x-mission won't shift from 2nd to 3rd

[4xt4r]

I bought this 1998 4 runner limited 3.4l,auto,about 5 years ago with approx 155k miles on it.since I have owned it, when it is cold, It will not shift from 2nd to 3rd..As soon as the engine gets warm, it will go ahead& shift to 3rd& go through the full range of gears just as expected until it is parked overnight.from the color(distinct grey) of the atf fluid when I purchased it I feel the fluid must have been original.so I changed the fluid approx. 5 times&a good clear color returned.The truck now has over 230k miles& is still running good but still has the same shifting issue only when cold!
A tech.once told me it is an issue with the#2 solenoid, would y'all agree with that diagnosis?
Thanks!

 

[sawguy]

I think this is normal. My '97 does the same thing.

 

[downpour11]

Normal

 

[gamefreakgc]

Normal for an old transmission.

Mine is 3 years old and shifts just fine. Previous owner had to put it in since he burnt the old one with the supercharger.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

Depending on trans temp it will alter the shift routine until it sees warm oil.

 

[fullspeed]

I think I read somewhere that the computer keeps it in 2nd longer when engine water temp is cold. I think the reason for this is to help engine warm up a little quicker. I hope an expert can confirm this. I could be wrong.

It only does this on the first shift up to 3rd. If computer is doing this, then the mileage on the tranmission dosn't have anything to do with this.

On cold mornings I will just go with it and try to stay below 35 MPH so it will stay in 2nd longer to help heat up engine so heater will get warm quicker. Regardless of water temp, the computer seems to shift up to 3rd when speed gets about 35 MPH.

 

[martin770]

If you do decide to replace the solenoids, it's not a hard job. You can get a set of all 3 from eBay, and it's just a matter of removing some bolts from the bottom of the transmission to get to them.