Hi everyone, new guy here
Ive looked around in tech-faq etc... trying to find out about problems with my 88 4-runner auto transmission. Its a 22re engine with 220kms and the trans seems to upshift to fast. It will upshift to drive from 1st at about 20kms, aparently missing 2nd all together!! At this point its real slow picking up speed. If I manually then shift it from drive back to second the rpms rise which tells me its gone back into 2nd and then when up to speed I slip it back into drive. Its like I need to drive my auto like a clutchless standard. Which is the way Ive been driving it for awhile now. It also has a "flashing" overdrive light when I engage it and it never actually goes into overdrive gear.
Anyone have any ideas on whats wrong?? Need a rebuild?? Or maybe the lockup torque convertor is staying locked?? Im a "car" guy Its just Im not too fimilar with the electrical/trans side of a Toyota

 

I'd have to say yes.

 

wkndrcr, I have an '86 4Runner with a 22re engine and an a340h automatic transmission. I was having the same exact problems as you are describing them and I fixed the problem for $180.00. I replaced 3 solenoids in the transmission and the transmission works fine. I have 293,??? miles on the tranny and 20, 000 on my rebuilt 22re. Do a search on here for solenoids and you'll be amazed at what you find.

Replacing the solenoids is easy! I never work on my vehicles because I don't normally have the time, patience, tools, know-how, or confidence to do the repair myself. However, with the info on this forum I was able to gain the know-how and confidence I needed to get the job done.

The only tools you need is a socket wrench set. Here's what I did:
1. search the forum for solenoids
2. read carefully
3. order the solenoids from Axiom Automotive Technologies, Inc. 1-800-622-6997 Part #: 97420K
4. remove the 4 bolts that attach the torsion bar to the frame so the torsion bar will allow the transmission pan to be removed.
5. drain the transmission
6. remove the transmission pan bolts
7. pull the transmission pan off
8. take the autotransmission filter and "holder" off
9. follow the directions in the Axiom solenoid kit
10. put the autotranny filter and "holder" back on ( I put in a new filter)
11. put a cork gasket on the pan after scraping the old one off with a razor blade (I used some of my wife's cucumber hand lotion to hold the gasket in place while I put it back on the transmission
12. tighten all the transmission pan bolts
13. tighten the 4 torsion bar bolts to the frame to put the torsion bar in place
14. oh yeah, you are going to have to make sure the lower transmission dip stick shaft that comes off the tranny pan is slid back into the upper auto tranny dip stick shaft.
15. refill the transmission ( I overfilled mine and had to drain some fluid)
16. make sure you check the autotranny level while the truck is running and in park
17. once the fluid is at the proper level go for a drive and if your transmission is fixed you just saved yourself approximately $1700.00.
18. if your transmission is not fixed then you may have to get a rebuilt transmission

I hope this helps and if I have forgotten anything I am sure someone will let us both know when they reply to your thread. Peace.

 

Thanks Aaron!! I did find your thread about changing out the soliends but it didnt get into any detail. I was gonna PM you about it if no one replied to this thread. I will now do a further search, again thanks for the help

 

It will do the same thing if your TPS is unpluged.

 

It isn't the torsion bar, its the anti-sway bar.

 

Thanks again people!!!
Ive found more info through further searchs, along with 3 print outs from what apperars to be a tech manual. These print outs are very informative also. I will call a few local trans shops to see if the parts are avaiable local and then do the fix once I get the parts.
You guys have been a great help!!
I was always looking for a decent toyota site, I visit Jeepkings and Pirate a fair bit but they seem to lack a little when it comes to Toyota.

Oh and I will doube check the TPS sensor also.

Would this info about solenoids also apply to 2 gens (1990)??? cause my 90 4 runner was not downshifting properly. I have it parked and was gonna just part it out but if the trans is a "easy" fix I may have to reconsider.