I just picked up an 86 4runner with a bad tranny last night. The guy I bought it from said he thought it was the shift solenoids and I tend to agree after ready many posts on these tranny's. My problem is that it doesn't go into gear 1,2,3 or Reverse. Nothing!! So where do I start? I have a donor tranny that I could replace it with or should I start replacing the solenoids?

 

Id try some basic troubleshooting first before you go replaceing anything.

well did you check the obious, like the lickage is still attached and working right?

its odd that it wouldnt move in ANY gear (least from what i understand about them)

Fluid level? tranney fluid is cheep (expecially the store brand) might as well try flushing a few gallons though it.... You could drop the pan and see if there are any obious signs of problems (like lots of material in the pan that shouldnt belong)

IF worst comes to worst, ive got one for sale that worked when it was pulled.

 

I got it late last night so I didn't have a chance to mess with it much. I was hoping to get some insight from the pros. I've not heard of too many of these actually just quiting like this, most of the time its the solenoids. How much for your tranny? Like I said I already have a donor but not sure if it is good.

 

Do the prelims first , like Snap-on said. If you don't find any smoking gun, you could pull a couple of the solenoids and test them. If it's not solenoids, then something is letting the hydraulic pressure drop inside the tranny. That would likely be the pump or seals.

Mike in AR

 

if it doesn't move into any gear then it could be that the switch to tell it that the brake pedal is depressed is worn out. (ie - you can't shift from park unless your foot is on the brake). I know this sounds too simple but ya never know.

 

But is he able to move the shifter and then theres no go? That might help in determining where to start.

 

ya never know.....I'll check it out.