transmission?

[mpipitone]

I have a 93 4runner with a 3.0.... I've got a few questions.... it seems to be lacking power and bad gas mileage, it shifts 1/2 @ 10mph and 2/3 @20 to 25 mph and 0/d only comes on when tranny is warm enough.. I live in Alaska, so that means about 35 to 40 degrees and below no o/d and, over 40 or so degrees after the tranny gets hot it will work....
I have read and heard that there are 3 solenoids in tranny that can be replaced and to adjust the TPS. Just wanted to know if I'm on the right track....A Chilton's repair manual is on it's way to my house soon, but wanted some good advice in the mean time
Thanks

 

[crash813]

I have a 93 4runner with a 3.0.... I've got a few questions.... it seems to be lacking power and bad gas mileage

1. Yep, several threads on it and the infamous 3.slo badge of honor. Tune up might help but not alot.

, it shifts 1/2 @ 10mph and 2/3 @20 to 25 mph and 0/d only comes on when tranny is warm enough.. I have read and heard that there are 3 solenoids in tranny that can be replaced and to adjust the TPS.

2. Technically not the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor). There's a cable attached to the throttle body thats not the throttle. Its the throttle position cable. It adjust line pressure. Adjust that can help.


Just wanted to know if I'm on the right track....

3. I'd say you're on the right track but I doubt its the solenoids. Google solenoids and you can find some good articles on them. I'd imagine its just more of a tired motor and tired auto tranny. I'd just give her a good flush, including the fluid in the torque converter, and get the motor running good. If its shifting too early, use the ECT button. Just remember though, it won't go into OD when its in ECT mode.

A Chilton's repair manual is on it's way to my house soon, but wanted some good advice in the mean time
Thanks

4. Look online and you can get a copy of the FSM. Much....much better than the Chilton and would be free.


Good Luck with it.

 

[crash813]

Oh yeah.... if you're running much larger tires then it came with, which is very common, it hurts performance even more and can make the weak 3.0 a gutless wonder.

 

[mpipitone]

Thanks, I looked on line to find a manual but could not find one
I have already cleaned the (K&N) air filter and put in plugs got about a 20% increase in power and it's up to 13 mpg's but shifts way too soon. Have been driving with the ECT on all the time now, but the O/D seems to work with it on as long as it reaches a certain temp.... I may be wrong but I will check today

 

[2010nctaco]

Iirc the transmission isn't going to shift into over drive until it's warm. That's how they are designed. I had a problem with low power and low shift points no matter where the gas pedal was and I replaced the tps and it fixed the issue.

 

[RiFF RaFF]

Iirc the transmission isn't going to shift into over drive until it's warm. That's how they are designed. I had a problem with low power and low shift points no matter where the gas pedal was and I replaced the tps and it fixed the issue.

Agree with the above.

I was also stationed at Kodiak, and it does get damn cold! The first thing I would advise is to make sure have the correction thermostat installed. If you're not sure - get one!

Next - check that the antifreeze is good to -20 degrees.

Start with those two, and see how it goes. Also - I know from experience that the drive times on Kodiak are sometimes not long enough for your 4Runner to get up to a temperature it needs to shift normally. The transmission will only go into overdrive when it reaches the right temperature.

Almost Dolly season! Hope you catch a few for me.

:worthless

 

[mpipitone]

yep, I adjusted the throttle positioning cable, (what used to be called a detent cable) and got 1/2 shift to about 12mph but 2/3 is still almost immediately after. I guess I'm going to have to live with it like that. The O/D is mostly irritating, because like you said Kodiak doesn't have too many places you can get to use it anyway, I just like to have my vehicle running right.

 

[junkyardbiker]

Navy or Coasties?

 

[RiFF RaFF]

Navy or Coasties?

Coast Guard here - retired Chief.

 

[junkyardbiker]

Nice, saw the rating symbol. Active duty Navy here, MR1.

 

[junkyardbiker]

Nice thing about being a MR on shore duty, Ive got a whole machine shop at my disposal, and good friends with the welders. Now if only I could get a hook up with the powdercoat shop!