jeremys73

Just a question.. My 98 4runner (auto) shifts good and solid when shifting into reverse, but when shifting from -Park- to -1st-, it does it VERY gently (you can barely tell most times). Sometimes it hesitates for a second before going into 1st. Is this normal?

Sometimes it shifts solidly into first but usually when its cold.

jeremys73

*bump*
come on, I know someone here uses first gear

Jeffires

You mean the shifter slipping into the 1st position, or the feel of the actual transmission engaging the gear?

alotawatts

Sounds like he's descibing a delay between the time he selects ' D ' and the time he feels it engage. I have the same symptom with my Honda Civic auto. I suspect a clutch pack is bad. I have tried flushing the trans etc. Maybe a linear solenoid ? Automatics are a mystery to me........

jeremys73

yeah, when it actually engages into first gear. It just seems so smooth, unlike going into reverse. There is a defenite engagement when going into reverse. But going into first, I can't even feel it go into gear... stupid autos... I have never trusted automatics...

SnoViking

the reverse gear could be a differnent design also. Most likely the forward gears, including 1st are conical gears (correct term?) while your reverse gear is most likely a straight cut gear. Straight cut gears are louder. Im not sure but that might help. Also, I know cotman transmissions which is a national brand has free trouble shooting and estimates... try them

Jeffires

I've always felt mine go into R or 1, but after adding the Lockright to the rear differential, there is a very noticable thud and you can feel it engage. I'm not very fond of automatics either, but I take good care of mine. I want to see how long it will last, after it goes out, I have the manual tranny ready to take its place.