Wasn't the tranny! But......

[itsjustmemc]

First, let me say I'm in Minnesota and it's been below zero until fairly recently. Weird things happen when it's that cold.

A few days ago my 4Runner felt as if the tranny was slipping. When I hit the gas from a red light it would respond slowly and suddenly feel like it engaged and accelerated. Did it twice and both times it was within the first 5/7 mins of driving after it sat for a while.

I had my local shop check out the tranny and they found no issues. Said it's strong and passed their inspection.

Anyone have any ideas? It's only happened twice but both times the symptoms were the same.

No ideas at this point!!

 

[541joseph]

Torque converter?

 

[t4r4life]

i would change the atf if it's been a while since you've changed it.

 

[jeff88]

With the expansion and contraction from the temperature, could the throttle cable possibly have moved?

 

[itsjustmemc]

i would change the atf if it's been a while since you've changed it.

I had the ATF changed after they inspected it. And it did it again this morning on the way to the gym. Again, once I attempted to accelerate out of a stoplight.

Thank you!

 

[itsjustmemc]

Torque converter?

I'll have to read up on this one. I'm elementary when it comes to repairs. Thanks for the comments!

 

[itsjustmemc]

With the expansion and contraction from the temperature, could the throttle cable possibly have moved?

It's worth a look! Thank you!

 

[kernel.panik]

This close to Christmas, you might be able to get a scangauge added to your gift list. Ther's an add-on code for trans temps (depending on year). It got to 29 here one morning (I know, nothing like 0) and I know my truck didn't like it. It may just be that your ATF is too cold. When I park my truck at work, and have left it at idle for a few minutes the temp drops about 15+ degrees when it's in the 50s outside. Sitting at a light for a few minutes at 0 or less might drop the temps too much for the tranny to work properly.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Check the drum brakes for sticking.

 

[ajonesnv]

This sounds completely unrelated, but how old are your plugs and wires?

 

[85toyrunner]

Do you start it up in the mornings and let it run any amount of time before driving it? I live in the south where it doesn't get near as cold as it does up north but I always start my vehicles up and let them "warm up" before I leave the house. You wouldn't want to jump out of bed and immediately go run around in the cold, would you? Try letting it warm up for 10-15 mins and see how it acts

 

[T4R2014]

Might want to do a fluid change if it hasn't been done in a while. Also check plugs and wires. Warming up the 4Runner has nothing to do with this issue. A transmission shouldn't slip even when the fluid is cold.

 

[ajonesnv]

I had a related issue that simply turned out to be bad plugs. New plugs, no problem. Good luck.

 

[SparkEE]

I had a related issue that simply turned out to be bad plugs. New plugs, no problem. Good luck.

I agree ^^ Something very similar just happened to me. For the first few days I thought it was the trans then other things started happening. Noticeable loss in power then eventually, after almost 2 weeks, I got a misfire CEL. Plugs were shot so they got replaced with the wires. Night and day difference.

 

[TheDurk]

Not sure if it was maybe a little weak during those first 5-7 minutes. But if so, it could be sticky bellcranks that lock up the e-brake when starting out in the cold. Are you an e-brake user? If so, try not using it.

 

[itsjustmemc]

Might want to do a fluid change if it hasn't been done in a while. Also check plugs and wires. Warming up the 4Runner has nothing to do with this issue. A transmission shouldn't slip even when the fluid is cold.

Thanks! Done. Had the ATF, engine oil and transfer case all done.

Plugs and wires may be original. 120K miles. I have "all" of the service records according to the original owner and don't see the plugs and wires ever being changed.

 

[itsjustmemc]

I had a related issue that simply turned out to be bad plugs. New plugs, no problem. Good luck.

Thank you!

 

[itsjustmemc]

I agree ^^ Something very similar just happened to me. For the first few days I thought it was the trans then other things started happening. Noticeable loss in power then eventually, after almost 2 weeks, I got a misfire CEL. Plugs were shot so they got replaced with the wires. Night and day difference.

Thanks! Sounds like I need to change the plugs/wires. Even if that's not the issue it can't hurt and is probably due anyways.

 

[itsjustmemc]

Solid deal? $98 on eBay?

Anything else you'd change right away?

Remember, I bought this from a little old lady and she probably only did the basics.

 

[ajonesnv]

Do the plugs, wires and air filter first. If you are close to your timing belt change Id hold off on the belts till then...assuming they are in decent enough condition to last till then. And in the case of buying it from a little old lady, I'd do all the fluids: Oil, Tranny, Front & Rear Diffs, X-Case, blinker fluid, etc.

I hope the issue is your plugs...these truck do get rather squirrely when the plugs are bad.