I have 02 4runnerr with 136,000 and an automatic trans. It has been only 10k since tranny service. Lately, after the rig has beem warmed up and a highway speed run, it won't downshift into first after coming to a stop. I manually shift it, and it does just fine. Solenoid maybe? I have recently lubed the driveline, and it runs smoothly otherwise. Thanks for a reply.

 

I'm going to vote for it being a sticking solenoid. The problem with that is there is no way for the computer to verify if its stuck or not so it probably won't throw a code.


FOG

 

Do you think that a solenoid might only stick at random times? It doesn't do this every time I drive it, I'm getting to the point that I can feel when it settles into first or not. As far as a code throwing, I think that the OD light will stay lit when there's a problem, is that right?

 

Never heard that about the O/D light thing, I don't think so. Probably solenoid like Fog said.

 

How do I know if there is a transmission fault code stored? I thought I read that somewhere, I might be wrong. Sticking solenoid does sound very possible.

 

You hook it up to a code reader.

 

Every car I owned before, something would light up like the check engine light. Then you hook up the code reader to see what the problem is. Toyotas don't do that, I guess.

 

We have CELs too, but not all the codes set off the light. Several are just stored in the ECUs memory and it must be read periodically (usually at smog checks if not before then).

 

Before the runner, all my vehicles have been clutch and stir, I have never had to mess with an electronic transmission. Thanks for the info, I will be picking up a reader.

 

MIne does the same thing , started out at random then went to all the time . If it is cold out it will shift right first thing in the morning for about the first couple minutes then back to manual downshifting . Been driving it like that for a few months and I drive well over 100 miles a day even on weekends .

 

When is the last time you did a fluid and filter change? ATF is a really good detergent and if you do a change the new ATF might break the solenoid loose.

FOG

 

It was at least flushed about 10k ago by the dealer right before I bought it. This problem started on a trip towing a small trailer when the outside temp was around 90. I was in some really heavy stop and go traffic and the next day I drove it, the problem started.

 

You may have done some damage to your transmission then. Were you towing with overdrive on? I did some pretty significant damage to my tranny by doing that, although I was towing a 5,000 pound trailer 700 miles, so yours may not be as severe.

 

like gduch said when ur towing no matter how little u always turn of the O/D

 

Ill keep that in mind. I was always under the impression that if it wasn't shifting back and forth, or making the tranny temp too hot, it was ok. Ill change my habits, don't want to trash the transmission completely.

 

While it might be possible to tow a light load with OD on at a reasonable speed, you have to keep in mind that these trucks are not designed to tow large loads. They simply don't have the torque or the tranny to pull a large trailer with the OD on.

 

it really doesnt matter on the load if it is nothing but stop and go bc then you are towin the trailer is directly in line with the drive line and when the O/D is on every time that you take off it futher crushes the crush slieve for the O/D in the tranny thus after so many times it is completely crushed and from what i ahev seen its not a cheap fix most peole say that they have paid $800-$1200 to ahve it fixeed at a reputable shop

 

I am not used to having to deal with the OD . I pulled my tractor and bush hog a couple times with it maybe 30 each trip and a 2 horse trailer a couple times . I so miss my ton truck . Event though the 4runner pulled better than the f-150 with the 302 I used to have .