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2007 4Runner transmission nightmare! Help

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by schmeg, Oct 23, 2016.

  1. Oct 23, 2016 at 6:41 PM
    #1
    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    Hello everyone, first time poster here and was referred to this board from another 4Runner owner who said that folks here are very knowledgeable and helpful which is what I definitely am in need of!!! A little background with what is going on.


    I am starting to get worried, and need some advise from a Toyota Mech and/or those knowledgeable with the Toyota 4Runners, 4th Gen, mine is a 2007 with 156K, miles, eight cylinder

    I have never had any problems with this truck prior to a mistake one of my mentees made while changing the oil. I mentor "At Risk youth", the mistake was totally my fault, because I did not double check exactly where he was draining the fluid. He drained the transmission fluid by mistake, and since this is a sealed unit, I could not do add the fluid myself. I had the truck towed to a place I know, they added the tranny fluid and off I went. Several days later, I noticed that the transmission was very jerky, and clunky. Then about a day or two after that while tooling down the highway at 65 I felt and heard a loud clunk and the rpm's went from around 1200 or so to well over 4500. I limped the truck back to the place that filled it and they said they checked it again and it was full. They said problem was not related to the draining of the tranny fluid, but after arguing for a while guy said nothing he would do. The above happened around the last week of July of this year.

    So, on the advise of a very good mech I know for years, I took my truck over to the Aamco transmission for service. Now......I know their rep is not good, BUT, this particular franchise has a good reputation and Mike, who is the service manager that also worked on the truck is very customer service oriented, answered all of my questions.

    They said that both solenoids in the tranny were bad. They replaced both with used ones they found and for a while the truck ran good. I opted for the used one's because of price. These are VERY expensive for this truck. Drove truck for several weeks until things started happening again.

    1 Truck would Jump forward while stopping at a light just prior to full stop!
    2 Trucks transmission would slip trying to start from a stop, then catch and jerk!

    Yesterday, while doing 70 on the highway, again, loud thunk, rpm's went past 5000, pulled over, drove truck home and called the Aamco place. Mike from Aamco said it could be several things and would not know until he looked at it. Solenoids are under warranty so if its those, which I really think it is.

    Should I go with another used set of used solenoids hoping I just got a bad set, which would cost me nothing, or should I spend the extra $$$$ on new one's? I am hoping since I've already shelled out more than $900 for the two old solenoids, I would just have to pay the difference for the new one's.

    Anybody have any experience with this problem at all, please give me all the advise you can. Wife is so over this she now wants a new truck, which we cant afford. The truck has been bullet proof up till now and with only 156K miles on it I really want to keep it for another 156K.

    Thank Folks!!!
     
  2. Oct 24, 2016 at 4:20 PM
    #2
    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    Not one person has any insight?
     
  3. Oct 25, 2016 at 10:20 AM
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    Bob

    Bob Member Staff Member

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    Is this confirmed? That might be the way to go then. Someone a bit more knowledgeable will probably chime in though.
     
  4. Oct 25, 2016 at 12:26 PM
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    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    If you believe what the OP is telling you, (That's me BTW) :wave:, than yes, its true! Iv'e already spent over $900 to replace two solenoids.

    Update:

    Picked the truck up today from the mechanic, he test drove it and it's driving and shifting perfectly! He told me that his diagnostic equipment told him there are over 15 error codes, most all are electrical in nature. So, since I've already spent over $900 with them and they did not fix the problem, I'm taking it too another place that comes very highly recommended by very knowledgeable folks. I hope I get this damn thing figured out and soon!
     
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  5. Oct 25, 2016 at 3:59 PM
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    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

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    "Not all who wander are lost"
    Vehicle:
    99 T4R LTD- 33's and locked, 01 SR5-,SAS Sold...
    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    What part of the country are you in?

    I'm not "In the know on the 4th Gen but I worked as a service writer for some time and I kinda know my shit" With that being said. Part of the issue you are having is part of dealing with used parts. You take a risk of having to pay labor twice when you go that route. I worked at my family shop for some time and this was the conversation I would always have with them. YOU HAVE TO EDUCATE YOU CUSTOMER its part of the job period!

    Now here is the shitty part. Your a grand deep trying to save some cash and I get that I really do. The best intentions to hell are paved with good intentions that turn out to be crap.

    I really feel this is what is going to happen in this case. It's going to be around 3-5k to rebuild that trans the correct way with all Toyota parts. Someone is going to sit down with you and tell you that it is going to cheaper to get a used Trans with a parts and labor warranty on it and it is cheaper! I promise you that! don't be scared to go that route. I sold ALOT of engine job that way and I had two to come back with engine issue and were bad but I told my customers from the git go that it is a possibility and the only thing they would be out was the car or truck or what ever for us to do the job all over again, and guess what. We did another engine job at no cost to the customer- It happens when you go that route but you buy the coverage to protect your self. It's cheap. Most the time it was around 150-300 bucks. Hell I didn't even put a mark up on that when I sold them because the way I looked at it was protection and my ethics came into play.

    Anyhow- Take it to a good Transmission shop. In reality they are going to tell you this. We have to open it up-Period. It;s going to happen I'm telling you because I know that is what my Trans guy would tell me.

    I really think you need to consider a low mile Trans at this point. It can be done in a day or two and the coverage is good.

    This is just my .02 on the matter. I'm sure other will disagree but that is what I would tell you if you were at my counter at our shop unless you are balling out of control and told me to call Toyota and get one from them and we would go that route but I'm telling you it would not be cheap.

    Blue
     
  6. Oct 25, 2016 at 6:07 PM
    #6
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 New Member

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    Heres what I'm gathering from your story aside from the issues youre having that could be complicated to remedy. Yes the draining of fluid was your fault, but you brought them a perfectly working transmission, and after they added fluid and I assume nothing else, your transmission no longer functions correctly. The fault doesn't appear to be on your end, and because of this I would be fighting tooth and nail for every check you have to write. I cant imagine what could have caused this, but they need to understand that you did not break your own transmission simply by accidentally draining fluid
     
  7. Oct 26, 2016 at 5:55 AM
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    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    Ol"Blue.....

    I agree with your thoughts, and that is certainly the way I would go if it came to that.

    wnelax04sr5.....

    I agree with you 100%, and have spoken to that shop, and of course they deny doing anything wrong! I don't know where I would go next to pursue trying to get them to help pay for these costs!
     
  8. Oct 26, 2016 at 6:01 AM
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    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    Update:

    Yesterday, the same Aamco station that put the two used solenoids in, told me that upon placing the truck on their diagnostic machine, it was showing over 15 error codes! Since, I no longer have any faith in this station, and that the truck drove just fine on a 15 mile test drive. The Aamco mech said that codes are all electrical errors, and that he believes the tranny issue's are electrical in nature. Since I no longer have any confidence in that station, I drove the truck to a station where I live that has a fantastic reputation.

    Do I have any recourse with the Aamco station regarding them charging me over $900 for two used solenoids, when it looks like that was never the problem. Or, is that just the way it is with mechanical things?
     
  9. Oct 26, 2016 at 9:27 AM
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    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

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    "Not all who wander are lost"
    Vehicle:
    99 T4R LTD- 33's and locked, 01 SR5-,SAS Sold...
    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    Small claims court- that is the answer my friend. They will settle before it goes any place because it is cheaper. Suck you have to go that route but that the reality of it. Our shop has been on that end before and it was no fault of our own and we still lost in court. A judge will side with the consumer 99% of the time. It Sucks for a shop good for a customer.
     
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  10. Oct 26, 2016 at 3:57 PM
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    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    I really hate to go that route. I will first call them up in the morning and have a chat and see where that takes me. If nowhere, I guess I don't have any options left. I can't afford to just piss away $900 bucks and not have the situation remedied. "IF", I choose to go that route, how the heck do I start? Do I need a lawyer, if yes that's gotta be several hundred dollars alone right there. This really sucks!

    Thanks for the help everyone, if any of you have anything to add, I'm listening!
     
  11. Oct 26, 2016 at 4:53 PM
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    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 New Member

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    i would think most legal consult would be free of charge this early in the game, because they want your business later on through the case if it comes to that. I think you need to legally know where you stand so you have a solid plan of action
     
  12. Oct 26, 2016 at 4:55 PM
    #12
    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

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    "Not all who wander are lost"
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    99 T4R LTD- 33's and locked, 01 SR5-,SAS Sold...
    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    No you dont. People go to small claims court all the time with out them. Now note this right now. As soon as a customer stated attorney all conversation ended. Try to work something out with the owner and go from there.

    You can go to the local clerks off and file for a motion to go before a judge. It's pretty minimal going that route. Keep every document you can and can get.
     
  13. Oct 27, 2016 at 2:11 PM
    #13
    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    Lawyers are my very last resort!!!!!!

    I just got a call from the third transmission shop that currently has the truck. Completely different answer, and it does not seem like a solution to the problem but a band-aid type approach, but, if it clears the problems its fantastic news!
    Update:

    Below is the entire history of all the error codes that the tranny has been displaying and what they say to try first.

    When some of you that are much more knowledgeable in this area than I have some spare time, could you let me know your thoughts i would certainly appreciate it.




    TESTING AND EVALUATION:
    Repair Inspection 1 Test and evaluate vehicle for operational performance, inspect for engine 99.75T revs/high RPMs, vehicle lurches at stops, hesitations with moderate throttle on take off, the Check Engine Light is illuminated. Research technical information and part information; prepare estimate and report to customer.
    Scan computer for codes and monitor data stream:
    Powertrain Control Module (PCM) codes: P0776: pressure control solenoid B performance or stuck off. P1442: secondary air injection system switching valve no. 2 bank 1 stuck closed. P1445: secondary air injection system switching valve no. 2 bank 2 stuck closed. P2714: pressure control solenoid D performance or stuck off.
    Antilock Brake System (ABS) codes: C1201: engine control system.
    Body Control Module (BCM) codes: No codes present.
    Tire Pressure Monitor codes: C2141: transmitter ID1. All codes cleared.
    96300 1



    MT-10 Metal Treatment Additive: Reduces Wear & Metal Particle Fallout & 20.68T
    Debris
    Subtotal.......................................... .................................................. ..... 120.43



    TESTING AND EVALUATION REPORT:
    The transmission level was over filled and the fluid was aerated. The fluid has been brought to the correct level. Fault codes P0776 and P2714 are related to the transmission system and indicate an internal mechanical malfunction is present in the transmission and will cause the concerns noted by the customer. All fault codes have been cleared and have not reset. The only minor repair option is to install a special additive to help aid in keeping the control valves in the valve body moving freely. The additive may take 1-3 weeks to fully work IF
    it will offer any relief. If it cannot provide any improvement then the transmission will require rebuilding to correct.


    Although I'm happy that this bill being so low, I'm a tad bit confused as to what is actually going on, because this seems like a band aid, not a remedy! It seems like when I read between the lines that the transmission has been eating itself alive, thus causing all these metal parts to float freely around causing these problems, which this additive does not correct. I gather the additive, grabs and holds all these metal pieces and stops then from clogging the values. It certainly may help in the short term, but what I'm wondering, is this normal wear and tear type stuff that's happening and how long will this work.

    Very confused in Sanford.[​IMG]
     
  14. Oct 27, 2016 at 2:16 PM
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    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

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    "Not all who wander are lost"
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    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    Well if in fact that there is metal shavings in the Trans and the control Mods are filled with shavings then this is a band aid. We had a customer that this happened to. Every 6 weeks or so she would come in and we would clean the mods out until she made it to tax time and then she put a trans in it. It was in a Grand Prix if I remember correct. Anyhow- In the end it needed rebuilt. I know I"m not full of good new but I hope this helps you out and maybe if you get lucky this will get you through until you can get it fixed. I really think you might want to consider that used trans route or flipping the bill and getting a new one.

    Blue
     
  15. Oct 28, 2016 at 6:53 AM
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    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    Update to the last Update.....[​IMG] Turning into a Saga!!!


    Went to pick up the truck this morning and the mech had her on a last minute test drive. All the codes have been cleared, they have not come back on, but he said that does not mean to much at this point with only a few miles driven after clearing them.

    On his test drive this morning, every single time the truck came to a stop, the transmission was trying to shift itself into neutral. hard THUD at every stop! So, I'm thinking to myself, great, there goes another $4000 - $5000 grand!

    Donny, tells me it may be good news after all, but he won't be able to tell until he drops the pan and checks. He said this happens very often when either the filter has not been seated properly, a seal in the pick-up system is worn, or something to do with the tranny not being able to suck the fluid up so it's sucking air!

    I left it with him and he thinks it may be one of those causes, I started praying already! [​IMG]

    Gotta say, I have never met a more honest, thorough, great bunch of folks, they're all just good people. Keeping my finger crossed.
     
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  16. Oct 28, 2016 at 8:55 AM
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    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    Hopefully the Last Update:

    Just got off the phone with Donny, from Harrell & Beverly Transmission in Sanford.

    Upon dropping the pan, it was discovered that a main O'Ring seal was missing, gone, no where to be found. As well as the filter was not seated correctly and was filthy! :nono:

    O'Ring was replaced, filter was replaced, new Toyota tranny fluid added, with new friction modifier added as well. Donny is 98% certain this was the problem. He has test drove it and all is good. He did state that due to the tranny still being warm, the real test will come in the morning after the tranny has completely cooled off. Donny said, if after you run it in the morning and all is good, he thinks I'm in the clear.

    Here's to saying my prayer's.

    For those of you in the Central Fl area, I'm telling you, you can not possibly find a better place to take your vehicle for service, and they do everything from soup to nuts, not just transmission work. No......I have zero affiliation with them and won't make a dime from that endorsement.
     
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  17. Apr 21, 2017 at 12:05 AM
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    IBoughtA4Runner

    IBoughtA4Runner New Member

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    How has the truck been?
     
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  18. Apr 21, 2017 at 6:01 AM
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    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    So far the transmission has been running very well. I'm still too concerned to put a tow load on her, but she shifts very smooth, no noise, no heat, so hopefully all good there. I did have to drop another $2900 in her to fix a coolant leak emanating from under the manifold though, 13 hours in labor alone.

    Thanks for asking.
     
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  19. Apr 21, 2017 at 9:47 AM
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    IBoughtA4Runner

    IBoughtA4Runner New Member

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    That is nice to hear. These trans are really strong so I was worried as I am checking out some 4Runners in the 2006-2008 years. Trying to avoid the 2003-2005 with the engine issues.
     
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  20. Apr 21, 2017 at 11:51 AM
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    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    My tranny problems only happened after my son accidentally drained the transmission fluid thinking it was the oil. We never drove it, but had it towed on a flatbed to a local place to have the tranny fluid replaced. You just can't add tranny fluid to these. :frustrated:, really stupid design if you ask me! Other than the coolant leak, the truck has been bulletproof!
     
  21. Apr 21, 2017 at 5:19 PM
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    keakar

    keakar New Member

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    why is that???? fixing to buy me one so please explain in detail ...... educate me and is this the v6 or v8 tranny?
     
  22. Apr 21, 2017 at 7:03 PM
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    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    It's a pressurized system, many vehicles have these systems. If you simply keep up with the regular transmission maintenance schedule, should be no problem. I'm not a fan of this system though.
     
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  23. Apr 21, 2017 at 10:37 PM
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    keakar

    keakar New Member

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    still not following why there are issues with adding fluid? is it just that the air needs to be bleed out if it runs too low? like no big deal for the average home mechanic to do? or is it something like you have to manually purge and prime the lines? or special dealer tools are required?
     
  24. Apr 22, 2017 at 6:01 AM
    #24
    schmeg

    schmeg [OP] New Member

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    To add fluid, you must go underneitth the truck, and add directly into the case.
     
  25. Apr 23, 2017 at 11:36 AM
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    keakar

    keakar New Member

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    ok, so to the average mechanic, this is no big deal, but for a noob who has trouble changing spark plugs, this might be an issue lol

    it doesn't sound like a problem to me, just a "little" more trouble then adding fluid to older vehicles with dip sticks.

    why is it "in their infinite wisdom" they decided we didn't need tranny dip sticks any more? was it for sealing out water when off roading or something?
     
  26. May 7, 2020 at 10:46 AM
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    mpickard

    mpickard New Member

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    (Prior Owner - heated leather seats, Pro2032 Alarm) Added additional 12V power ports, Avital 4003 / PKALL remote start, auto-dimming mirror, automatic headlight control, Power inverter, window visors.
    Actually, one can’t just add fluid to the transmission - there is a whole service procedure to go through to make sure the level is right once the transmission is all warmed up (seems like vehicle has to run for 10-15 minutes after doing a special shift dance to put transmission in service mode before they check it). When I bought my (one owner) ‘07 4Runner 18 months ago, I wanted the dealership to check the transmission fluid levels because it shifts a little rough around 20-30mph, particularly if going up an incline. They wouldn’t do it (because it is a “sealed” transmission) and wanted to sell me on a $150 flush service instead (which I wouldn’t do, because they couldn’t gurantee they’d fill it properly - they’d just put as much fluid back in as came out...)
     

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