Hey Guys'
My 99 runner automatic has (for the last 3 yrs) been reluctant to shift gears when first driving on cold ( 50-60 degrees) mornings.
After it shifts once ...thats it ......drives perfect.

Now it happens the same way but it's pretty much every morning no matter the temps outside. after it shifts once, it's fine for the day.

Any thoughts ? .........is it a part to change or a early sign of a rebuild?
No slipping or any other driving problems.

Thanks, kenny S>

 

Kenny,

I was/still am in the same boat as you but will tell say I have helped the warm-up time of the ATF fluid by:

1. Dropping the pan and changing the filter/4.2qts of fluid. Then....
2. Draining and filling the transmission with 18qts of new synthetic ATF.
3. Changing the ECT sensor (probably biggest improvement).

Since all third generation 4runners are close to 10+ years in age, the transmission temp sensor may just be old. If I can find $80+ in the cookie jar, I wil change mine out before December.

Post up if you find any fix for this problem.....

 

I know of few automatic 4runner/Taco owners who don't have this issue - it's totally normal. My fix (for the last 9 years)... let it warm up for a few minutes before you drive.

 

Thanks for the tips.
I've done 1 complete flush / fill 12 qts 2 yrs ago.
I've never dropped the pan on that truck. Should I ?
Is there a filter in there or just a screen?

What is the ECT sensor and where is it located?

I'm a logical guy ..........so the fact that it happens only once when the truck is cool makes me think a part and not the transmission itself.

wishful thinking.........Kenny S>

 

The ECU delays shifting when the engine / tranny hasn't warmed up. I usually won't see it out of 2nd gear unless I get close to 40mph. I wouldn't be concerned with this, even in a Texas summer my 4Runner doesn't like to shift right away.

Tranny has a screen; not sure where ECT is located.

 

yes this is a non-issue and trying to chase this is like chasing your tail. our engines are designed try to get to normal operating temp as fast as possible.

 

I see this gets asked rather a lot. yes it is normal. Mine does it all the time.

There should be a "things to know about your 4Runner before you ask" thread. Full of general things like how the awd 4wd works in newer models.

 

Cool.........and thanks........I just let it warm up for under a minute this morning and it shifted fine.
I don't mind subjects coming out of the grave........... Some guys are less savvy with the search function data base.

Kenny S>

 

Kenny,

There is a filter in the pan. If you have any hard shifting, drop the pan and replace the filter. If not, don't bother. It will not help the ATF temp rise any faster. If you do change it, fellow member skjos posted an excellent tutorial.

The ECT sensor I did for a $50 preventative maintenance. And IMHO, it has helped the tranny shift out of second faster on colder mornings. But it is not the silver bullet fix by any stretch. I'll post a write-up if you want to change it.

I still have my money on the temp sensor in the tranny. From the reading on my Scangauge, it takes the ATF to warm to at least 90 degrees for the tranny to shift to third. And it takes a long time(minute +) when below 55. When I change the sensor this fall, I'll post my findings. And hopefully I can say I caught my tail....

Packing up here now to possibly get out of Earl's way. It is the price to live in paradise. Hurricanes are no fun unless one is young and gets to miss school. The aftermath is hell. Just ask anyone who has lived through one.