Troubleshooting help

[arduckhntr]

My last post asked about possible transmission failure, but now I'm not so sure. To re-cap; 01 SR5 4WD 4Runner with 143k having issues after recent work at shop. Vehicle had full service to include all fluid flush, belts changed, brakes done etc. After getting the vehicle back it would stall at stop signs/lights, and now makes noise when going into gear and stalls immediately. Today I jacked the rear end up and disabled VSC/TRAC; I tested the vehicle by placing it into gear (D,2,L, R etc.) w/o stalling, give it gas and it shifts fine as well. IMHO if the transmission was gone it would not shift smoothly like its doing. The shop took the 4Runner back at my request and they gave me a bag of parts (asked me for trans job $2500), and said it could also be the torque converter. Any ideas?

 

[arduckhntr]

update

Took the 4runner out tonight and vehicle drove fine for about 10 minutes, and then under deceleration sounded like the transmission popped as it downshifted. Then once under acceleration it seemed smooth again, but died at stop sign again. I was able to get it back to the house without it stopping again, but I'm really confused now.

Please help as I'm trying to save this vehicle and pass it to my son (safely)

Thanks again.

 

[BlazeRunner]

What kind of fluid flushes did they do?

 

[A.Wilson013]

I'd take it to the shop and have them figure it out... If it ran fine when you dropped it off, and poorly after you left, I'd say it may have something to do with the shop.

 

[kesdjmarouse]

I was able to get it back to the house without it stopping again, but I'm really confused now.

 

[arduckhntr]

more info

To answer questions asked so far;

1. They did oil change, flush on coolant, trans flush, changed diff lube etc. along with all of the other things mentioned (BTW) they also changed a bad air-2-fuel sensor that showed issues.

2. I've taken it back to them and dropped it off asking that they do just that (Fix it). They kept it for two weeks and contacted me to say they thought the torque conv. solenoid went bad and asked if I would auth. them to change it. At that time I said "Can you prove it's bad, and if you do replace it and we still have the issues what is your next course of action". The shop said they would test it first, but then they called back within an hour and said they had a bag of shaving from my transmission. Then asked to do a rebuild at the tune of $2500.... At that time I said no and picked the vehicle up because I've lost faith in their work.

3. I'm confused because the vehicle shows signs of issues with the transmission, but then they suddenly go away and the vehicle drives fine. IMHO if a gear box is toast it's toast... A car should not drive smooth, shift smooth, run 70-80mph etc. if the gear box is gone. This 4runner's engine starts, runs and purrs like a cat; the gear issues only appear on occasion it seems. Also, when the issues show (noise, bad shifts, stalls at stop signs) you have to put the car in N then give it a great deal of gas to overcome the stall issue. The vehicle stalled with me in it yesterday and I turned around and drove home (under it's own power, shifting smooth at speed).