Odd Transmission Issues 3rd Gen

Hey everyone,

I am new to the 4Runner owners club. I have recently inherited a 1999 SR5 from an uncle. Very nice rig, I love it.

Here’s a little context. The vehicle has sat for the better part of 2 years. May have some bearing but may not.

I spent a lot of time tinkering on the rig just because it sat so long, but it was well maintained up until that point. My uncle got sick and couldn’t drive it anymore. You all know how things dry up when they aren’t being run.

Anyway, I got it out on the road and it was driving great. Shifting very smooth, had all running gears. The engine has a very slight misfire, basically unnoticeable. I was pulling a slight hill when I noticed I wasn’t getting power to the wheels like I should. The engine was cranking 2500 rpm and I was losing speed. I topped out and kept driving it just a little ways, pulled in to a gas station and put it in park. I did not shut it off. Put it back in drive and had no pull whatsoever. It was all neutrals. Shut it off and turned it right back on and it was back to normal. Hurried and got it home and before I could get home (about 5 miles) I could tell I was losing it again. Restarted the vehicle and it was fine. I took it for a couple more small test drives and I notice every time it acts up I can shut it off and turn it right back on and everything is normal. It’s not like I have to let it cool. Before I restart the vehicle I do hear a slight whirring/grinding kinda like a power steering pump that’s low on fluid (just a noise reference) in the transmission area. But after restart that goes away. No lights on the dash. Transmission fluid smells a little odd considering it’s fairly new but I don’t know. It’s full. No milkshake on the dipstick (I did a little research). Doesn’t seem like hardly anyone has had a similar issue.

I checked the maintenance records and about the time it was parked I seen a transmission fluid flush and new filter. I also vaguely remember hearing my uncle say a shop said something was going wrong with the transfer case potentially.

Sorry for the long story but I wanted to be as in depth as possible about my symptoms. It never searches for gears, it’s just like I lose all drivetrain power. It only starts doing this when I pull hills. As I go up the hill the power fades. The engine doesn’t bog. The real strange part for me is the fact I can turn it off and right back on and drive away when moments before I had no pull. I’ve never owned a Toyota so this is a new animal for me. I’m guessing transmission or torque converter or possibly transfer case.

Hopefully someone has had something similar happen. I’m willing to put some money into it just because it was my uncles and I’d really like to enjoy it for a while. It’s a sweet rig.

Thanks

 

My initial thought was something going on with the torque converter but i don't know how shutting it off and starting it back up would temporarily 'fix' that issue until it does it again.

 

Odd isn’t it. I don’t even know what to think.

I will also add the motor was replaced about 20k ago with a used one about the same mileage. 145k on the motor. Shouldn’t make a difference just thought I’d throw it out there.

 

Here's my theory.

Clogged transmission filter.

When you turn it off, all pressure goes away and it take a while after restarting for the filter to clog up again which kills the transmission.

I would do a full flush and filter replacement.

 

Although the flush and new filter was a couple years ago, it doesn’t have many miles on it since it was done.

But I agree I think I’m gonna do it anyway since it’s a relatively easy way to troubleshoot just to see. Gonna wait and see what some others say too.