kwj23452

86 4Runner 22RE with A340 4x4, had intermittently lost 2nd and overdrive. Research showed likely culprit solenoids. Replaced shift solenoids and lockup solenoid, all forward gears run great. However, reverse (which was working perfectly before I changed solenoids) does not work.
No "clunk" from old U-joints, no noticeable difference in reverse than in neutral. I did find that revving up engine in reverse will give a slight amount of wheel turn going back, but not much. Seems like a pressure issue, but don't know what I might have done.... any ideas??

rustypigeon

The solenoids control forward shifts only. I don't think that your solenoids are causing your problem in reverse, but maybe the act of changing the solenoids caused the problem.

What I would do first of course is to check the fluid level. These transmission take a few minutes for all the fluid to settle so make sure you have your truck parked on a level spot for at least 3 minutes before check the fluid.

If the fluid checks out, you may have a bad "1st & Reverse Brake". This brake is only engaged when the transmission is in Reverse and First gear with the transmission in the "L" position. It does not engage in the "D" position.

To check it, put your transmission selector in "L" and try to drive forward. Is there any slipping?

kwj23452

Thanks for the heads up, didn't know about 1st/reverse brake. In "L", transmission operates normally. Same solid pull in 1st when in "L" as it does when in "D".

Fluid level about 1/4 to 1/2 a pint low. Seems like I get different readings with same parameters of driving. (OAT 22 F, town driving, stop and go, up to 40 MPH, check fluid on level ground after 30 minutes operation. Fluid between full cold and low hot, fluid temp feels just warm.)

I'm concerned about overfilling, but I'm not sure I can consider fluid "hot" when it doesn't feel hot... Maybe more trans fluid??? With the solenoid change, I put in about 5 qts to 5.2 qts fluid...