I have a 1990 Toyota 4runner with the 3.0 motor and automatic tranny that i use for work. It has 132k miles on it and it runs excellent. In the past week or so the trans has been acting odd. It shifts fine through the gears, but I think that the torque converter may be shot. It has the option to lock it out of overdrive. When the overdrive is engaged, it seems like the torque converter will not lock up. It will run at about 3K plus rpms at 65 mph, when it use to run at about 2500 rpms at 70mph. The torque converter also does not seem to lock up when i have the overdrive off and it is in third gear only. The engine rpms go up and down alot with the speed of the vehicle. Any thoughts would be great. I checked the tranny fluid and it seems to be fine, nice and pink with no burnt smell to it. Thanks Again

 

Does that have the Aisin trans?

 

I am not sure what kind of trans it has, except for it is an automatic and i think that it is electronicly controled because it has the "ECT" button which changes the shift points for quicker excelleration. How would i find out what kind of trans it has? Thanks for the help

 

Could be the lockup solenoid or wiring.

 

yeah, that was what i was thinking as well, the problem is that i do not know where that would be or how to check it, would like to be able to cure the problem myself without having to bring it to a mechanic or a dealership because i know that i will get taken to the cleaners. Do you think that maybe if i were to clean the battery terminals really well that might help? I know that i have heard about guys cleaning the termianls up on the dodge trucks for similar issues? Thanks again

 

The solenoid would be in the trans pan. I would buy a manual, although a cheap Haynes or similiar is probably not going to cover this, check before you buy.

 

thanks for the advice, i might stop and pick up a manual or look through it at the store and see what i can find out about it.

 

Just a little update on my problem with the Yot. I replaced the torque converter selinoid and the problem has not been fixed. My next thought that the torque converter is now probably shot. I brought it by a transmision shop and took the guy out for a ride and explained to him that the torque converter was not locking up in overdrive. Told him about the selinoid replacement and how that did not work. He said it is possible that the torque converter is spent. I asked him what was the price of one and he said $185 which is not bad at all, then the labor was around 9 hours to drop replace TC and then reinstall the trans with a grand total of about $800 . I do not have the means or tools to drop the trans my self. What should i do, looking for inputs from you guys. Should i just drive it the way it is with out andy TC lock up, or should I have it replaced. If i had it replaced, i might aswell have the entire trans rebuilt since it is so labor intensive to remove the transmision. I drive alot everyday, well over 100 miles. The Yot has 133,000 on it and i believe the trans is original. Thanks for any advice