Transmission issue?

[Will_4R]

I just came from backing my 4Runner out of it's parking spot and couldn't get it in gear right away. I put it from park to reverse and nothing - revving but not moving. Parking break off, flat surface. I tried a few times, and eventually after giving it some gas, it shifted abruptly into reverse with a loud clunk and some scretching tires.

I have not driven it for 3 weeks. But I have gone this long previously without driving it without probelms. Parked indoors, room temperature, flat surface, parking on (but off when backing out). Transmission fluid level looks OK (but I checked it cold).

Hopefully this is an isolated incident and not a big deal, but wondering if anyone has an explanation for it.

 

[12guns]

How many miles? Has the trans been drained/filled or flushed?
Not 100% sure about the "non sealed" style like you have, but I would try a drain and fill a couple times (driving in between) and that should take care of it. If you have high miles, might want to either change the filter or drop the pan and clean it - depending on which style you have.

 

[Will_4R]

About 86,000 miles. As far as I know, the tranny has never been drained or flushed. It is slightly overdue for a drain and filter change, and I will be having that done within the next several thousand miles.

 

[racermp]

hows the fluid level? i think the 03's still had dipsticks. is the fluid dirty/grainy?

 

[ALLEGRO]

Sounds like it is low fluid level.

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

+1

Not sure if this is still the case on newer cars. Did you check the level while the car was running?

 

[Will_4R]

Fluid level was fine at the time. It was overdue to be changed, but wasn't burnt or excessively dirty. I drove about 5000 miles since the incident without anymore problems and recently changed the tranny fluid. Hopefully this was a one time thing.