I have a 2000 4Runner and it has a Vibration/grinding Noise when the car is cold that is quite loud and can be heard for about 3-5 minutes after you start the car, and can be heard in the car. I have looked under the hood and do not hear anything. In addition, when driving, the Automatic Transmission does not always smoothly shift gears and goes up to 4500 or so RPMs before shifting.

Are these 2 issues related? Am I looking at a major repair?

 

If its shifting that way only when the engine is cold then no, thats a not a problem. Thats how its suppose to shift...

How many miles do you have?

Where is the vibration, grinding noise coming from?engine area? underneath? While driving? just idling?

More details!

 

It is shifting that way at various times, hot and cold, I want to add that it hasn't done this until recently - I should also add that at times when you press on the gas that the RPMs sometimes jump way up like 6000 + RPM

How many miles do you have?

110,000

Where is the vibration, grinding noise coming from?engine area? underneath? While driving? just idling?

It is coming from the front of car torwards the back of the engine area

 

Any Ideas?

 

Sounds like a torque converter going bad...or....when is the last time you've changed the tranny fluid?

 

Tranny Fluid was done about 6,000 miles ago. I was worried it could be Torque Coverter - AS not having one of those go out before - if it goes - I'm dead on road, correct?

Any idea what the cost is to have that replaced - I am not mechanical enough to do this myself.

 

I doubt its the torque converter.Usually if it fails you will have no forward or reverse gears,If the torque converter lock-up clutch fails it will bang or shutter when it engages.The sliping it what would concern me the most.Pan needs to be removed and inspected for debris.How is the fluid? Its possible that if the fluid is in good shape and no debis is found it could be a valve body problem.I suspect that a new/used trans is what you are going to need.

Remember a trans,Is like a woman.......If its pink,and it don't stink..It's good!

 

it sounds not too good either way... which is what I was afraid of