Transmission Problem

[jrjulian2264]

Have a 2006 4Runner with 246,000 miles. The transmission just started having a problem with some vibration when starting off in Drive. Starting off in 3rd gear does not have the problem and then you can shift into Drive around 35 mph with no problems. Toyota dealer said the problem was it was "catching" and wants $4,400 to replace the entire transmission or trade it in.

I can locate a used transmission on the internet for $1,300 (6 cyl) and a garage will install for $1,300. Unit will have a 12 month parts and labor guarantee. Supposedly the unit has 31,000 mile but how do you confirm that?

With our mileage don't want to buy new and don't want to trade in. Dealer says there's no way to fix - just replace.

Any thoughts?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Have you tried a transmission fluid flush (i.e. drain & fill about 8-12qt for nice clean fluid?), if that doesn't really help anything I'd say the transmission is on its way out based on the mileage.

A professional transmission shop may be able to rebuild the unit for between those two prices you mentioned. There's no real way to determine the mileage of a transmission when it's been ripped out of the car; you'll have to trust the documentation provided for the transmission.

 

[gm350reratliff]

With that kind of mileage, I would just replace the trans and TC instead of trying to fix it. Also, take note of how the trans fluid looks. Pinkish milkshake would indicate water and/or antifreeze contamination which would also need to be fixed ASAP.

 

[ARunner]

If you want to consider rebuilding it, a transmission repair shop is going to be your best bet, if they'll work on it. A dealer isn't going to bother. No good way to confirm mileage of used transmission unless you have first hand knowledge of the truck it came out of. it's a gamble.

 

[jrjulian2264]

Not familiar with the term TC. What does that stand for? I would assume Transmission Control.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Not familiar with the term TC. What does that stand for? I would assume Transmission Control.

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