Have found this forum an invaluable resource for my previous 89 FJ62 and our new family-hauler, a 2001 100. Bought the 01 about five months ago and it's my wife's car, stock with 285 BFGs as the only "mod." Been a great car until last night when the still-undiagnosed transmission/transfer/diff/misc drivetrain problem struck. I wanted to share the details because I know it's been discussed at length here and it may be helpful for others.
Driving normally on interstate, car was loaded (3 kids, two adults + gear) not towing anything, good weather, no prior warning signs. Traveling at 65-70mph. Brief noise like a rumble strip and as soon as wife noticed it, there was an immediate disconnect between engine and drivetrain--that is to say, the engine reved but there was no propulsion. She shifted to neutral, and like a champ moved quickly (coasting) over thru 4 lanes of hwy traffic.
Safely out of traffic, I begin checking things.
T-case was in "H" per standard. Shifting it thru the cycles did nothing. Locking center diff cycle did nothing. Tried moving shifter to all gears also in concert with above cycles, nothing. Tried the rev it, pop in gear suggestion from a related forum post. Put car in park, rocked it hard--park pawl holds the car. One thing I did notice once the car was stopped and sitting roadside: a ticking/light mild grinding noise from t-case area. Trans fluid was clean, not burnt smelling. Didn't crawl under to check t-case fluid because of where i was parked. Didn't yet check diff fluids, but they were fine when it was serviced a month ago. We'll see.
I towed it to my local dealer who despite typically high costs has done great service on this and my prior land cruiser. I cursed like a mo-fo because my 62 NEVER once stranded me (in 11 years...not even a flat!) but everything was, of course, manual--t-case, etc... solid, reliable. Sold that car at 250k and it's still running strong for new owner.
The 01 cruiser has only 90k miles, I've put literally 2000 miles on the car since it was new to us. The only work I knew it needed was a timing belt which was scheduled for next month when we travel out of town. Add in the cost of what I may be facing and I must say I'm about ready to walk and buy something else entirely. Just don't have that "oh what a feeling" toyota reliabilty confidence I had with the other...I'll be worrying about the t-case, or front diffs or whatever to go next. Guess that's par for the course!
Will update on what the service guys tell me the problem is. Would like input on where to take it in the DC area if anyone has any suggestions for a shop or tranny place, that would be great. Thanks!
Driving normally on interstate, car was loaded (3 kids, two adults + gear) not towing anything, good weather, no prior warning signs. Traveling at 65-70mph. Brief noise like a rumble strip and as soon as wife noticed it, there was an immediate disconnect between engine and drivetrain--that is to say, the engine reved but there was no propulsion. She shifted to neutral, and like a champ moved quickly (coasting) over thru 4 lanes of hwy traffic.
Safely out of traffic, I begin checking things.
T-case was in "H" per standard. Shifting it thru the cycles did nothing. Locking center diff cycle did nothing. Tried moving shifter to all gears also in concert with above cycles, nothing. Tried the rev it, pop in gear suggestion from a related forum post. Put car in park, rocked it hard--park pawl holds the car. One thing I did notice once the car was stopped and sitting roadside: a ticking/light mild grinding noise from t-case area. Trans fluid was clean, not burnt smelling. Didn't crawl under to check t-case fluid because of where i was parked. Didn't yet check diff fluids, but they were fine when it was serviced a month ago. We'll see.
I towed it to my local dealer who despite typically high costs has done great service on this and my prior land cruiser. I cursed like a mo-fo because my 62 NEVER once stranded me (in 11 years...not even a flat!) but everything was, of course, manual--t-case, etc... solid, reliable. Sold that car at 250k and it's still running strong for new owner.
The 01 cruiser has only 90k miles, I've put literally 2000 miles on the car since it was new to us. The only work I knew it needed was a timing belt which was scheduled for next month when we travel out of town. Add in the cost of what I may be facing and I must say I'm about ready to walk and buy something else entirely. Just don't have that "oh what a feeling" toyota reliabilty confidence I had with the other...I'll be worrying about the t-case, or front diffs or whatever to go next. Guess that's par for the course!
Will update on what the service guys tell me the problem is. Would like input on where to take it in the DC area if anyone has any suggestions for a shop or tranny place, that would be great. Thanks!
