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Transmission Woes

4K views 17 replies 12 participants last post by  davis3903 
#1 ·
About 6 months after I bought my used 2000 Tundra, I started experiencing hard shifts from 2nd to 3rd. I read all the threads and found out this was a common problem. Some folks said they put in Auto-RX with good results. I purchased some and even talked to the man that invented the stuff. He said I may not see any results until I had the trans power flushed after 1000 miles running the goop. Well it appears my hard shifting is much improved, but the tranny seems to have developed a kind of growl but only in overdrive. Could something have dislodged itself and moved down the line? Should I go ahead and spend the $140 to get it power flushed ($185 if I use synthetic), or should I put that money toward a rebuild or should I try to get a decent used tranny? What years are the trannies compatible (4.7)? If I flush it,should I spend the extra for synthetic? Sorry for so many questions but this added to the needed timing belt/waterpump (89000 mi.) and new exhaust manifold (usual crack) has me a little strapped and I want to make sure I'm spending my money wisely. Thanks to everyone, you're the greatest!
Tundrabob58
 
#2 ·
I'm sorry I can't help with the technical discussions on your transmission, but it is simply crap that a transmission in a Toyota Vehicle - even 7 years old would let go. You don't mention how many miles are on it, but I'd write Toyota a letter (a written letter, not an email) on this issue. GM makes transmissions that last 20 years with the right maintenance! I think you should voice your displeasure.
 
#4 ·
Well I have a 2000 Tundra and coming up to 90k and my tranny is starting to go bad. From 1st to 2nd it feels like I am being kicked. I would say the letter to Toyota will do better if you mailed it to santa. I had to fight with Toyota to replace my fuel pump at 36.5k miles. It was a month long battle about how a fuel pump could break on a truck that is less then 3 years old. Where all my previous cars had over 150k and never had a fuel pump problem. I am going with the theory that this was Toyota's first crack at the full sized truck and there were a lot of kinks. If you look at the TSBs, the 2000 had over 35 the 2001 had less then 15(the last time I checked was over a year ago so this might have change). I would suggest getting a shop to rebuild your tranny, thats what I will be doing with mine. I first noticed the problem after I had my dealer flush the fluid on my tranny.
 
#6 ·
Well I have a 2000 Tundra and coming up to 90k and my tranny is starting to go bad. From 1st to 2nd it feels like I am being kicked. I would say the letter to Toyota will do better if you mailed it to santa. I had to fight with Toyota to replace my fuel pump at 36.5k miles. It was a month long battle about how a fuel pump could break on a truck that is less then 3 years old. Where all my previous cars had over 150k and never had a fuel pump problem. I am going with the theory that this was Toyota's first crack at the full sized truck and there were a lot of kinks. If you look at the TSBs, the 2000 had over 35 the 2001 had less then 15(the last time I checked was over a year ago so this might have change). I would suggest getting a shop to rebuild your tranny, thats what I will be doing with mine. I first noticed the problem after I had my dealer flush the fluid on my tranny.
I had my tranny flushed at the dealer yesterday and mine is doing the same thing, upshifts hard from 1st to second and the rest are much harder than before. The good news is the famous "clunk" when stopping is now gone. I was hesitate to do this but was assured "we have never had a problem with flushing one". Sure! After pricing new Tundras:eek: the sales tax and doc fee alone would replace my tranny and still have some left over. Before I had the flush done was silky smooth on upshifts but had the clunk when stopping that had gotten more noticiable. I am going to drive it into the dirt then fix it, the h*ll with the 450 a month payments!!:eek:
 
#7 ·
New tranny approx 3K not installed from Toyota maybe a bit cheaper on the 2000 to 2003 models but ya gotta Toy warranty with it!! Hope the guy ya bought the truck from was not a friend, the biggest problems i feel with those early 2000 model transmission was everybody would just use any type of transmission oil in them and some would not even service them at all. A lotta quick lube places were putting WRONG spec fluids as well as dealearships!! i know that will not go over well hearing this but the truth hurts and it's also expensive!! read the manual especially where it says using non spec fluid will ruin your transmission!!
 
#8 ·
Re: Transmission Woe

Bob. If it makes you feel any better, I also have the 2nd-3rd "kick" (harder shift) under moderate acceleration. It may be some of my threads that you have read. ALL other shifts are very smooth, 1-2 and 3-4 are very smooth, as well as the shift into overdrive.

Only under light acceleration does it shift smoothly, which is uncomfortable, because sometimes its embarrasing to get passed by Cavaliers and Escorts. :rolleyes: When its ready to shift into 3rd, I will most always "let off" of the accelerator and let it shift a little softer. There were/are times I have no choice but to let it shift under heavier acceleration and there are times I will get a "flare" jest before it shifts, like it wants to go into neutral just before it shifts. I purchased "Auto-RX" here, because one of our members here told me he had the same problem and it worked fine in his tranny. I have been hesitant, because I bought two bottles (one for the Tundra and one for the engine in my Mercedes) and after installing it in the engine of my Mercedes, I have noticed NO change in the engine noise (I have very high miles @ 270K) and sometimes it even sounds louder. With that said, I am now concerned it may damage my tranny in the Tundra even more. I am in the same basic boat as you are.... with four other cars/insurance, truck payment on the Tundra and I am also past due for the $500 timing belt change @ 104K, I cannot afford to ruin my tranny @ this time. I have been thinking of simply getting a flush and refill with that Amsoil transmission fluid and see if helps. I have 104K on my truck now and the fluid has not been changed since 68K, so its well overdue. It on my "to-do" list this month, as well as the timing belt/water pump and rear brakes.

Anyway, the guy here said that his shifts improved almost instantly with the installation of "RX". I agree with you and I would have it flushed before coming to any conclusions, since a flush is recommended after 1500 miles? Maybe that will take care of the "growl". Please keep us posted on this, as I am very interested to know before I install this if I decide to go with "RX" instead of Amsoil. I would also recommend you go with synthetic.... I would go with the Amsoil if I were you... I have heard rave reviews about it. Its pricey, but worth it I believe.

I agree with "etcthorne". This problem on a Toyota is unacceptable! I had a 90' Lexus LS400 with 251K when I sold it and the tranny shifts were silky smooth, as was the tranny in my 93' Camry LE w/212K and my 81' Cressida with 172K. I have a 85' Mercedes with 270K on the original tranny and a perfect tranny. My 89' Pontiac Safari, 73' Grand Ville (400 turbo) and 69' Caprice (400 turbo) all have the original transmissions and no problems whatsoever- even after 35+ years of service. Grandpa had a 84' Toyota Van with 300K and the original tranny was in perfect working order. Amazing. My aunt still has her 1990 Lexus LS, now with 210K and never a tranny issue and it still shifts as silky as it did when it came out of the showroom in December of 1989. ;)

Too bad some of the Toyotas have declined in this area.

Good luck and please keep us posted!
 
#9 ·
I will keep you informed. I have an appointment for Tues. for the flush. For what it's worth, I talked to a friend who's a trans guy. He said deffinitely use the Toyota fluid NOT synthetic. He said it's great stuff if you use it from the start, but it's not the thing to start using in a 90,000 mile tranny. I was already to dig a little deeper but I guess I won't.
 
#10 ·
2000 trd... ran the piss out of this truck... 233k miles.. had some tranny work done at 165k... pulled a bulldozer out of the mud .. as well as anything else i could.. truck has been a beast... but.. rebuild job is my latest problem.. 68k miles later shouldnt have gone out... i live in cambridge ohio... found out that on a 1900$ repair they only changed clutch plates and planetary gear.. i think this is maybe a 350$ repair in parts... so i am going to face the dealer on Monday... Trd has been a fantastic truck for me...

mick
 
#11 ·
Well, I got the tranny flushed. Shifting seems smoother but I've still got the growl in overdrive. Answer a question for me: Does your truck go into overdrive at 30-40 MPH and sometimes stay in at lower speeds? I womder of the overdrive trans solenoid is the one giving the check engine light.
 
#12 ·
I did a test one day and did a day of my normal drive with out the over dive on. It did do the jerk between 1st and 2nd, but not as bad. I could not even get it to do it as bad if I tried. I did put the OD back on just because driving at 30 mph the engine is about 1000 rpms over what is normal for that speed, buring to much gas. I was talking a friend, who is mechanic for Ford, and he said that it might be the rear differential, but more then likely the tranny. The price for a new tranny, year 2000, from Toyotaoemparts.com is $1600, not including $1000 for core charge, link. So for $2600 you can get a new tranny.
 
#13 ·
Hmm. Not sure, but I will check (notice) tomorrow. I am thinking it will shift into OD at 35-40 on a level road under light acceleration, but any lower than that, I think it cuts off.

Answer a question for me: Does your truck go into overdrive at 30-40 MPH and sometimes stay in at lower speeds?
 
#14 ·
Try adding the LUCAS transmission fluid. its is supposed to help lube everything in the tranny! added 2 days ago and can notice a difference in the shifting. worth a try for $10!
 
#15 ·
tundrabob well i have just join this here forum trying to solve the very issue you mentioned. yes tranny shift from 3to 4th is btwn 43-47 mph then the growl starts.
i have 140 k and back at 110k i changed the fluid over 5k miles drive and drain and refilled three times. has been doing fine for the last two years. several long road trips to west texas big bend np. the hard shift just started all of a sudden.
tues i am taking it in to see if it could be the shift solenoid. i was quoted 3600 for a rebuild of the tranny .. thought i had could i put a 2005or 2006 with the 5 speed tranny under my beast. the engine is solid compression still in new specs.
timing and water pump done alternator done and shocks. not bad for a 10k purchase with 108k on speed-o. i will let you guys know what i learn on tuesday. i will see if i can change the solenoid out my self. heck it has to be easier than the timing belt. did that in 2 1/2 hours. billd
 
#18 ·
tundra bob
that growl is the sound your wallet will make when you visit the parts house and order the rebilt transmission from toyota. i have just gone thru the excact same thing. i will be the swap out next week end. until then i am driving with the over drive OFF. if you can find a good repair man who can purchase the trans mission from the toyota house it should run @2000.00
and about 300 to 350 to r/r . i had a shop check the codes and he wanted over 3500 to "rebuild the transmission and reuse the good parts" monkey muffins on that guy
so we will swap the trand new set of shocks to take care of the body roll and i'll be happy again and ready to go back to big bend national park.
 
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