2004 LC Transmission Problem - Help!

[TomR]

Good Morning...ever had the feeling you should have traded just a bit sooner?

My 2004 LC that just turned 190K miles has a transmission problem.

Started a couple of days ago when I needed to take it into my field to pull my my lawn tractor out from being stuck in some mud. Not stuck really bad...just could not get traction and needed a moderate "pull". Put the LC in low range (for the first time in quite awhile) and also put it in L. Pulled the lawn tractor out without much excitement...the LC did spin just a bit. Drove the LC out of the field and took it out of low range.

Since then I have noticed what feel like it try to be in low range when I turn a sharp corner...like parking or backing up. It also "stutters" one rear tire as you turn...even leaves some small black skid marks on the pavement. Was at the auto parts store this AM and a couple of guys that work there noticed. Said something is locked up and should get the transmission "freed up" by a mechanic and that "may" fix it????

When I go straight in town or on a highway it seems normal. RPM at 60mph at about 2K which seems correct for regular setting.

I plan on calling a Toyota garage but most of them see very few LCs and often don't seem to understand and nuances...example may be AWD vs 4-WD...I will see what they say.

Question...any ideas? What steps might I take to "release" the transmission? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks...TomR

 

[ibrahim83]

Silly question, but is your center diff engaged?

It could be that it engages, but your switch on the t-case is bad and it's not indicating a locked center diff on the instrument cluster.

 

[re_guderian]

Yep, symptoms point to a locked dif rather than a transmission problem.

 

[Asanka]

Did you CDL light work before?

CDL switch on my 04 LC100 transmission is bad so it does not show engaged on dash. So after CDL engage, I need to make sure it is disengaged by using unscientific tests like taking a slow u-turn on hard surface to see its disengaged (I have the replacement switch sitting for months, needs to get that fix soon). Sounds like you drove too long with CDL on, hope that's not the case.

 

[TomR]

The CDL light does work. I just went out and am not sure if it was "on"...I did confirm that it goes off and on. The lame reason for my confusion is that I have had a dash light problem (check engine light/vsc light/vsc off light permanently on) for 4-5 years now and have/had pretty much blamed it on a short in the system. Toyota has on a number of occasions not found a fault and there have been no driving "issues". Recently they told me it may be an oxygen sensor? Thus, I have not been very attentive to the warning lights and it is possible the additional CDL light was on...after pulling my lawn tractor out from being stuck. I will try the slow turn test when I go into town for lunch.

You are all correct that the symptoms sure act as you described. Slow turn causes a slipping/chatter in I believe only the rear tires...which results in small black rub spots on the pavement. Very possible that I put the center lock on when pulling out my lawn tractor and failed to shut off.

It has not been driven much since then...maybe 50+ miles. Does it do any damage when you drive on the highway going straight? No symptoms going straight at 60mph. BTW...seems completely normal during highway travel.

I will repost back when I try a slow turn on pavement...not sure I would notice on gravel driveway.

I know you guys would know more than a dealer TomR

 

[TomR]

Well, sure looks like it was the CDL was engaged (light works) as I tested on pavement and it did not repeat the prior symptoms. I guess I will have to rationalize that not seeing the fourth light on the dash was probably due to having developed a habit of just ignoring the lights since they have been on so many years with no impact. Also, unfortunately I do not use the extra traction features very often and somewhat unsure what each feature is intended for.

Thanks again...I will keep alert for any new sounds...hopefully I caused no damage. TomR

 

[re_guderian]

OBII Code Reader

 

[TomR]

OBII Code Reader

The three lights are 1) check engine, 2) VSC and 3) VSC Off. Very recently I had it at Toyota garage and they said they believe the basic cause is an O2 sensor...no explanation for the other two lights. They did not have the O2 sensor in stock. At least now I have turned off the CDL and am back at "normal". My guess is that my VSC is not working and I may need an O2 sensor. Thanks...TomR

 

[Asanka]

The three lights are 1) check engine, 2) VSC and 3) VSC Off. Very recently I had it at Toyota garage and they said they believe the basic cause is an O2 sensor...no explanation for the other two lights. They did not have the O2 sensor in stock. At least now I have turned off the CDL and am back at "normal". My guess is that my VSC is not working and I may need an O2 sensor. Thanks...TomR

Do you have the codes? You can get the codes scanned from autozone if you have not already.