Transmission shifting issue

[HunterG425]

Hey y’all,

I’m looking to buy another 3rd gen and found a nice one, aside from the fact the owner states the truck will only shift into reverse at high RPMs. He said it was a solenoid issue and it was fixable, but I’m skeptical. Any ideas what could be causing that and how expensive/difficult a fix would be?

Thanks!

Sorry- forgot to add it’s a 2001 SR5, V6, automatic

 

[PatrickStapler]

Recently went through this. Shift solenoids. Truck is running great. New owner couldn’t be happier.

Trans or Torque Converter???

 

[brillo_76]

I agree with Patrick. New filter. Exchange the fluid and if still shifting funky swap or replace the solenoids.

Auto transmissions are readily available if those things do not correct your issue..

Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk

 

[jross20]

There is a set of 3 american made shift solenoids on truck auto

 

[mtbtim]

Offer to help the guy replace the shift solenoids and tell him if it fixes the issue, you'll pay for the solenoids and you'll give him his asking price. If it doesn't fix the issue, you dodged a huge bullet. Yeah, used transmissions for these rigs are plentiful, but there's no guarantee what condition transmission you'll be getting. Personally, I'd only buy a remanufactured trans from Toyota and those run around $2500. Don't buy somebody else's problem is my advice. If the guy won't go for your deal of helping him swap out the solenoids to confirm that was the issue with the trans, walk away.

 

[thegipper]

I don't think its the shift solenoids. I don't believe the transmission uses the solenoids for reverse gear, it's purely mechanical through the shifter linkage.

If I had to guess, it probably has a plugged up filter which is starving the pump or there is something plugged up in the valve body. The pan would need to be dropped and the filter replaced (likely it is plugged up). The solenoids could also be tested if the pan was dropped just to make sure they are in spec.

 

[ambush]

My last 4runner, KiTT has 581k on it. When I got it the first I did was drain the fluid and filter (Castrol). I followed Tim's video. The truck shifts like a DREAM!!!
Now if you are still up in the air about the one you are looking at, come take a look at mine the one I have for sale.

 

[clearock]

I don't think its the shift solenoids. I don't believe the transmission uses the solenoids for reverse gear, it's purely mechanical through the shifter linkage.

thegipper is correct that the shift solenoids have nothing to do with reverse, it's mechanical, there is a valve in the VB that controls said based off the position of the of the manual valve.

I don't agree with mtbtim "I'd only buy a remanufactured trans from Toyota and those run around $2500". Don't forget that the transmission and all it's internals are not made by toyota... if u can't rebuild one urself u can easily find one like brillo_76 stated.

 

[RandyBobandy]

Yea the used auto are super cheap, Brillo got a perfectly working one for $75, I know this because it’s my old auto trans lol

Maybe if I had a super clean California vehicle like Tim I’d get a reman from Toyota, but for the more budget conscious or those with a dented up old 3rd gen id go for a used one in the $100 to $200 range, these transmissions are pretty reliable normally so I wouldn’t worry too much about buying used especially if it has under 200k

 

[o.jack92]

I’m not trying to hijack this thread. I’m new to the forum and can’t make my own thread yet. I am having transmission problems as well. The past week or so, when I would take off from a dead stop in 1st, the tranny would kick out of gear and grind. I had to hold it in and let the clutch out gently and it seemed like it would catch something with a slight *kachunk* and then finally commit to going into gear. I’ve also been noticing a noise that sounds like a supercharger that would increase/decrease pitch with RPMs.

On Sunday I was driving down the highway and the “supercharger sound” all of a sudden the noise got louder and louder and then I lost 5th gear. Make it the rest of the way in 4th gear and when I hit the off ramp and downshift I realize I have no other gears. Not even reverse, just 4th.

I replaced my clutch about 3k miles ago. Not sure if that has anything to do with it. I picked up a R150 (no T case) off of a 3.0 yesterday for next to nothing.

*SO* I guess I’m asking... what the hell happened? And how do I fix it?

 

[plcfcng]

O jack this thread is talking about Automatic my suggestion is start a new thread with something like Jumping out of gear. Most 4runners are autos you are lucky to have a manual if it is a V6. I would start with pulling fluid and see what kind of metal comes out and put that on the post. comm:hornn

 

[o.jack92]

O jack this thread is talking about Automatic my suggestion is start a new thread with something like Jumping out of gear. Most 4runners are autos you are lucky to have a manual if it is a V6. I would start with pulling fluid and see what kind of metal comes out and put that on the post. comm:hornn

Will do, thanks.


98 5-speed SR5
3” lift on 285’s
Endless upgrade list
Lots to get done!

 

[diverscale]

I don't see in any way how a solenoid would prevent shifting at low RPM but would shift at higher RPM. Thing is electronic and receives the signal at low RPM anyway, should shift.

 

[Bad Luck]

I don't see in any way how a solenoid would prevent shifting at low RPM but would shift at higher RPM. Thing is electronic and receives the signal at low RPM anyway, should shift.

Solenoid may not be opening or closing all the way. Line pressure is higher in the transmission at higher rpm's. Think of the solenoid codes as more of a performance code rather than a not working at all kind of code.

 

[lord rigatoni]

I’m not trying to hijack this thread. I’m new to the forum and can’t make my own thread yet. I am having transmission problems as well. The past week or so, when I would take off from a dead stop in 1st, the tranny would kick out of gear and grind. I had to hold it in and let the clutch out gently and it seemed like it would catch something with a slight *kachunk* and then finally commit to going into gear. I’ve also been noticing a noise that sounds like a supercharger that would increase/decrease pitch with RPMs.

On Sunday I was driving down the highway and the “supercharger sound” all of a sudden the noise got louder and louder and then I lost 5th gear. Make it the rest of the way in 4th gear and when I hit the off ramp and downshift I realize I have no other gears. Not even reverse, just 4th.

I replaced my clutch about 3k miles ago. Not sure if that has anything to do with it. I picked up a R150 (no T case) off of a 3.0 yesterday for next to nothing.

*SO* I guess I’m asking... what the hell happened? And how do I fix it?

Does your transmission have enough fluid? typically that “supercharger” noise you’re hearing is caused by low trans fluid. if you only hear it in a specific gear then the gear teeth or synchronizer may be worn out. what you’re describing sounds like your gears and synchronizers are worn out. when you shift your shift fork pushes the synchronizer over the gear to allow it to spin with the output shaft. when these synchronizers wear out, they cannot properly meet up with the gears, which can cause the transmission to “lose” gears. the grinding in 1st is likely caused by 1st gear starting to wear out causing it to not properly align with the 1-2 synchronizer which is why it felt as if the truck was out of gear. im by no means a transmission expert so i would do some research online and call some trans technicians. also i agree with plcfcng, post this issue in a separate thread, you will likely get more information that way.