CincyFreeze

This may have been asked before, but my auto 4runner has had troule shifting out of 2nd on the highway... after several minutes it will then shift to where it needs to be. It just sounds like im going to blow the thing up running it at 60-70miles per hour in second (4 1/2 RPM!) This cant be good or normal for that matter? Does the colder weather have anything to do with it? any suggestions?

4mydogs

I'm not certain that this is the same as what you are talking about, but there is a sensor that keeps it from going into OD until it's up to operating temp. Are you sure it's in 2nd??? Probably just not in OD. Watch your temp gauge and see if it doesn't shift into OD right when it gets to midway, or normal operating temperature. If so, that's normal. You can read about it in your owner's manual. If it's actually only in 2nd gear . . .

DH6twinotter

Jeff, what year is your 4Runner?

As mentioned above, your OD does not kick in until you reach operating temp on the 2nd gens (maybe others?). Your 3rd gear should work fine though, so if you are in 2nd, then something is probably wrong.

Have you checked your tranny for codes? You can check your tranny for codes the same way you can check your engine.

Is this happening when you are using cruise control?

leebee

seeing as he is in ohio, its more than likely a temperature related issue. mine has started doing the same thing early in the morning, i have some city driving before i get on the highway so by the time i hit speed, it is usually up to temp and shifts fine. this drove me nuts last fall until i read a post on here about what was happening.

lee

Paul H.

If this only happens when you first start driving after your runner has been sitting for a long time then that is normal.

DH6twinotter

Ok, I just took my 4Runner on the interstate. I got up to 70 with OD turned off (which means I was in 3rd gear). My rpms were about 3200. So, if you are turning 4500 than you probably are in 2nd which isn't right--even for an engine not warmed up. A cold tranny won't engage OD, but your 3rd gear should work...unless I'm totally wrong and my 4runner doesn't have this issue.

Randomness

I would think it'd be different since you have 3.90's. Mine does this too, and it's right around 4k before it gets to operating temps.

DH6twinotter

Yeah, I thought about a possiblity about different gear ratio, but I didn't realize gear ratios made that huge a difference. Learn something all the time here. I may have to consider a regear cause it was pretty peppy running down the interstate in 3rd and the higher rpm.

DH6twinotter

Hey, jeff, do you know what your gear ratio and tire size is?

Randomness

I could be wrong, but it seems that it would make a difference like that. I know that at 70 mph, I'm turning about 2900rpm...

CincyFreeze

Hey guys thanks for the reply's! I called the toyota dealer and they told me the same thing about the "warm up, operating temp" deal... I think this is what I have going on. the only think that is worring me is the how you guys say it should be in 3rd. I may be wrong but I only feel it kick one gear? It has been getting colder here as well, which would make sense... Also the fact that I pretty much jump right on the interstate in the morning with very little city driving! So, would you recommend warming the car up in the driveway for a couple minutes, or does it need acutal driving to "warm" it up?

Is it bad on the motor or seals or anything? I just dont want to blow the damn thing up...

Thanks once again, you guys are great