1999 Limited 4Runner, 3.4L, Automatic, 4X4

This is the 3rd 4runner i've owned so i'm well aware of the infamous engineering that does not allow the transmission to shift into OD (4th gear) until a certain temperature is reached. My 4runner, however, will not shift out of 2nd and into 3rd or OD until the temp needle reaches the bottom of the temp gauge on my instrument panel. It is then free to shift into 3rd & OD. Having only 1st & 2nd gears on cold mornings is getting really annoying! I've tried using the shifter to go from D to 2 with no difference. I manually shift it down to L and it downshifts to 1st gear, back up to 2, up shifts to 2nd gear then up again to D and nothing (until the engine warms up).

Has anyone ever had this problem or heard of it? Is it a sign of bad things to come or just a small part that needs replacement? Any advice would be great. And yes, I have searched many times on many different forums, gracias!!!

 

Fluid level ok and in good condition?

A FSM from here may help you:
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/index.html

 

Checked it about a month ago, just routine fluid level check, and it was good. I will definately give it another check, cold and hot just to be sure. That link you posted is AMAZING!

I probably won't sleep tonight now, thanks!

 

We reference it all the time around here.