gen of 4runner

 

[49Runner]

Drain it and flush it. I have a buddy that had this happen and was able to save the tranny by doing a 13 qrt flush.

Go with external tranny cooler. It's an easy install while you're replacing the radiator.

Should be able to fix it yourself for $250 in parts and supplies.

Good luck...

 

[OzzyNF]

do not try and drain yourself...I have personally had this problem and it sucks beyond belief. First thing u need is a new rad. Get one of them asap. Then take it to a garage with the tranny flush machine. It cost me about $120 bucks at the garage for the drain and u must check the tranny fluid on occasion. I have not had any pink in it since. Doing it yourself will just cost you more in time and fluid then it will for the hour at the garage.

You need to run cheap fluid during the flush....when the flush is complete put in good fluid and a new tranny filter. Then you will be fine....good luck.