I purchased a 1998 Toyota 4 Runner last week. When I first state it in the morning. The transmission seems to hesitate and then jumps into gear. This happen in forward or reverse. This stops after driving a mile or two. Took it back to dealer (30 day warrenty), and had it checked out. Mechanic (top man so the manager says) said that this was normal. The transmission has to reach a certain temperture before it will shift properly. This sounds crazy. I figured he thought I was a stupid woman and wouldn't know any better. Has anyone ever had this kind of problem? I appreciate any help you can give me.

 

BS!

From your description, that is not normal at all. There is something wrong with it.

This normally presents in older uncared for transmissions. It usually is a result of hardened seals that do not seal the pressure properly and allow it to leak by. This causes gears not to engage properly when the transmission is cold. After the transmission warms up a bit the seals soften a bit and provide a better seal and then it can operate normally. If this is what is happening, it will not get better, only worse.

Now, there is a normal operation during warm up that is different then most domestic transmissions. The transmission will delay gear shifts to a higher RPM and prevent shifting into OD until the ENGINE reaches a certain temp. This is an emmissions issue to help warm the engine up faster and to heat the catalytic converter so they come online sooner to reduce emmissions. If this is what is going on, yes that is normal.

Gadget

www.GadgetOnline.com

 

Thanks Gadget

I had a friend/ mechanic tell me about the hard seals. I don't know how I'm going to get them to take care of this problem.

 

Take your friend/mechanic in with you next time you see about getting it fixed. Having them talk with your f/m will give you a better idea of the problem you're looking at.

I'm thinking after your 30day warranty passes, they will find the problem and want to charge you for it .

 

Hey Gcollins,

I just noticed that you live in TN. Where at? I live in Maryville, just outside of Knoxville.

Chris

 

Chris,

I live in Pulaski, TN. 80 miles south of Nashville.

gcollins

 

It is normal for the transmission to 'hold' a lower gear longer when cold to allow the emmissions equipment to warm up. After warm, the transmission should shift normally. My '02 had that problem, do a search on this board, you should find plenty to read. I would recommend a complete transmission flush, not a drain and refill, but a full flush, the stealer will know what you are talking about. How many miles are on the vehicle?

 

You ought to come off-roading with us this Sunday. There's a thread on it called: North Georgia ride. Do a search and see how far away it for you if you want. It should be a lot of fun!

Chris

P.S. I just got my valve body done by IPT, and it made a huge difference in the shifting. It's great! IF you want more info, let me know.

 

Sac State

My 4 Runner has 70,500 miles on it. I talked with a mechanic at
another Toyota dealership today. He also recomended a full flush.
He also said that if the fluid was low it would cause this. They added a little fluid and it didn't do it this morning. I'm going to have it flushed next week.

Thanks
gcollins