Fink

OK, another thread started tonight!

This has been happening for a while, the very first time I start the Runner in the morning when its completely cold and hasn't been run in atleast 6 hours it shifts kind of weird.

It shifts from 1st to 2nd fine, but it holds 2nd gear for a REALLY long time, but once it finally shifts into 3rd gear once its fine. Really weird!

I don't know when the last time was the tranny was flushed but I would guess at the 90k service which I had done about 5.5-6k miles ago.

What do you guys think is up with this?

Thanks!

Fink

terryjmatthew

Pretty common thing w/ Yota automatic's. My 01 does the same thing.

rimpainter.com

Fink -

Yeah, this same thing has happened on the Auto 5VZFE's I have owned. One had 26K miles, and the other had 87K miles. Both did exactly the same thing. I also a know a few other guys that have experienced this. So, from a mechanical/electrical standpoint you have nothing to worry about. If you had the tranny flushed recently, just make sure the fluid is at the proper level.

Fink

Sweet, thanks guys! I'm sure it is but next time I change the oil I'll check it all.

Thanks again.

Fink

yotarunner96

yea my 96 runner does the same exact thing on cold mornings, it kind of gets annoying after a while but its normal.

CynicX

yep, check the fluid but my 04 does the exact same thing.

If you drive in 2nd and slow down or stop then start up again it usually doesnt do it. but if I start it up and drive all they through the gears it will hold 2nd to 2500-3000 rpm or something like that.

Fink

Yeah, same with me. I'm pretty sure the fluid is ok but will check.

Fink

Rivalred

Would changing to a synthetic change this?

SLC Punk

From my research, it does that so the engine will warm up to operating temp faster. Changing to syn will not make a difference.

CynicX

I personally dont know. But I know autos can be VERY touchy with fluids and personally prefer to only use exactly what toyota recommends.

besides, I dont think there is much benefit to using synthetic fluid in a auto. MAYBE it will stay a little cooler?

Rivalred

I am curious because I do not even have a trans fluid dip stick to check the level in my auto trans on my 05 Tacoma. So I have a feeling Toyota is running a synthetic in mine, same as the 4th gen 4Runner, but I could be wrong. ??

Bumpin' Yota

What about when its REALLY cold out your truck likes to sit in low range....you have all 4 gears but it's stuck in the low gear range. That same low gear range that 4L is in, only with the rear tires driving....

OOOR it will start out in 2nd gear!

Recently its not done it but it did it all the time when the temp was below 30*F outside up in gainesville..

Ironmike4x4

I'm not too sure on Toys, but on certain GM cars and newer Malibus and even the Corvettes the tranny is a sealed unit and you dont mess with it unless it's leaking. That's what the shop foreman told us.

DrBeau

this sounds quite plausible. The Nissan I had before wouldn't go into 4th until a certain A/T temp had been reached. I thought my tranny was super-hosed, but after some research I found that it was a "safety feature" in the tranny.

I havn't noticed this in my truck, bu I'm in the far end of an apartment complex so by the time i get to where i can use 3rd I've already sped up and slowed a little and the engine is already getting warm.

Rivalred

What is the viscosity of Toyota Trans fluid compared to 5W-30 Engine Oil I am wondering..... Trans fluid is a lot flows a lot easier so I am not understand why it would take longer for it to "warm up" ?