dr-dirt

Just recently bought a 91 runner 3.0 auto 4x4 w/ 194400mi on the clock. When I test drove the rig, everything was fine. Transmission shifted very smoothly, up and down. It has all maint records was looking through it and it was rebuilt about 40k ago. Everything was done that could be done to it. Now that its mine and my old truck went bye bye. I realize that i have a slight, possibly a major problem. When the fluid is cold, it shifts really hard especially when I step on it. As the temp rises, it smooths out until it shifts normally. Is there an adjustment to be made? Possibly a leaking seal inside? Or am i just plain screwed? If option #3, how long do I have? To combat this, I drive like miss daisy until it warms up.

any help will be greatly appreciated

GSGALLANT

Have you checked your fluid level? When's the last time your fluid was flushed? I would start by checking the fluid, just so you know what the level and condition is like, then do a flush. In case you don't know (please don't take offence if you already know this), there is a special procedure to checking auto tranny fluid level. If you need it, do a search on here... I've posted the procedure a few times.

Good luck.

'884Runner

I don't know, don't all of those transmissions do that? My dad's 95 4runner with the 3.0 and auto won't shift into overdrive until it reaches operating temperature. It also tends to shift a little hard when cold. Hopefully this doesn't signify a problem, because he has been driving it like that for years.

GSGALLANT

Mine shifts perfectly smooth even when cold. The not shifting into overdrive until the coolant temperature is high enough is by design and perfectly normal.

Blurr

i've read that the O/D is not supposed to shift until it has reached a certain temp.

4banginRunner

my old 90 4runner 22re/auto shifted hard in the cold, and was normal when it was warmed up

try a drain and fill, and replacing the filter

JGrund85

my 91 runner manual shifts hard when cold and also makes some weird noises untill it is warm. it has a real tranny seal leak and is probably low. Getting it fixed soon, will see if it helps.

dr-dirt

I checked the trans fluid the other day, it was 3/4 quart low, the color appeared to fine. I will definately get the fluid flushed this weekend, and see if that changes anything. My only concern is that I've had A/T's in the past (none toyota) and currently that shift smooth no matter how hot or cold it was. I was just concerned cause I don't have 4k (at least thats what the repair reciept said)to rebuild the thing right now. My 85 toy p/u 4x4 was a 5spd never had shifting problems.

dr-dirt

ok, so i had the fluid flushed. trans shifted great the day after, and now its doing the same thing again. any suggestions?

mistergarrett

I also have the shift problem, not when shifting into gear but when goin from 1st to 2nd and sometimes into 3rd, only when cold. Ive drained fluid and changed filter. Old fluid was fine. Just wandering if im gonna need to change the tranny when i yank out my 3.slo.

24Runna

My guess would be the fluid, and pick-up screen but you guys changed that. I'm guessing solenoid possibly. Otherwise it could possibly be the ECU that controls the shift points. A very-very far fetched solution, but have you tried resetting the ECU?

dr-dirt

well i have to say...i'm swapping trannies. found a 5spd low mileage with everything to convert for 500. i'm now having a different shift problem, BUT i've decided to go this route because my solenoids or something is not working right (feels like it starts out in 3rd gear and then shifts to 1st and gets stuck and then shifts really hard out of it.) plus in the last year its overheated 6 times, and i flushed it every time ($100 each time). I'm done with it....Plus i like the 5spd better for offroad not to mention the better gas mileage.


on another i did adjust the TPS cable and that seemed to work great. it was a little tight