Transmission Trouble, maybe?

[countrygirlyotas]

I have a third generation T4R, 1997 4x4 Limited automatic with 258,xxx. Recently I let someone do an oil change on it, he accidentally drained the transmission fluid instead of the motor oil. So I had to go to O'Reilly's and buy 2 quarts of transmission fluid. He put the fluid back in and then changed the motor oil and filter. (did not change to transmission fluid filter).

The VERY next day I started experiencing some problems when I tried to take off. From a dead stop, I would push on the gas, the RPMs would go up by my car wouldn't go. Finally after reaching about 3500 RPMs it would take off. I didn't hear a strange noise and it didn't jerk but every now and then it'll do this. It has NEVER done it before, I've never had any problems out of it.

Any suggestions on what is going on? I really don't want to have to buy a new transmission for it or have this one rebuilt because money is so tight. HELP!

-Also, after my oil change, about 4 days later, I checked it and it seemed low again. I believe 5 quarts were put in it and when I checked it today it was just a little it above the lower dot.

 

[maclean216]

Mine takes 4 quarts when I drain the transmission. Check the fluid level.

The V6 takes 5.5 quarts of oil when you change the filter.

Never let that person touch your truck again.

 

[countrygirlyotas]

I wouldn't say ALL the fluid was drained, just what was in the pan, which didn't look like a lot. But the level is where it's supposed to be, I was just wondering if my problem was deeper..?

Thank you.

 

[maclean216]

4 quarts when I remove the drain plug of the transmission. Check you fluid level when the tranny is hot.

 

[quicksilvr]

Yes, Maclean216 is getting at the correct questions here.

We need to know 2 things: What kind of ATF did you buy at Oreilly's, and what the current ATF level is right now. The only way to check the level accurately is to park on a completely level surface, when the truck is up to full operating temperature. Not just the engine...the engine gets up to temp much faster than the transmission, especially in cold weather. So make sure you've driven the 4runner around town for at least 15-20 minutes, with many stop and goes...to ensure the trans fluid is fully warm. Back to checking the level: level surface, warm trans fluid, then slowly (about 2 seconds in each position) shift the gear selector from Park all the way down to Low and then back to park. THEN finally with the truck still running, get out, pull the trans dipstick, wipe it on a rag, put it back in, pull it out and check level.


Normally when you drain the trans pan, you lose 3.75-4 quarts of fluid at minimum, depending on how the truck is tilted.