So I'm new to the whole mechanic thing...I have a 94 4runner 3.0 with automatic transmission. Originally I thought it was my starter that went out, but then I realized with the starter off I could turn the flywheel with my fingers (with transmission in park), which I was told wasn't a good thing, and that it shouldn't move at all with such ease. Everything I found online was for manual transmission and I wasn't sure if there is a difference? The thing I couldn't figure out is that she ran perfectly fine the night before, as she always does, no odd noises or clickings that I noticed and now it seems like quite a severe problem...Am I gonna have to drop my transmission?!

 

I'm a little confused about the problem. I'm assuming the engine won't start? Automatic transmissions have flexplates, not flywheels. Also, since the flex plate is bolted to the end of the crankshaft, if you can spin it with you fingers, i can't POSSIBLY imagine that's a good thing. What's your level of comprehension of how things work down there? I found a link on TTORA.com with some good pictures of what i think you're talking about.

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1205674

Is what you're spinning what is in the second picture down? I'm no automatic transmission guy, but i'll do what i can to help! Hopefully someone will come along that can do more.

 

Correct, its NOT starting. Sorry I failed to mention that. And clearly not very high. lol I didn't know the flexplate, but that second picture I believe is the gear I was turning. Of the things I found online as to why I'm able to turn that gear seems like it would have made quite a ruckus, which I didn't hear. It ran like normal the night before and when I tried to move it the next morning it wouldn't start...