Insight, could it be dirty/low transmission fluid….

Hi everyone! New here and looking for some insight. 2017 SR5 4WD 104,000 miles. Ive had her three years-no issues. Regular oil changes-all synthetic as required. I crank her up this morning, shifted into drive and nothing. It usually starts moving before I accelerate, this morning it did not. Tapped the gas a bit, nothing, not even a rev of the engine. Put back into Park, then drive again-did the same thing. Third time, pushed the gas a little harder-a loud thud and then engaged into drive. No issues after that.
This happening made me overthink everything and anything that could be wrong or is it a precursor for something about to shit the bed!
I’ll add, she does soft shift between R and D, I hadn’t thought much of it until today. Could the issues be correlated?
Everything I’ve read keeps going back to low/dirty transmission fluid/line? How about the battery, if it were going bad could that cause shifting/engagement issues?

 

Welcome

 

There’s a lever on the transmission the shifter physically moves, worth making sure that’s lubricated and clean.

 

May be the neutral safety switch.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/hard-shifter-lever.43786/

If the transmission doesn't know it's in Drive, it won't go anywhere.

@Shody55 - When you shifted into D and it didn't go anywhere, did the "D" show up on the dash display?

 

Welcome to the forum.

Does not sound like a battery problem to me. @glwood54 has a good thought here about where to start.

 

Two threads on the exact same subject are not necessary. In fact, it's downright annoying. Be patient.

 

I agree, please don't double post. Delete one of them.

 

Only mods can delete threads once created...

 

Welcome

 

Thank you for the responses. Thankfully she hasn’t done it again. I feel sure that the transmission fluid has never been changed, and with it hitting 100K it definitely needs done. So, I plan going to do that very soon. I’ll add that there haven’t been any leaks or smells-and no warning lights of any sort. This happening was totally unforeseen. @icebear I’ll definitely look into that tomorrow @glwood54 I didn’t even think to check the dash for light. I’ve read several posts mentioning the neutral safety switch, the D or R not lighting up when put into gear. If it happens again I’ll be sure to check the dash. It be great if it was that. It reads to be an easy fix.
This is my second 4Runner- my first was a 2004 bought new…. 298K and she’s still running great! My son drives it now.
The double posting- again, new to the group. The first post, I was unsure if it even posted. I posted the second one and they both show up! Went to delete one and there’s not an option for that. I’ve requested for one to be taken down.

 

This sounds like low fluid level based on your description. Cold fluid is the lowest level in the sump, and expands as it heats up.

I’d crawl under it and check for leaks, and then have a fluid change done very soon at a reputable transmission shop using WS fluid only. Or a dealer with a solid reputation.

 

@Waypoint thanks for the reply! No leaks. We plan to change the fluid this weekend. Do you think low fluid could also cause soft shifting- at least that’s what I’m calling it- when shifting between R and D I barely have to touch the brake to shift. It feels “loose”, if that makes sense.

 

Low fluid level can cause soft clutch pack engagement similar to your description.

be certain you follow the Toyota procedure precisely with respect to the temp range for level setting and the level plug drainage while engine is running.