Transmission Slip?

[Tleahcim]

Hi folks,

I think my 2004 SR5 4WD has developed the transmission slip that some of the 3rd gens are talking about when I do a search. When I make a hard stop or brake at a stop sign downhill, sometimes there's a hesitation when I accelerate and then a lurch when the transmission catches. I checked the transmission fluid level after driving home from work (about 13 miles) and the fluid level is below the just below the first "cool" notch. Should I just top off the ATF and see if anything improves?

Admittedly I know next to nothing about doing my own service and this all happened after I had the transmission fluid flushed and refilled by a, as far as I know, reputable mechanic. I did take it back to the same mechanic later for an oil change and they told me that there was an unknown leak potentially coming from the engine and it needed to be resealed so I had them do that but now I'm wondering if the transmission fluid was leaking causing the mess under the engine? I haven't been back since and I had the guys who did my brakes check to see if the leak from the engine was back and they said it was all clear.

Sorry for being so long winded. I am resigned to the fact that it may be time to trade this puppy in for a new one and the TRD is on my radar so this may be the issue that helps me make my decision!

Thanks!

Mike

 

[NCSCOTT]

You did not say if you have a V6 or V8? V6 in 04 had a 4Speed tranny which required Toyota Type IV fluid, V8s had a 5 speed which requires WS Fluid. They are very different and you can not put WS in a Type IV tranny or the opposite. If the wrong fluid was used it could be causing your shifting issues. You can not just use DEXRON II or III fluid. It is not the same.

I would find out Right away what fluid he used and if it was the wrong type it should be replaced as soon as possible.

I also think your tranny is low on fluid. after 13 miles it should be at least somewhere in the hot range on the dip stick.

The dip stick has TYPE IV or WS stamped on it. I am not sure if the 04 V8 5 speed was sealed with no dipstick.

 

[Tleahcim]

It's a V6 without the sealed transmission. I'll definitely give the mechanic a call ASAP. I dumped in a quart of the T-IV last night and checked the TF level again today and it was still right below the "cool" notch after driving back from work. I guess I'll try adding another quart tonight if the mechanic didn't use the wrong type of fluid.

Thanks!

 

[nitrag]

I just took my V8 into the shop. Turns out that when the transmission experiences some type of failure that it goes into a "safe mode". It also stores some codes into your transmission computer that does not show up on OBD and must be looked at by a Toyota tech/diagnosis machine. They cleared the code and ensured that that my transmission fluid was topped off correctly (more than likely was not) and I've been doing excellent since then!

TLDR: go get it checked by a reputable/knowledge toyota service center.

 

[4RunnerSR52004]

I have the 2004 v6 & have noticed a bit of slippage myself, gonna be all over that like white on rice!! My SR5 has 160K on it & I want to baby it to make sure it lasts me a good while, lol.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I have the 2004 v6 & have noticed a bit of slippage myself, gonna be all over that like white on rice!! My SR5 has 160K on it & I want to baby it to make sure it lasts me a good while, lol.

If you have not had the fluid changed in a while I would have it serviced, typical some slipping occurs as the fluid breaks down and loses its properties as it is one of the hardest working fluids in your vehicle.

I believe on an '04 it is Type IV ATF still, but I would refer to what the dipstick says (if there is no dipstick it is WS Fluid, but I believe the sealed transmissions started in '05)