Is my tranny trashed?

Hello all,
I'm new to the forum... My ex was a car guy and could fix any problems I had, which have been very few. Now I need some advice. I have a 1998 4runner, automatic transmission. i'm technically the original owner (my folks bought it new and i inherited it in 2013), it was meticulously cared for for its first 15 years and pretty decently cared for since. It has 360,000kms on it and assures me it will keep going. No accidents, no rust (even had the rear bumper replaced with a mint one) BUT, i think the transmission is shot. Mechanic couldn't get it to do what I was describing.... i put it in drive and it behaves as if the brakes are on (they're not) and then it lurches forward like I've been rear-ended. When coming slowing down to come to a stop, it feels like the brakes lock up and it makes a chunk chunk sound..... then, it won't go unless i shift it to neutral first. I've done a bunch of reading, and I think it's my transmission. Does this sound like anything that anyone has experienced?

 

Has the radiator every been replaced? When the engine is cold and has been for a while, open the radiator cap and take a look. It will be on the radiator itself, not the plastic reservoir. It should be a clear liquid and not feel oily. If it looks like strawberry nesquik, then you have what is refered to as pink milkshake or strawberry milkshake. This is when the integrated transmission cooler in the radiator, internally leaks and allows the coolant and transmission fluid to mix. If this is the case, then the transmission is likely no longer healthy. This is an issue that 3rd gens can potentially have if the radiator isn't replaced every few years, hundred thousand miles, etc.

If its not the pink milkshake, then you may have an issue with shift solenoids

 

Thank you for this... I’m getting someone to check this out for me. I appreciate the advice.

 

I had it looked at in December, it was more intermittent then, now it is all the time. It revs really high and then lurches forward, almost like I’ve been hit. It lurches and groans as I come to a stop. It is 4wd and I have had the rear diff looked at and it isn’t that. I’m pretty sure it’s the transmission and I’m pretty sure it’s bad. In a vehicle of this age, transmission replacement is probably not a real good choice. Now I just have to avoid getting ripped off in a sale or trade in. Thank you for your help.

 

Make sure the shop checks those solenoids. Lots cheaper to replace those than the entire tranny.
If you do need the entire tranny, check the recovery yards, like YotaYard, or someplace like that. Probably a lot cheaper than a rebuilt tranny. By the same token, if you get a good warranty, a rebuilt will probably last longer than one from a recovery yard.

Good luck to you!
Pat☺

 

Sounds more like a torque converter, no?

 

Totally read the title WRONG
Eff-ing dyslexia (is my = Im) LMAO
Not being a smart @$$
pressing the go and stop pedal at the same time can have this happen
Good luck and
Welcome Howdy from TAXES

 

I don't know.

How much did you give him/her to drink?

 

^ LOL

 

funny guys....
how does one determine what the value of my trashed tranny 4runner is? i'm not trading it in.... someone will value the awesomeness of every other part of this truck.

 

My 15 year old tranny shifts like new with 150,000 miles. Never been worked on but dealer did a D/F of 6 quarts at 100,000 miles.

I wonder how long these last?

I'm thinking I should do a 6-quart D/F again with dealer or private shop for $120. Any suggestions?

The 4runner tranny holds 12 quarts, so 6 quarts change is about 1/2.

 

You should absolutely do another D/F. However, this time ask that it be done per the standards for the transmission in your vehicle. FYI, that is not the fluid used last by your dealer...it's the WS that YOU deny is required.

 

The Toyota deal used T-IV ATF in my 4 runner when he did a 6-quart D/F at 105,000 miles and it's on his receipt. Toyota dealer who sold me the car new is right, you are wrong.

Tranny has run perfectly for 160,000 miles on T-IV.

Do you have any idea how many transmission D/F this T Dealer has done in the last 40 years on customer cars?

When I hit 300,000 on my tranny on T-iV what will you say. Wrong fluid. Will destroy Tranny? Ha! Ha!

 

If you didn't change the AT fluid than with that mileage it is on borrowed time. Perfect opportunity to swap to the 5 speed transmission on the bright side.