96 Toyota 4Runner Transmission Whining
 

I bought my 4runner about a 2 weeks ago from a previous owner, and when we test drove it I heard the transmission would whine when you hit the accelerator. It does this while in drive and neutral but not in reverse. I can see that the transmission fluid is really funky looking, but other than that the tranny looks good. I did some researching and it said it might be the torque converter, which are about 900 bucks. Just wanted to pick you guys' brains about it see what you think. I just created an account last night and I haven't read any threads just yet, but I plan too read all I can and gain some knowledge.

I, for one, would need more info. Does it whine on acceleration, deceleration, constant whine except reverse? Or is there a whine that follows engine RPM? Constant, steady throttle whine?

When you say fluid looks funky, exactly how? Black, red, chunky, pink, green, yellow, lots of air bubbles, what?

Sorry I should have been more specific. The fluid is black and chunky, and it whines constantly while accelerating, and still whines when decelerating but at a different tone, a lower pitched whine but still the same whine. Does not do it in reverse.

You're sure it's not coming from the rear diff? Seems like trans but you want to be sure before you go tearing into a trans. And that fluid condition certainly isn't helping anything.... You may want to change that, but with the understanding that a fluid change, or three, could make the trans worse...