So my '95 4runner has an automatic tranny, its been having only one problem but i fear its a big one. Almost everytime i get onto the freeway my truck is slow to speed up(like all of our runners &#128539
But i will feel my shifts through 3rd and up to 3k rpm to shift into 4th to get past 45mph. But it will get stuck at 3rd gear, or 4th im not sure?
Anyways, It will get stuck there at 40mph and wont shift into the next gear to increase speed. Instead my rpms will shoot up to 3500 or even 4000 if i keep stepping on the gas. It wont shift until i pull over and try again going slower. And sometimes even that doesnt work i have to get off the highway all together. It has a mind of its own. I hope its an easy fix but i have no clue what it is...if anyone has advice on what to do PLEASE help...... i hope it isnt a huge issue. 1995 stock 4runner, no mods yet. I want her running perfect before i will lift and invest any further, thank you!!!

 

Your truck is much smarter than you think: ask it what the problem is. http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...31diagnosi.pdf (I assume you have the A340H, which will be listed on the door pillar. The diagnosis system is the same for all A340's.)

The diagnosis system will report really big problems, but I'm going to guess your problem is in the ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor. The transmission is not supposed to upshift that far when it's cold, and if your sensor is out you're telling the transmission "don't shift yet." http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...98engineco.pdf

 

It might be worth checking the fluid level. I have one of those other vehicles that leaks a little bit of ATF and it shifts hard or refuses to shift when the fluid gets low. The best fix would be to put a real transmission in it though... not that I'm biased or anything.

 

I will check the ECT sensor..after my transmittion fluid.
I really want to put a manual in it for way better control, milage, power and all. But ˟˟˟˟, it costs waaay to much to get one, drop the old one, and put the new one in.
But my oil levels are first. Anything else feel free to suggest
"La burra" (the donkey) the name of my truck.. appreciate it alot

 

Check the coolant level. If it's low, the ECT sensor won't read right.
Check that it's actually getting up to 180 degrees. If the thermostat opens too soon, it never will. Just fixed the same shifting issue on my '94 runner by replacing the stat.

If both these are good, then check for codes.

 

So i would check engine coolant levels and then change the thermastat?
Because i dont know how to check temperature or all that?
Im car-impaired. Haha
Thanks!

 

NO you should start diagnosis with post #2. Then move on from there. For the love of god don't start replacing stuff yet.

 

Temperature is measured with a thermometer. Not too hard to come by.

And like ^he^ said, don't replace things unless you know they're bad.