I have a 92 sr5 4runner with an automatic transmission.
Ok so i get to a red light and hit the gas and the transmission skips first gear... my rpm's jump and i go nowhere. I shift into low or 2nd depending on my speed and i begin to accelerate shift manually back into drive. once it warms up it is fine. It only misses first gear, this will only happen maybe once or twice a week. when it happens my OD light flashes but then goes away when the problem does. Once my speedometer got stuck at 0, not sure if it is related or not but if a speed sensor is jacked up that could mess up the timing on the transmission, or it could be a bad solenoid. Because the problem is so intermittent I am having trouble reading the diagnostics. Any advice?

 

I'm a little unclear: You get to a red light and you hit the gas? Do you mean when you're taking off from a stop, you hit the gas and it goes nowhere?

You've already checked the level and condition of the transmission fluid haven't you? Does the fluid smell burnt or look really dark?

If the level is good and the fluid looks good, I really don't know where to go with it from there, besides taking it to a shop. Intermittent problems can be really hard to diagnose, especially when you don't have the vehicle right in front of you.

Let us know what you find out. Sorry I'm not very helpful.

 

Sorry, i can see how that could be confusing, yes from a stop. I have checked the fluid it is full and clean. I was gonna see if you all had any ideas before taking it into a shop.

 

Unfortunately, no. At least I don't have any ideas. This sounds like a case that needs to see a good repair shop, not just any shop, but a good one.

Hopefully someone else more knowledgeable will have some ideas.

Good luck! I hope it's something minor!

 

When you OD light flashes, you have a trouble code stored in the computer. Even though the light may not remain on, the code should still be stored.

Turn the ignition swith ON, but do not start the engine. In the diagnostic port in the engine bay, connect terminals TE1 and E1 with a bent paper clip. The OD light should flash a stored trouble code.

Code 42 = Defective No. 1 Vehicle Speed Sensor (in combination meter)
Code 61 = Defective No. 2 Vehicle Speed Sensor
Code 62 = No 1 Solenoid, Severed wire or short circuit
Code 63 = No 2 Solenoid, Severed wire or short circuit
Code 64 = Lockup Solenoid, Severed wire or short circuit

 

i found an answer. i started to have other electrical issues and it became obvious my battery could no longer hold a charge. it was very old. I replaced the battery and now the transmission no longer slips. i am still going to have the timing done (due anyway) and the transmission is due for a service as well, but i expect any thing there should be minor.

 

That's interesting. I would not have guessed a faulty battery. Thanks for the update!