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My early 1996 model had a similar problem, but it started after I had added some additives; I was looking for a crisper shift, but I got mush instead; and a violent shudder/slipping in reverse.

I immediately drained out what was in the pan, then as soon as I could, I flushed my tranny with two bottles of LUBEGARDs tranny flush/cleaner, and 16 quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic; problem solved. I think the LUBEGARD did the trick; it is a high quality, non-solvent based cleaner, not cheap either; $10 per 8 ounce bottle. I drove the vehicle with one bottle in the tranny for a day, then added the second bottle about 10minutes before the flush. Avoid the cheap bulk ATF most quick lube places use, unless your plan is to flush it again with good stuff; can't hurt; I flushed mine three times before it came out clean, the last time with the Mobil 1.

Key point; most places do not use enough ATF for a flush; you must use at least 14 quarts IMO. Two Toyota dealers, independantly, both used only 6 quarts to "flush" my tranny. I noticed the ATF was still a bit dirty after the second flush (15K miles after the first); the service writer did not know how much fluid was used, so I asked him to ask the mechanics; the answer; "we use 6 quarts on everything, they all take the same amount of fluid"

The flushing may not work for the original poster, but might be worth a try before you replace your tranny; particularly if you do not know what fluid or additives are in your tranny. Be sure to use a high quality Dexron type ATF; IME.

g