So I am a fairly new owner of a 1989 fj62. The first few months we're great only one issue with the TPS sensor wires that was easily fixed. Then last month it didn't want to go into reverse. I waited a few minutes turned it off and back on and CLUNK it was in reverse. A few weeks later same thing again. Then, this past week I pulled out of work and it was not upshifting, RPMs would go up to 4k at 30mph and nothing. I didn't want to burn up the engine. I drove for a few miles at 3k RPM 25mph and all of a sudden it upshifts and n drives fine the rest of the way home. The next morning I brought it to my mechanic, he added some transmission fluid, 1.5qts, and drove it with no issue. I picked it up yesterday morning and had no issue driving 30 miles to work. After my shift was a different story, back to the same issue with no upshifting. I drove it around the parking lot for 10-15 min shifting around the gears and it started to work again. This morning I called my mechanic back up and he suggested I take it to a transmission specialist. That's where it is now. I have searched the forums and have not seen anyone with the same issue. Has anyone experienced this before? With the transmission being mechanically driven could it be something simple like the kick down cable or the throttle body?
1989 fj62 automatic transmission issues
- Thread starter Madronesfj62
- Start date
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First and reverse share the same clutch packs and go out first. It sounds like your transmission is toast. I am assuming the fluid is at the correct level. Low fluid and a leak where you are losing fluid would be an issue. Sometimes FJ60's have a seal that fails between their manual trans and their tcase. I hear less of this problem with the 62's but it could be possible you are losing / mixing fluid with your tcase. Check your tcase fluid to make sure it doesn't have atf in it.
Cheapest option is swapping in a used one found in classifieds.
Second option is rebuilding existing unit.
Third expensive option is upgrading parts here while you rebuild:
West Coast Cruisers
Cheapest option is swapping in a used one found in classifieds.
Second option is rebuilding existing unit.
Third expensive option is upgrading parts here while you rebuild:
West Coast Cruisers
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How many miles? Most 'transmission specialists' will recommend a full rebuild, just so you know. And most shops have little/no understanding of this transmission, except to quote you an eye-popping price. You'll get your best advice right here.
CaptClose
SILVER Star
You should also explore a H55 five speed manual swap as another option.
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It has just over 245k. I do not have a great knowledge of the past ownership/maintenance records are sparse. I purchased it in eBay the PO said he acquired it from his uncle.
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I have thought about that. Is the price for a swap comparable to a rebuild or replacement of the a440? My wife enjoys driving the car and has no idea how to drive a manual transmission so I am hesitant to swap even though I would enjoy it.
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- #7
Could it be a bad transmission control module? With the wiring that went bad on the TPS sensor I am wondering how the rest of the wiring is in the engine. Would it be possible for the TCM to be bad or the wiring to be cracked sending intermittent signal to the unit causing it to work properly sometimes and not others?
for an H55 install into a 62 series you'll be looking at $6500-7000 complete done at a shop.
the A440F trans is not electrically controlled, it's fully mechanical, so wiring, or trans module is not an issue with this trans.
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Thanks, I thought it was fully mechanical but then when searching the web I saw a TCM for sale on eBay which threw me off.
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Because it is mechanical what are the chances of it being the kick down cable, or something like that. My mechanic was thinking that the filter may just be clogged and not letting the fluid flow properly. Would that cause the issue with upshifting? I am probably reaching but just holding out hope that the transmission isn't toast. Does anyone know a good mechanic that specializes in these vehicles in Orange county California?
If the filter is clogged it will be with clutch particles. Sounds like a rebuild or H55 swap
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Are there any automatic transmission swaps available? I would love a manual but the wife likes to drive this truck too and she has no idea how to drive a manual. Seems like the price to rebuild the a440f is pretty high so just trying to find out all my options.
If you decide to go with a rebuild, Leon's Transmission in Reseda has a lot of experience with the A440F and does quality work. I went to the shop in Oxnard a couple of years ago and they pulled my tranny and sent it to the Reseda shop.
It looks like they have a shop in Costa Mesa as well.
It looks like they have a shop in Costa Mesa as well.
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- #14
That is great to hear. It is actually at Leon's transmission in Garden Grove right now. My mechanic recommend them.
I think you just have a sticking kick down cable. Remove it, pull on it to see if it extends and retracts smoothly. $80 part, 1.5gal of ATF, 2 hours to install.
I literally just did this same job on my FJ62 last week. Delayed and/or no up shifts with harsh banging when changing gears with the shifter as a result of the increased line pressure with the kick down cable jammed in the 'downshift ASAP' position.
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Well, got the call from Rick at Leon's this morning. They say the fluid is very dirty and burnt her described it as a "black sludge" he says "worst case" $3900 they are going to pull it out and see what, if anything, is wrong. I knew this was part of the risk of buying from eBay with little to no service history. Maybe i'll get lucky and he will just discover the fluid hasn't been changed in years. Long shot I know. At least the $3900 rebuild comes with a 2 year 24K mile warranty. Time to find some $$$
Easiest/cheapest swap is acquiring a used one and plopping it in. I did this and mine is doing well. I also have a second spare A440F as well as a 3FE in my garage for this kind of emergency. Hoarding a parts car in your garage is a luxury but pays off quick, especially since these trucks are getting rare and more expensive.
Not disputing that but asking seriously: did anyone ever tug on the kickdown cable?
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So dumb question but is the kickdown cable just the back end of the throttle body cable? Also would a warn/sticking kickdown cable cause reverse to not engage properly?
there's a second cable with an adjustable end on it. You can adjust/replace but it won't cure your reverse issue - IMHO
