eric_the_red

No
It's really hard to do this, like maybe it's stuck in 3rd or 4th gear. I managed to get it out of traffic when I broke down, but it is a reall struggle to move the car - it shudders off, pretty much like a key switching it off, even while applying a reasonable amount of gas and brake.
Sorry to hear about your gas situation. Whenever I was flying more regularly I would diligently check the gas for anything out of the ordinary every time the plane was gassed up - it would be nice to be able to do this easily with a car.

eric_the_red

ultimate diagnosis: torque converter was busted and pieces of it got into the rest of the transmission. price to repair: +/- $2000. f#@%! pretty much the worst thing that could happen to my car, aside from something breaking inside the engine maybe, at the worst possible time (final exams in calc, phys, chem, ug - missed all the reviews and lots of needed study time screwing around with my car, not to mention work...)

my question is: how did the dealer get it running again after I brought it to them the first time? and did they screw anything up further I wonder?
also, this makes me wonder if there is ever a good reason to bring my car to the dealer, all other things being equal (mechanic's expertise, equipment, etc.)

the odd thing: I spoke to the transmission guy at length. he asked me if I had the transmission fluid flushed and replaced within the last 10000 miles. about 15000 miles ago or so I did have this done when I took it in for its 100,000 mile inspection and maintenance (to the same dealer). he said he has seen this kind of damage after 10000 miles or so of having this done. he also said he rarely works on toyota transmissions compared with other makes. he can't explain the correlation and I was wondering if anyone else has heard of this.

at any rate, thanks for the feedback, if nothing else I have become more familiar with my car as a result, which I suppose is one positive thing about this ordeal.

mkgarrison5

that sucks.... how many miles on the tranny? i assume it an auto? how many times have you had the tranny serviced?

eric_the_red

now that I am thinking about it, I think I had wanted the dealer to service the transmission when I took it in for its 100000 mile service - I need to look at the receipt. I am not sure what they did besides "flushing" the old fluid out, I just trusted that they did what needed to be done. this is the only time I had the trannsmission serviced....I bought it at 75000 miles
It is the original transmission as far as I know, so about 119000 miles.
yea, its an auto.

zau10

I have same problem. My 2001 4runner @ 135,000 miles acting up the same. Will bring for check up tomorrow.
However, I still able to get around by get the engine to about 2500 rpm then quickly gear to L (#1). Car will jerk but after it get momentum, it run like normal.

411: I have mine done major tune up service at toyota dealer (Sterling MacCall) at 108,000 mile, which including transmission service.

Houston, TX

eric_the_red

I'm never letting the dealer touch anything having to do with the transmission ever again and in fact I may never go back to the dealer for anything if I can help it.

zau10

update: scanner hook up to the 4runner's computer and show code P0770 Shift Solenoid E Malfunction.

I got a mechanic from Toyota Dealer saying that I need to replace the whole trans = $$$ .... I say no deal. (If I rev up a bit and put in to gear L, it will jump and then drive normal . ... why replace the whole trany)

Another (different) mechanic propose to replace the Shift solenoid but he can not that will solve the problem 50/50 chance. Cost $265 for the solenoid plus labor ..... no deal.

My problem: Those are only engine special mechanic. I should have first talk to a transmission special mechanic. Lesson learned.

I hope to see someone with same issue with good resolve to share.