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93 4runner AT fluid question

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Old 01-23-2012, 12:41 PM
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93 4runner AT question - gears slip after fluid change

A couple of weeks ago I changed out the transmission fluid/filter. After adding fluid I started the car, shifted through the gears several times and made sure that the fluid level was good. I then took it for a test drive and immediately noticed that the gears were slipping. The problem seems to go away after the car warms up but I'm scratching my head as to why the gears are slipping! The transmission shifted gears just fine the day before.

The kind of fluid I used was AutoZone brand Dextron/Mercon, on the back of the jug it said it was compatible with Dextron III vehicles. I used a NAPA filter.

Does anyone know what could be going on? Is this just a coincidence and am I doomed to eventually have a failed transmission?

Last edited by Blurr; 01-23-2012 at 12:55 PM.
Old 01-23-2012, 01:20 PM
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What do you mean by "slipping"?

From a dead stop, engine revs above 3000 before starting to move?
Engine holds around 4500-5000 for more than a second before shifting to the next gear, when full throttle?
Old 01-23-2012, 02:15 PM
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by slipping i mean that when i accelerate i can see the RPMs go up but the car doesn't move. I can't feel the transmission 'grab' for lack of better terms. This only lasts a second or two but it didn't happen prior to the fluid/filter change.
Old 01-23-2012, 02:51 PM
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This is common if the fluid being replaced was in pretty bad shape.

Time for a 5 speed swap!
Old 01-23-2012, 02:57 PM
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Don't take this the wrong way...but are you sure you added enough fluid?
Old 01-24-2012, 07:36 AM
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Originally Posted by rhill
Don't take this the wrong way...but are you sure you added enough fluid?
hehe, valid question but yes I'm certain that there is enough fluid.

I have never heard of new fluid making things worse, has anyone else experienced this?
Old 01-24-2012, 07:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Blurr
I have never heard of new fluid making things worse, has anyone else experienced this?
Yes.

Before draining or flushing you should pull the dip stick and look at the fluid. If it is dark, burnt smelling, and you see little flakes or speck in it, DO NOT FLUSH IT. The fluid and transmission is TOAST, but the transmission just has not figured out it should die yet. In these cases for reasons no one has figured out yet, if you flush a transmission in this condition it will fail right away. Real strange, but that is what seems to happen. If your trans is in this condition just drive it while you save for a replacement transmission. There is no way of telling when it will fail. It might be today, next week, or next year, but it is doomed.

The goal here is to flush the trans BEFORE the fluid gets rancid. What you are taking out should look like what you are putting in. Do not wait for a color or smell change. My 4Runner Owner's Manual calls for transmission fluid change at 30,000 mile intervals. The industry standard it two years OR 24,000 miles which ever comes first. It is your truck, you decide what is best for you.
http://www.gadgetonline.com/TransFlush.htm
Old 01-24-2012, 08:43 AM
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ugh, my bowels just iced over. i recall the old fluid being a little dark but i wouldn't say that it was dirty, for certain there weren't any metal flecks in it. crossing my fingers....
Old 01-25-2012, 05:49 AM
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How are you checking it?
Old 01-25-2012, 07:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Marc
How are you checking it?
the way the manual says to check it, cycling through all the gears first.
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