kharris

I just bought an 86 runner and am having problems with the overdrive. I have changed out the temp. sender. i have tried to change the temp sensor (the one on the tstat housing) but the parts place keeps giving me a 2 prong part mine is only one prong. i have changed the tstat. i have also unplugged the ect ecu. when i unplug the ecu and shift manually it runs like a dream. oh yea i almost forgot the od light does not blink.(ive seen that question asked before. anyway i dont know where i stand, what does it mean if it works w/out ecu? i am leaning to the ecu. seems solenoids are working. is there anything else that could be worng. please help i am about to pull my hair out over this.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Might try cleaning your buttons. Last auto I had the ect button would click like it was moving but actually stick because of the years of gunk. Mine had similar symptoms.

:wabbit2:

kharris

thank you for the input, but i did clean the ect buttons. they work fine i think. i push normal and get a green light in dash, and push power and get a red light in dash.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Yep. That's how I noticed mine were not working, dash lights did not change.

Might try the dealer for your new parts or Nix99 for used.

:wabbit2:

91diesel

I'd try running the engine codes and see what that gives you. Mine was doing that and showed a bad temp sensor, temp sensor and replacement tested fine, still no OD. It ended up being a bad ECU which will happen given enough time (not miles). These ECU's have electrolytic capacitors that are only good for about 15yrs before they start leaking. When they start leaking it could show up as anything (engine code wise-mine was a water temp sensor). I knew it wasn't my transmission by disconnecting the ECU. when you do and shift manually you should lose 2nd gear but gain OD back. If this happens, it is generally a sign that your tranny is fine. I sent my ECU off to a company in FL (sorry don't have contact info) and they repaired it/shipped/18mnth warranty for $175. They will also test for free +shipping. I sent it and they fixed it and it's worked great ever since. Don't buy a used ECU! It could go/be just a bad as yours, if yours is bad.

cracker_1

The ECT button does not control the OD. The OD button is located on the auto shifter handle. Try cleaning that one and see if your OD works. At least, that is where the OD button is located on my 87.

kharris

od button works fine i guess, the light by the radio comes on and off when i push the button.

kharris

when i tried to order the temp sensor (the one in the tstat housing) they send me a 2 prong sensor mine only has one prong.

kharris

how do i test the trans. ecu

4runnerx3

Unplugging the ECT unit, you eliminated two things. 2nd gear and torque converter lock up. With the unit unplugged, 1 is first, 2 is third and D is OD and you have no TC lock up. What is your truck doing? is it slipping and jerking in OD? Lock up only happens in 3rd and OD.

kharris

sometimes it dosent go into od sometimes it jutters almost like the engine is missing. this happens between 45-60 mph. dont know what lock up means. but w/ ecu disconnected od works fine, no slips or juttering.

kharris

4runnerx3 what part of nc are you at im in the n. east

kharris

how do i run the engine or trans. codes?

4runnerx3

If the OD light blinks while driving you have codes which you can pull. Sounds like your torque converter is going bad.

kharris

no flashing lights. i replaced the coolant temp sensor today and that seems to have fixed the problem. thanks for all the help.

myyota

The temp sensor on the thermostat housing is for the a/c, it has nothing at all to do with the transmission.