1994 4Runner A/T

[TMoto]

A co-worker has a 1994 Toyota 4Runner with a 4 cylinder and auto trans that he is selling. The issue in question is the transmission no longer shifts automatically, but shifts fine when manually changing gears through the selector.

I questioned the reliability of the trans to survive in this fashion, but he claims several thousands of miles while driving in this condition with no ill effects. He wasn't able to figure out the cause, and didn't want to invest a ton of money in rebuilding or replacing the transmission, so he just lived with it.

Can anyone provide any insight into whether this is a real issue or just an inconvenience?

Thanks in advance,
T

 

[JHZR2]

My wife had what was the first model year of that style 4runner. It was one of the years where they actually put the triangle windows in the front doors (which were excellent), I want to say a 91 or 92?

Anyway, that AT saw real bad service in the USVI. It would overheat, boil its fluid, stop propelling the vehicle going uphill. You would stop, wait for it to cool, and then it would continue.

Despite repairs, a new radiator/cooler, etc., this would continue. The truck was unloaded around 100k, we still see it driving, and AFAIK the AT is still the original. it was when we were using it.

THe truck is consumed by rust, but the AT is tough.

I cannot tell you how to fix the issue, and I wouldnt want to buy a truck that did these things, but I can tell you that the AT is tough and up for abuse.

 

[Astro14]

It's a good, strong AT...see my sig, mine's original and untouched at only 226K...this sounds like a control system problem...ECM maybe...since the solenoids are clearly working. It probably doesn't have OD the way he's shifting it...and will get abysmal mileage as a result (I get maybe 17 on the highway with OD...but mine is the 3.0 V-6). It's a PITA to replace, since the transfer case is integral...but it's cheap and available...

and yeah, love those vent windows!

 

[TMoto]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
My wife had what was the first model year of that style 4runner. It was one of the years where they actually put the triangle windows in the front doors (which were excellent)

I used to call them wing windows, and they did work well.

Quote:
I can tell you that the AT is tough and up for abuse.

Thanks for the insight, I guess that's good to know.

 

[TMoto]

Originally Posted By: Astro14
It's a good, strong AT...see my sig, mine's original and untouched at only 226K...this sounds like a control system problem...ECM maybe...since the solenoids are clearly working. It probably doesn't have OD the way he's shifting it...and will get abysmal mileage as a result (I get maybe 17 on the highway with OD...but mine is the 3.0 V-6). It's a PITA to replace, since the transfer case is integral...but it's cheap and available...

Thanks, at least that gives me something to look into.

Truck has about 220k, and at about 200k he replaced worn suspension components, and did some work on the drivetrain. Replaced U-joints, seals, head gasket, and a bushing or sleeve in the rear differential, among other things I can't recall.

He did say it gets about 15-16 mpg.

Out of everything, the only real concern I have is manually shifting the trans. Many moons ago, I heard it was not good for an a/t to be manually shifted on a regular basis. I have no idea why or if it's even true.

Anyone else have any input?