Hello all,

My 95 4runner has been sitting for almost 2 months now. Today I started it up, went to pull it into the shop, and felt the engine rev up without engaging. I was in reverse (don't know if this would make any difference) and rolling forward with my foot on the gas. I stayed on the break for a few minutes until the idle calmed down and with some luck, found the sweet spot of engagement and got her to back up.

When I pulled it out of the shop, I got a little slip before engaging like normal. I touch the gas lightly, and it revs up a bit before catching the gear and almost lurching into motion. I can't imagine this is good for the car/transmission, and it's seems a bit worse then it had been before I let it sit.

I've read a few threads about the shifter solenoid being a common part to fail, but I was hoping for a more educated opinion on whether that would show these symptoms, or if I need to start studying rebuild kits/swaps (definitely wouldn't mind throwing a working 5 speed in its place).


As a side note, I've noticed it can really struggle with shifting at high speed, especially going up hill. I would cross Snoqualmie Pass pretty regularly this past summer and could only get it to shift up if my foot was practically through the floor. Not sure if these could be related (shift solenoid?), or if that could just be my low fluid levels.


Seems to me the leaky 3.0 will always keep me on my toes!

 

Didn't mean for that icon to wind up in the title... textbook newbie right here.

 

What is your automatic transmission fluid level? Low fluid level could definitely cause the lack of engagement when you first take off from a stop.

What condition is the fluid in? Is it still pinkish-red or does or look dark and smell burnt?

 

When was the fluid and filter last changed?

 

Couldn't tell you the last time that the filter has been changed. I've owned it just over a year and have only topped off the fluid once. I'd have to check again but I recall the fluid being a little more red than pink, and always on the low side. I'll check out how it smells too.

Definitely due for the fluid change (at least), just don't want to end up draining new fluid out to change the solenoid.

 

Fluid is definitely low, and has a burnt look to it (no smell due to inactivity). I'll see what topping it off does.