I have an 89 4runner 3.slow v6 sr5 that recently started acting up.

I bought this a few months ago from a guy who said he was adamant about changing the trans fluid every 6 months.

Around 55mph the truck constantly shifts between 3rd and 4th gear.

If I go either faster or slower it doesnt have that issue. @70 it's smooth sailing.

It still drives fine/shifts fine in the city I'd just like to be able to make it up to do some snowboarding this winter and drive in Sac traffic without always having the trans shift. Just doesnt seem good for it.

 

ECT on?

tire size, current gear ratio?

 

ECT on Normal.

31x10.5x15

Stock gears.

I didn't have this issue a few months back, so I know something is going out. I just need to figure it out before it goes out completely.

 

Your torque converter is unlocking.

Either it is going out or your low on fluid...

 

I'll check the fluid tonight when I get home.

Do you think this is also the problem of trying to go up a steep hill +8,000' my trans was either bogged under 2,000 rpm or almost red lining. Like the trans didnt know which gear it wanted to be in? I was stuck at about 35mph and couldnt seem to go faster. 3.SLOW!

 

fluid level is fine. Nice and red too. Right at the hot mark. So thinking its the torque converter? How much does something like this run me if I were to do it myself/ dealership?

 

any ideas anyone?

 

I have NO idea about getting it done by a mechanic but I know an aftermarket tq. converter will run about 400-800 and there's plenty of people who rebuild them -- they're kind of like a transmission in a way, replaceable internals, lots of moving parts, etc. I've had mine rebuilt for 100 bucks, plus 40 to ship it to the manufacturer.

Installation is a lot easier than you'd think.


Just mind your tools because I had a friend whose buddy (yeah, sure, buddy) leave a shop rag in the transmission pan and it did NOT end well!

 

In my 95 55 in inclines i have to shift to D. Your probly just bogging and its hunting trying to find a sweet spot. Btw 55 in 3rd is 3200 in my rig. Spends alot of time there

 

@Inu I was in 'D'

55 is 3rd in my 89 as well. I will have to check where my RPM's are at, but it just changes between 3rd and 4th there... then changes, then changes, then changes. If I go 70 no changes and stays in 4th.

 

Take it out of od. These things work like there towing all the time. I pop od off at hills then turn it back on in flat sections

 

I'll give that a try and see what happens.

 

I keep my ECT on Normal rather than power. Would that have any impact on this situation?

 

It may or may not. Mostly it raises the shift points a little. I leave mine on...but on the freeway somtimes i turn it off. Bright light bugs at night. Whats most likly occuring is your throttle is right at a point wre it wants to unlock the converter and cant decide if it wants to down shift. Less throttle stops it but you sliw down. Downshifting forces the revs up but uses less throttle to hold speed.

 

I have uncovered a forum and seems like my issue is the throttle positioning sensor, which correlates to what you were saying, is that the sensor might be going out which is causing it to be unsure which gear it wants to be in. Since that is only $ 120 I might get that fixed first and see where I am at, unless there is a way to completely troubleshoot this only? any suggestions anyone on faulty TPS sensors?

 

Got a digital volt meter?
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/TPS/index.shtml

Btw i love 4crawlers site. Tons of info. At least you can test it first.

 

Unfortunately I don't have a volt meter, but I can get my hands on one. Thanks for the testing info!

To be honest, I haven't heard of it. I've had lowered cars for the past 9 years and finally decided I wanted to make it in my driveway and over speed bumps at a reasonable speed.

"I'd rather go anywhere, than somewhere fast."

 

Lol i know the feeling. I was looking for a s series bravada to lower and autox when i bought the runner...culture shock

 

A linear ohm meter is best used, You can see the bad spots in the pot better, Same with the AFM.

 

Ohm meter on the afm will scare you.


I found it best to see the output voltage. Nice and smooth drop compared to when i ohmd it