Simple question for any transmission gurus out there.

Are shift solenoids a part that is either 100% broken or 100% working or is there an in between where they "sorta work".

Reason I'm asking, my truck shifts weird, misses gears, doesn't down shift, but eventually after about 20 minutes of driving it all starts working flawlessly. Someone told me that it's NOT the shift solenoids since they either work or they don't, and they wouldn't start working magically after 20 minutes of driving.

Sooo... Is that true or false? (In other words, should I change the solenoids or is it something else)

And it's an 88 4runner v6 automatic although my question is about shift solenoids in general.

 

I never actually had a solenoid problem myself, but in theory it would seem its possible to have an intermittent problem with them. I've been told that things as small as lint from a rag can cause problems with them, so its not hard to visualize them getting temporarily stuck in one position or another from small debris.

 

i have the same problem on my 99 4R city driving from light to light i have to put it in first when the light turns green to be able to accelerate without the people behind me blowing there horns because im not moving anywere