2001-02 4runner prone to planetary disc failure in tranny????

[Skrillah]

Hey guys,

I've been doing some research as my search has gone on for a new 4runner and well I've read some things about the 2001 4runners having tranny problems.

In more than one instance ppl seem to be having trouble with the planetary disc in the tranny of the 2001-02 4runners. I wondered if it has been a proven problem with these years? Maybe the threads I read were just of coincidence....??

If this was a known problem I'd obviously like to avoid it...

What were the differences between the 99-00 and 01-02? Just the electronics of it?

Thanks guys!

[bamachem]

there are more instances of failure of the planetary gear of the 01/02 transmissions. they are not the same trans that was used in 99/00 - which do not have as high of a failure rate. the electronic controls are different along with the valve body and some other internals IIRC.

lee (moderator here) had one fail on him. hopefully he'll see this and chime in.

[Lee]

it happened to me in my old 01 4r at 113K. as far as im concerned it is a problem.

the difference is that they used a smaller thrust washer or something that allows movement. so as it wears down, it eventually lets go, causing the planetary to give and an implosion of metal occurs :(

i dont know that this will happen to EVERY trans but it happened to me, despite regular trans fluid flushes.

ill post pics of my incident later if you want.

[YotaFun]

Yes I have read too that the planetary disk is weaker in the 01&02 4WD trans (Supposedly there is a difference between the 4WD and 2WD trans, I haven't asked around to confirm this yet.)
My Stepfather has a 2002 Sports Edition 4Runner 4WD, at 124K the planetary disc for the Overdrive failed, leaving him and my mother stranded 200+ miles from home :-D
Toyota has not announced this as a recall problem since there only seems to be a limited amount of 4Runners.
Some people have been lucky and there transmissions have lasted just as long as any other year, so its really up in the air.

The biggest difference between the 99&00 Runners as compared to the 01&02 Runners is not really the transmission but the transfer case.
Toyota switched all the models in 01&02 to the push button straight shift transfer case like so:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a2/Nighthief/4Runner/024WDShifter.jpg
Which pretty much, you press the button on the stick you get AWD, then you press this button on the dash:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a2/Nighthief/4Runner/1245571_33.jpg
and then you get full time 4WD.
Then you still had low gear which you pretty much like every 3rd gen, you stopped the truck, put it in neutral and then (in this case) pushed the stick up into 4Lo.

The 99&00 models incorporated to t-case designs, The best design was the Push Button J-Pattern Shift in the Limiteds, and then in the Highlander and normal SR5 Models had the normal J-Shift Pattern like the 96-98 3rd Gens.
Here is the Pushbutton J-shift T-case Design:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a2/Nighthief/4Runner/Multi-ModeShifter.jpg
Its functioned as so:
Push the Button to get AWD
Pull back on the stick to lock the center diff to get 4WD (on the 01&02 models they have the button)
Then like the normal J-shift you put it into Neutral, shift the lever over then up to middle to get N on the t-case, and then all the way up to get 4Low.
And the Rest of the models have the t-case you are familiar with which is the Normal J-Shift like so:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a2/Nighthief/4Runner/DSC02537.jpg

So I hope that answers most to all of your questions. :-D

Edit: Andy has answered you question about the Trans, learn something new everyday :D

[Skrillah]

Thanks guys for the detailed replies!

Lee, sorry for your misfortune. I read a thread that detailed the damage although I can't remember which board I saw it on. I'd expect that a guy on here would be pretty meticulous about maintenance so I'm most surprised to see it happen to someone on here. I'd hate to see the consequences of someone who failed to do follow the proper routines.

Yotafun, very comprehensive info there! I've been a bit leery of those tcases with the straight up and down levers. I don't know why, they just seem prone to problems. I'm planning on buying a rig to build up with lockers and such so the AWD, soccer-mom features aren't something I'm set on.

I think I'll try and steer clear of the 01-02's even if the problem is limited. Again, the idea that it happened to a guy on here makes me question it even more. I'll keep my eye out for that 99-00 model year that seems to be pretty illusive at least here in the midwest.

Thanks again guys for the info! I posted over on YT and got pretty crappy responses at least last I checked, UY is the place to get the good stuff I guess! Ha

Kyle

[YotaFun]

Thanks guys for the detailed replies!

Lee, sorry for your misfortune. I read a thread that detailed the damage although I can't remember which board I saw it on. I'd expect that a guy on here would be pretty meticulous about maintenance so I'm most surprised to see it happen to someone on here. I'd hate to see the consequences of someone who failed to do follow the proper routines.

Yotafun, very comprehensive info there! I've been a bit leery of those tcases with the straight up and down levers. I don't know why, they just seem prone to problems. I'm planning on buying a rig to build up with lockers and such so the AWD, soccer-mom features aren't something I'm set on.

I think I'll try and steer clear of the 01-02's even if the problem is limited. Again, the idea that it happened to a guy on here makes me question it even more. I'll keep my eye out for that 99-00 model year that seems to be pretty illusive at least here in the midwest.

Thanks again guys for the info! I posted over on YT and got pretty crappy responses at least last I checked, UY is the place to get the good stuff I guess! Ha

Kyle


Yeah, I was never found of the straight shift setup either.
Though the 99&00 Limited T-Case I do like, cause it still allows you to have the Toyota e-locker in the rear, that and there are times where 4WD is to much, but AWD is just enough.
Just a thought from the North East guy lol!

Glad to help you Kyle!

Avy

[Skrillah]

Thanks guys for the detailed replies!

Lee, sorry for your misfortune. I read a thread that detailed the damage although I can't remember which board I saw it on. I'd expect that a guy on here would be pretty meticulous about maintenance so I'm most surprised to see it happen to someone on here. I'd hate to see the consequences of someone who failed to do follow the proper routines.

Yotafun, very comprehensive info there! I've been a bit leery of those tcases with the straight up and down levers. I don't know why, they just seem prone to problems. I'm planning on buying a rig to build up with lockers and such so the AWD, soccer-mom features aren't something I'm set on.

I think I'll try and steer clear of the 01-02's even if the problem is limited. Again, the idea that it happened to a guy on here makes me question it even more. I'll keep my eye out for that 99-00 model year that seems to be pretty illusive at least here in the midwest.

Thanks again guys for the info! I posted over on YT and got pretty crappy responses at least last I checked, UY is the place to get the good stuff I guess! Ha

Kyle


Yeah, I was never found of the straight shift setup either.
Though the 99&00 Limited T-Case I do like, cause it still allows you to have the Toyota e-locker in the rear, that and there are times where 4WD is to much, but AWD is just enough.
Just a thought from the North East guy lol!

Glad to help you Kyle!

Avy


Exactly...today for instance we got a nasty ice storm which I"m guessing you're getting ready to experience. The roads are slushy but not bad enough for 4wd but occasionally you do hit that slick spot where AWD would be nice.

Thanks again for the info! Good luck with the storm!

[Lee]

i know it sounds like meticulous maintenance and fluid changes may prevent damage, but there is a school of thought out there that frequent / interval oriented changes can actually accelerate the deterioration of a faulty transmission...

so who knows, maybe it wouldve lasted longer if i actually hadn't changed the fluid :laugh:

but i wheeled that truck pretty damn hard, so im sure that stress on the trans didnt help.

[Lee]

Yotafun, very comprehensive info there! I've been a bit leery of those tcases with the straight up and down levers. I don't know why, they just seem prone to problems. I'm planning on buying a rig to build up with lockers and such so the AWD, soccer-mom features aren't something I'm set on.
the problem isnt the awd, it's the skid control and abs systems that rely on one another... its a crappy setup for anyone planning on actually wheeling their truck.

the trac system that you see on fj's and 4th gens seems to be much improved, the one on the 3rd gens SUCKS offroad, unless youre on a dirt road.

i basically set my 01 up so i had a switch to turn off abs and vsc, but it made my dash light up like it was christmas time :laugh:

that tcase is just big, besides that it was just fine for me :)


but you'll notice i went from that 01 to a 91 that is VERY basic... 5spd, 4wd, surprised it even has wipers :laugh:

cant wait to build this thing.

[Skrillah]

Yotafun, very comprehensive info there! I've been a bit leery of those tcases with the straight up and down levers. I don't know why, they just seem prone to problems. I'm planning on buying a rig to build up with lockers and such so the AWD, soccer-mom features aren't something I'm set on.
the problem isnt the awd, it's the skid control and abs systems that rely on one another... its a crappy setup for anyone planning on actually wheeling their truck.

the trac system that you see on fj's and 4th gens seems to be much improved, the one on the 3rd gens SUCKS offroad, unless youre on a dirt road.

i basically set my 01 up so i had a switch to turn off abs and vsc, but it made my dash light up like it was christmas time :laugh:

that tcase is just big, besides that it was just fine for me :)


but you'll notice i went from that 01 to a 91 that is VERY basic... 5spd, 4wd, surprised it even has wipers :laugh:

cant wait to build this thing.


Haha, yeah again, I'd just assume avoid the x-mas tree and tranny troubles if I can!

Do you have build thread going on that 91 yet!?

[bamachem]

the 99/00 limiteds are nice w/ the multi-mode and the AWD that they offer.

to me (and i'm biased), they are the best years of the 3rd gens, and most will agree. with them you get a good trans, AWD XF case, updated interior w/ climate control and better center console arrangement, as well as updated exterior (headlights, grill, & bumper). you also get the tallest springs ever offered on a 3rd gen, so it's like you get a free 1" lift if you're not going to swap the suspension immediately - you can easily run 265/75's w/ no lift without worries.

also worth noting, the 01/02 runners share the same trans as the early tundras that had planetary gear failures. you can get tons of trans info from them at tundra solutions. they had a V8 w/ more HP & torque, so the failures on them are more common as well.

[Lee]

Yotafun, very comprehensive info there! I've been a bit leery of those tcases with the straight up and down levers. I don't know why, they just seem prone to problems. I'm planning on buying a rig to build up with lockers and such so the AWD, soccer-mom features aren't something I'm set on.
the problem isnt the awd, it's the skid control and abs systems that rely on one another... its a crappy setup for anyone planning on actually wheeling their truck.

the trac system that you see on fj's and 4th gens seems to be much improved, the one on the 3rd gens SUCKS offroad, unless youre on a dirt road.

i basically set my 01 up so i had a switch to turn off abs and vsc, but it made my dash light up like it was christmas time :laugh:

that tcase is just big, besides that it was just fine for me :)


but you'll notice i went from that 01 to a 91 that is VERY basic... 5spd, 4wd, surprised it even has wipers :laugh:

cant wait to build this thing.


Haha, yeah again, I'd just assume avoid the x-mas tree and tranny troubles if I can!

Do you have build thread going on that 91 yet!?
no, i start the build in a month or so :) ill put one up then!

[YotaFun]

Yotafun, very comprehensive info there! I've been a bit leery of those tcases with the straight up and down levers. I don't know why, they just seem prone to problems. I'm planning on buying a rig to build up with lockers and such so the AWD, soccer-mom features aren't something I'm set on.
the problem isnt the awd, it's the skid control and abs systems that rely on one another... its a crappy setup for anyone planning on actually wheeling their truck.

the trac system that you see on fj's and 4th gens seems to be much improved, the one on the 3rd gens SUCKS offroad, unless youre on a dirt road.

i basically set my 01 up so i had a switch to turn off abs and vsc, but it made my dash light up like it was christmas time :laugh:

that tcase is just big, besides that it was just fine for me :)


but you'll notice i went from that 01 to a 91 that is VERY basic... 5spd, 4wd, surprised it even has wipers :laugh:

cant wait to build this thing.


Now I am curious and maybe Andy can answer this, I didn't think the VSC was available till the 01&02 series, which I agree 100% sucks.
I hate it in stepdad's every time I drive it.
The slightest slip of gravel and that freakin thing kicks in.
Its annoying.
As for ABS, I believe that was standard through the years.
I will just be pulling my ABS fuse every time I go out.
Mine is ABS is way to touchy compared to other trucks or runners that I have driven.



the 99/00 limiteds are nice w/ the multi-mode and the AWD that they offer.

to me (and i'm biased), they are the best years of the 3rd gens, and most will agree. with them you get a good trans, AWD XF case, updated interior w/ climate control and better center console arrangement, as well as updated exterior (headlights, grill, & bumper). you also get the tallest springs ever offered on a 3rd gen, so it's like you get a free 1" lift if you're not going to swap the suspension immediately - you can easily run 265/75's w/ no lift without worries.

also worth noting, the 01/02 runners share the same trans as the early tundras that had planetary gear failures. you can get tons of trans info from them at tundra solutions. they had a V8 w/ more HP & torque, so the failures on them are more common as well.


Andy, I do agree with you the 99/00 where imho the best years, cause you you get the mulit-mode t-case and the rear locker.
If I had researched more into when I was going to by mine, and had found TOF (back then) or other Yota sites, I would have sported that.

Interesting that the tundra and runners shared the same trans of that year.
Did they ever do a recall on the Tundra trans?

[Skrillah]

the 99/00 limiteds are nice w/ the multi-mode and the AWD that they offer.

to me (and i'm biased), they are the best years of the 3rd gens, and most will agree. with them you get a good trans, AWD XF case, updated interior w/ climate control and better center console arrangement, as well as updated exterior (headlights, grill, & bumper). you also get the tallest springs ever offered on a 3rd gen, so it's like you get a free 1" lift if you're not going to swap the suspension immediately - you can easily run 265/75's w/ no lift without worries.

also worth noting, the 01/02 runners share the same trans as the early tundras that had planetary gear failures. you can get tons of trans info from them at tundra solutions. they had a V8 w/ more HP & torque, so the failures on them are more common as well.


I agree, I definitely like the 99-00's. Lots of perks with those years.

I would also be interested to know if there was a recall for the tundras? I'd imagine the power difference with the v8 caused more to fail which may in turn make it not so limited of a problem...??

[Lee]

no recall on the tundra's although i noticed those come stock with trans coolers... maybe thats the difference.

[YotaFun]

no recall on the tundra's although i noticed those come stock with trans coolers... maybe thats the difference.


I thought the third Gens already came stock with a transmission cooler built in the radiator, or so I have heard.
I am still looking to get a better one.
Hard wheeling, I don't want to see that AT Temp Light Come on...

[MTL_4runner]

I thought the third Gens already came stock with a transmission cooler built in the radiator, or so I have heard.
I am still looking to get a better one.
Hard wheeling, I don't want to see that AT Temp Light Come on...


All vehicles with automatic transmissions usually have a simple heat exchanger setup in the radiator to heat the fluid up quickly at startup and cool the fluid under use. I think Lee means that they are using an additional stacked plate cooler which are often added by the manufacturer to improve cooling under heavy use like towing or hauling.

[YotaFun]

Ah so It would be a good Idea for me to invest in a after market trans cooler?

[bamachem]

VSC and TRAC started on the 01/02's, with the cancellation of the rear locker option. the early 2000 4WD's were the last of the tall-sprung, rear-locked, non VSC/TRAC 3rd gens.

a hayden transmission cooler is a cheap $50 insurance policy against overheating one, but it's not insurance against failure.

[YotaFun]

VSC and TRAC started on the 01/02's, with the cancellation of the rear locker option. the early 2000 4WD's were the last of the tall-sprung, rear-locked, non VSC/TRAC 3rd gens.

a hayden transmission cooler is a cheap $50 insurance policy against overheating one, but it's not insurance against failure.


Thats what I will be getting for stepdad and I this summer.
Def something I want to install before the Trip to SE4RJ. 14+ hours.... average 7-8 miles a day... yeah...

[neliconcept]

yeah im running a hayden cooler. but i keep O/D off when hitting Vail pass and eisenhower tunnel, man those roads suck.

[Lee]

i bought and never installed a hayden trans cooler

i plan to use it as a ps cooler for the 91 after the sas :)

[YotaFun]

i bought and never installed a hayden trans cooler

i plan to use it as a ps cooler for the 91 after the sas :)


nice

[ecchamberlin]

Interesting read.

I had never heard of this problem with the later 3rd gens. I will watch mine carefully.

Lee,
any warning signs you noticed before it let go and were you wheeling when it happened?

[YotaFun]

Interesting read.

I had never heard of this problem with the later 3rd gens. I will watch mine carefully.

Lee,
any warning signs you noticed before it let go and were you wheeling when it happened?




Stepdads slipped once.
Then finally he was on his way back home and it gave out, he tired to get it in gear again and it just grinded.
That's his experience, lee's might be different.

[Lee]

Interesting read.

I had never heard of this problem with the later 3rd gens. I will watch mine carefully.

Lee,
any warning signs you noticed before it let go and were you wheeling when it happened?


yup for about a week, there was a "CHHHHHHHHH" grinding noise. it actually sounded like it was coming from my rear axle region when i was driving... but it wasnt all the time, it was like once a day, so i didnt have time to diagnose it. then i got on the highway one day after work, got up to about 65, and suddenly all my gas pedal did was rev the engine up like i was in neutral :(

i was lucky and was able to coast to the ONE side outlet for breakdowns in the span of 2 miles... can you believe that luck? i got to it coasting in at about 30 by that point but at least i made it!!

[Badlands]

So is there a preventative fix for the planetary gear failure? (besides swapping the transmission for an earlier model like lee did?)

-B

[bamachem]

as far as i know - nope. just wait 'til it happens and then repair or replace it.

[Badlands]

How come the Tacomas of those years don't seem to be affected by this problem? (according to the door stickers they have the same transmission A340F?)

-B

[Skrillah]

How come the Tacomas of those years don't seem to be affected by this problem? (according to the door stickers they have the same transmission A340F?)

-B


Good question....?

[Lee]

they are

a guy on pirate reported this failure in his 01 dcab

[Skrillah]

I know its YT...but this is what prompted me to start this thread...

http://www.yotatech.com/f2/price-power-just-bad-luck-caution-graphic-images-111443/

Some of you may remember posting on this thread...or you will after you see it...ha.

[neliconcept]

i dont remember posting in the thread, but i did post it seems, fucking stupid monkey avatar

[ecchamberlin]

Lee
you put an earlier year's tranny in as a complete replacement or just the parts? WHat was the total damege in $ if you don't mind.

[YotaFun]

Stepdad got his rebuilt for 3K, Toyota wanted the same to put a refurbished trans in.

[Lee]

Lee
you put an earlier year's tranny in as a complete replacement or just the parts? WHat was the total damege in $ if you don't mind.
well lets be honest you never know if what the shop is telling you is actually true :laugh: they first put in a 2002 trans that had 70K on it, it started acting funny so i warrantied another one. this one was supposedly out of a 2000 limited with i think it was 60K on it.

i didnt do the work, i didnt buy the part, i have no idea if thats all 100% accurate, its what i was told and that one DID work perfectly and still is for the current owner.

total damage was about 2500. came with a warranty like i said.

[ecchamberlin]

Got it. Thanks.

reason I ask is if mine craps out to I will not even mess with fixing it and just replace it with an earlier years that does not have this issue.

[NakSuKow]

On the multi-mode models, does the transfer case and transmission share fluid?

[YotaFun]

On the multi-mode models, does the transfer case and transmission share fluid?


I was under the impression all 3rd gen trans sahred fluids with the t-case

[NakSuKow]

The 01-02 A340F doesn't

[mkgarrison5]

no it doesnt.. atf in the tranny, gear oil in the tcase 75w/90 to be exact

[MTL_4runner]

no it doesnt.. atf in the tranny, gear oil in the tcase 75w/90 to be exact


X2

[Brunoski]

Any recent failures? :( I am starting to be weary as I like to go on long road trips.