How long should I wait in between fluid exchanges?
2010 Transmission Slipping... Here We Go Again
2010 5AT Base 4WD 120k miles bone stock - for now.
Problem:
Getting on the freeway and getting up to speed, it hangs up around 2-3 or 3-4 (can't tell) for a second or two, hesitates, and then drops in to gear. It does not knock or jerk hard. Just .. slips in. This has happened twice now in the last week. And this is the first week out of 1k miles it has happened. ALL other speeds and scenarios (coming to stop, from a stop, slow street driving, etc.) it shifts smoothly and quietly. Honeslty shifts like a damn dream compared to my last ride.
What I know:
Goin through this forum inside and out, I have rarely seen anyone talk about a trans fail. This is great. However, I've read lots of talk about checking levels and checking them properly. I do not need knowledge on procedure , i've read up and have threads and videos saved. Thank you. However, I would like some feedback on anyones experience with a similar issue. If it sounds like the beginning of catastrophic failure, If this is cause of ATF being low, certain solenoids going out, etc. etc.
Background:
I bought this truck 1k miles ago and have a good idea of the service history of the vehicle. I haven't checked the trans level yet but only because I have records that the transmission was serviced 2 years ago. For what? That's the question I do not have an answer to. Was fluid exchanged? Was it flushed? Reman? I wish i knew.
I've had my fair share of trans problems with previous cars. So much so that I'm pretty sure I have PTSD from having to rebuild my last 2 rides:
02 Rav4 4wd - it was a long process that started with drain and fills, replacing solenoids, replacing ecu, and then finally emptied my pockets and rebuilt
99 Chevy S10 - I was a kid and made too many poor decisions; donuts, pedal to the metal, etc. Eventually blew it out on a long trip to Vegas.
Because of this I literally have money saved for big repairs, especially transmission issues up to a full rebuild if necessary. I bought the FJ knowing that this transmission is closer to bullet proof than most others, but knowing you're always rolling the dice on a used vehicle, I guess snake eyes may be on the horizon with this roll. LET'S HOPE IT'S SEVENS!!
Problem:
Getting on the freeway and getting up to speed, it hangs up around 2-3 or 3-4 (can't tell) for a second or two, hesitates, and then drops in to gear. It does not knock or jerk hard. Just .. slips in. This has happened twice now in the last week. And this is the first week out of 1k miles it has happened. ALL other speeds and scenarios (coming to stop, from a stop, slow street driving, etc.) it shifts smoothly and quietly. Honeslty shifts like a damn dream compared to my last ride.
What I know:
Goin through this forum inside and out, I have rarely seen anyone talk about a trans fail. This is great. However, I've read lots of talk about checking levels and checking them properly. I do not need knowledge on procedure , i've read up and have threads and videos saved. Thank you. However, I would like some feedback on anyones experience with a similar issue. If it sounds like the beginning of catastrophic failure, If this is cause of ATF being low, certain solenoids going out, etc. etc.
Background:
I bought this truck 1k miles ago and have a good idea of the service history of the vehicle. I haven't checked the trans level yet but only because I have records that the transmission was serviced 2 years ago. For what? That's the question I do not have an answer to. Was fluid exchanged? Was it flushed? Reman? I wish i knew.
I've had my fair share of trans problems with previous cars. So much so that I'm pretty sure I have PTSD from having to rebuild my last 2 rides:
02 Rav4 4wd - it was a long process that started with drain and fills, replacing solenoids, replacing ecu, and then finally emptied my pockets and rebuilt
99 Chevy S10 - I was a kid and made too many poor decisions; donuts, pedal to the metal, etc. Eventually blew it out on a long trip to Vegas.
Because of this I literally have money saved for big repairs, especially transmission issues up to a full rebuild if necessary. I bought the FJ knowing that this transmission is closer to bullet proof than most others, but knowing you're always rolling the dice on a used vehicle, I guess snake eyes may be on the horizon with this roll. LET'S HOPE IT'S SEVENS!!
21 - 29 of 29 Posts
Once a year I drain and top off. Keeps the fluid fresh.
Update: I've been busy working on my Rav4 I'm planning to sell So I have not driven the FJ too much but the high rev issue from cold start is still there and now I'm noticing it taking a few seconds to engage reverse especially from cold start.. Now I'm thinking fluid level is too low since everything acts normal once trans is up to operating temp. Doing another pan drain and fill tomorrow and will check the fluid level once again..
Just to make sure we are all on the same page ... when you are checking your ATF level via the overflow check port, the fluid is at operating temperature and the engine is idling?
I was wondering the exact same thingJust to make sure we are all on the same page ... when you are checking your ATF level via the overflow check port, the fluid is at operating temperature and the engine is idling?
Just to make sure we are all on the same page ... when you are checking your ATF level via the overflow check port, the fluid is at operating temperature and the engine is idling?
Yes, using my scangauge 2 (and from cold start) I let the FJ idle until trans temp reads 115. I then pull the overflow check plug, while the engine is idling.I was wondering the exact same thing
The first time I did this, just about 2 quarts came out. I let it come to a trickle and plugged it up. Then let it cool completely and did a pan drain and fill, about 4 quarts was exchanged using Toyota WS ATF. Did the fluid check procedure again, just under half quart came out before coming to a trickle and buttoned up. Since then, my slight hangup from 3-4 or 4-5 has completely went away. I am now left with what my local mechanic calls "morning sickness" - Cold start, put in drive, apply about 25% throttle, engine abnormally revs to about 3,500RPM and shifts through gears with no slippage, but all at higher RPM's. When I come to my next stop, idling for a few minutes, and then apply 25% throttle again to take off, everything is back to normal. By this time, the trans is closer to operating temp via scangauge tool. And of course, the slight hangup going to reverse when cold is present as well.
Thoughts on transmission line pressure being out of spec? I notice that the lines going from the bottom front passenger to driver side and up to the radiator are corroded, one portion even being cut and replaced with a rubber hose. However they are dry and no signs of seepage.
Ok, did a pan drain and fill last night. This will be my 3rd one in about 1k miles so just about half the total fluid will have been exchanged. Here’s the steps:
Edit: btw, fluid is bright cherry red when draining. Looks and smells good.
FJ sitting all day, trans temp was at 68*.
Drained pan and got about 2.1qts out.
2.5qts filled back in.
Turned FJ on and let idle until 115* which took a solid 45min. Snapped this pic right when it changed to 116:
![Vehicle Car Automotive design Motor vehicle Steering part]()
Pulled fluid check plug and let come to trickle. Just about 0.4qts came out.
Buttoned up, no leaks and will take on a few good test runs today.
Edit: btw, fluid is bright cherry red when draining. Looks and smells good.
FJ sitting all day, trans temp was at 68*.
Drained pan and got about 2.1qts out.
2.5qts filled back in.
Turned FJ on and let idle until 115* which took a solid 45min. Snapped this pic right when it changed to 116:
Pulled fluid check plug and let come to trickle. Just about 0.4qts came out.
Buttoned up, no leaks and will take on a few good test runs today.
Update: I haven't experienced the high RPM issue after cold start so far. And I gotta say, it has been shifting extremely smooth at all temps. I've only put on a couple hundred miles since the recent drain and fill so more time will be needed. If it happens again, I'll move do some more trouble shooting and will report back with anything new in a few weeks or so after more time on the road. Thanks all.
21 - 29 of 29 Posts
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