A defect in 1999 causes radiator to fill w/ transmission fluid

[dogtoter]

This looks SERIOUS...should I replace OEM radiator...

From an Edmonds forum...

"I have two 4runners both 1999 Limited model. For all those who own it, this is just a warning and you should check with your mechanic to confirm this.
About two months ago my transmission broke due to faulty design on the radiator connection. Supposedly Toyota made a line that connects the transmission with the radiator out of aluminum but they used a fitting out of metal which over time corrodes and caused the radiator fluid to mix with the transmission fluid. This will create huge problem and you will not notice it until your transmission will start to act weird and after a while your engine will overheat (coast to fix is about $2200 + if this happens)
The easy fix to it is to replace the radiator which will cost from $220 to $280.
I’m doing this in my second truck just to prevent the same problem and to avoid spending $2200 for new transmission.
I also spoke with couple of the Toyota mechanics and they told me that in the past few months they have seen several 1999 models with the radiator and trans fluid mixed.
They said that they contacted Toyota and advised them of the problem with this faulty design, but the response they got was that this is an old vehicle and warranty is long gone."

Also, in a related link in the Tundra Trucks forum...trans cooler failure

There is a long thread here http://www.yotatech.com/f2/bypass-oe...cooler-126953/

There are so many fail safe redundancies in a modern power train, so a known and increasingly occurring metallurgical design fault in the dual purpose radiator that can ruin both the engine AND transmission in a matter of minutes should warrant some notification from the manufacturer.

Informing owners of models are affected, and what recommended remedial action on this matter is needed. I love my Toyota, but silence here is not good.

[eric-the-red]

There have been quite a few instances of this on Yotatech. It seems most of the problems have been in 1998 - 2000 model years. I have an 01 and have been thinking about replacing my rad 'just in case'. An aftermarket rad isn't very expensive, especially if you do the work yourself.
Another option is bypass the cooler in the rad and add an extrnal cooler.

[dogtoter]

I spoke w/ 2 local dealers' service managers about this radiator/tranny cooler issue, and they both said they have not seen any cases of the problem, and they were not aware of it at all.

I wonder if anyone reading here has done the same in their area, and if they could report it to us?

[mustang67408]

No red flags popping up here.

[Only Toyota for me]

Originally Posted by eric-the-red

Another option is bypass the cooler in the rad and add an extrnal cooler.

What do you know about this?

Can it easily be done?

I may do this if i decide to keep the 4runner i have. Sounds like a good idea.

[stir_fry_boy]

It is pretty easy and you can get a good tranny cooler for about $80 + shipping. A lot easier than replacing the radiator. I am going to bypass my tranny cooler when I do my timing belt to prevent the "strawberry milkshake" from happening. Defiantly worth $80 for piece of mind.

[eric-the-red]

Originally Posted by Only Toyota for me

What do you know about this?

Can it easily be done?

I may do this if i decide to keep the 4runner i have. Sounds like a good idea.

It's easy to do, you just have to get a big enough cooler to replace the stock one. And not too big or it won't fit. They mount in front of the A/C condensor and rad. Then disconnect the lines from the botttom of the radiator and connect them to the new cooler.
These ones have a built in bypass so the transmission fluid warms up quicker.
IPT Performance Transmissions Torque Converters and Transmission Parts for Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Import vehicles

[robs10]

Oh that's just freaking great to hear! Are there only certain VINs affected? I have a '99 and had no idea, since I haven't had any problems yet. I'm going to ask my trusted local mechanic. He was a Toyota Factory Trained mechanic who opened up his own Toyota speciality repair shop a block from my work.

[ktrud]

So this just happened to us! Just got the call from the dealer - We're being told BOTH transmission & radiator need replacing and it's going to cost $4400!!!!

Any advice? We need it - our 99 only has 110k miles on it...we wanted it for a lot longer. What should we do now?

[dogtoter]

ktrud,

I am sorry to hear this.

I am feeling like we are being left in the dark on this problem.

Did the dealer act surprised about this? Also, might they try to flush the trans several times and save it? (Or did it just go dry with the radiator failure?)

[ktrud]

We were told by the dealer that they've seen this 4 other times. Twice before they've tried to flush the transmission several times, but within a week it was shot. They say both need replacing.

Why/how has Toyota not addressed this issue?!? I know it's an old truck, but it's a toyota - supposed to last a LONG time. We've got 110k miles on ours...too bad...

[dogtoter]

This seems to be too frequently occurring for dealers not to know about it. I think if Toyota doesn't big-up here and give a statement and recommended fix, my next purchase is likely to be redirected.

[stir_fry_boy]

You should try the flushes first before you spend 3k on a new tranny. There are several people on yotatech that have done this and it works out for them. Even if you have to flush the tranny 3x it is worth a shot. I think the dealer is full of crap when they say "every single one". There may always be an exception to the rule. You can do it with 2 people in a garage too pretty easy including changing the wire filter.

[robs10]

Is there a VIN number series that are affected? The guy who I've used for all my services said he really hadn't heard of many in my area and thought it was pretty rare, and maybe more prone in road salted areas. Any thoughts?