So my wife tells me that our 1997 4runner is having trouble going into reverse. She said that when she puts it into reverse and gives it gas nothing happens. So she lets off the gas and then gets back on it and then it will "pop" into reverse. I haven't had a chance to drive it yet so I can only go by what she is telling me. The 4runner has around 140,000 miles and I know the tranny fluid needs to be changed. Does anybody have any thoughts on what the cause of this could be? or Does anybody have any suggestions on what to look for when I do get a chance? Finally, could a simple fluid change take care of the problem? Thanks for any input.

 

I had a similar problem with a blazer I used to own. For whatever reason, the valve that activated reverse was sticking. The tranny shop couldn't determine wether it was a defective valve, or if the control unit was delaying engagement for some reason or other without dropping the tranny. I couldn't afford a drop and check, and they said I would be fine as long as I was patient and let the transmission shift when it was ready. It lasted 12 months before I sold it.

 

have the ATF fluid examined for coolant contamination pronto !