Automatic transmission problem...

[avstanley]

I have a 1995 4ruuner with an automatic transmission. Recently it does not want to shift out of second when the truck is first started. It can take up to 10 miles before it decides to work correctly. I have checked the fluid level and that appears to be fine. I am not familar enough with automatics to know what kind of solenoids and electronics may be malfunctioning.

Has anyone else had this happen?

[Obi..]

The answer doesn't change w/ different posts and forums. It is a part of the warm up cycle. It will not shift through all the gears until it has achieved operating temp. If you are unsure, visit the FAQ's and download the FSM pages so you can see if any codes are stored then if still unsure, take it to a dealership or qualified mechanic if you can't fix it yourself.

Sorry to sound harsh, but this isn't the first time you posted this online.

[Seanz0rz]

yeah, mine doesnt like to shift when its cold, all normal and part of the warm up cycle.

however, if this is a NEW problem (IE just popped up suddenly, acted differently before), i would take it to a toyota dealer and have it checked. automatic transmissions are so complicated, the average DIY home mechanic would have a hard time diagnosing issues and repairing them properly.

[Good Times]

Sounds like you need to take it to a tranny shop to have them inspect it. It could be a bad solenoid or spring inside. (no clue).

Good luck

[DHC6twinotter]

Mine won't shift into 4th when cold, but I dunno...this sounds like more than just cold shift issues to me. You should be able to get 3rd gear when cold.

Is the O/D light flashing at all? Can you manually place the tranny in 3rd using the shift lever (shift to D with the O/D off)? Like NorCal mentioned, you might be able to do the self diagnostics to check for any tranny codes as well. That’s where I would start.

I've had tranny issues for the past 50k miles, and every now and then, I'll lose 1st and 2nd gear and have to shift gears manually. I get a code 62, so I'm pretty sure I have a bad #1 shift solenoid. If you do a check and get a code 63, that signifies a bad #2 shift solenoid and would be consistent with the issues you are having. I believe #1 controls 1st and 2nd gear and #2 controls 3rd and 4th gears.

More info on self diagnostics here: http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/autotrans/17diagnosi.pdf

But like everybody else has said so far, if you aren't getting codes, I'd suggest you just take it to a shop. Auto transmissions can be hard to figure out, so that may be your best bet.

[Crinale]

honestly the first thing i would do is to change the tranny fluid. It could just be old broken down fluid causing issues... iv heard of even weirder things being caused by burned fluid

[slosurfer]

I think it sounds more like the normal warm up cycle. Third can feel like Second when everything is cold and you're trying to go 55+ :laugh: I know, I've got a 55mph road less than 1/4mile from my front door, so I have to stick to 50 on it till it warms up and kicks in.

[Crinale]

true... but it couldnt hurt to change the fluid anyway ;) ... i dont drive the 4runner much when its cold... the gf has been driving it lately cuz her car is.. umm... under the weather :-P ...

[Robinhood4x4]

10 miles sounds too far to be the normal warm up cycle, mine warms up within 2-3 miles. I think there's something else going on.

[avstanley]

Thanks for all the input. I am afraid it seems to be more than the warm up cycle. It has been getting worse (taking longer) over the past few months. I will take it to a shop and have them flush the fluid, to see it that changes anything for the better. I have heard horror stories of toyota AT's failing after having the fluid flushed. With 225,000 miles I guess I better start saving for a new one.

[CJM]

Pull the dipstick with the truck running. Fluid should be redish and not smell like burnt toast. If its brown, black, nasty looking and smells burnt well such as life. Flush anyways..