2005 2WD V6 Runner trans shudder...

[UltraFJ40]

I am trying to troubleshoot my daughter's 4Runner that has 126,000 miles on it (the trans). There is a shudder that occurs infrequently right around 40-45 mph.

This is what I've learned from various sites:

-It has the A340E not the F trans because it's 2WD
-It uses Toyota WS fluid, Lifetime fluid - actually 100K recommended or heavy use/more frequently
-It is a sealed unit
-Potential troubles could result from one of the numerous solenoids going bad
-The ECM might need to be flashed to correctly interpret the data it receives. wtf?
-Torque converter going bad, again wtf?
-Plugs or Coil packs misfiring
-Bad Throttle Position Sensor
-Transmission going bad, another wtf?

Most the the potential problems or solutions can be found online.

Ok, so on to my questions.

*Have any of you used another brand of tranny fluid that is compatible with WS even though they may NOT have chosen to pay Toyota the licensing fees to have it listed on their container?

*Have you flushed your tranny fluid? If so, did you do a gravity drain, power flush or another method?

*Those who have, if you did it at a non dealer site, what brand fluid did you use and what are the specs?

*Have any of you replaced a solenoid or sensor on a 4th Gen because of shifting issues? If so, please elaborate.


As a life long Toyota loyalist, I am beyond disappointed with the potentials. Really makes me want my fuel efficient 40 back, where the most frequent mystery is the lean.

I ask here because I know a few of you frequent other sites and might have come across this before. Additionally, my 100 series also has this trans but the 4WD variant with 80K miles on it so I'm going to need to address this very soon with that one as well.

Thanks in advance. Hopefully I can collaborate all this info into one place instead of having to piece together 10,000 bits of info from multiple sites.

 

[TXLX100]

I never bought into the "lifetime" ATF. It will break down eventually. Not to say that is the cause of your issue. A lot of these longer fluid intervals were born out of other manufacturers doing it and the rest following suit. A good example is power steering fluid... I don't think I've seen a Toyota manual state a recommended interval for it, but it's unlikely a lifetime fluid. Off my soap box...

If it's worth it to you, I'd have a dealer diagnose it and/or go ahead and drop the pan and do a new filter and fluid. In The "old days" this might wreck a transmission, but it sometimes saves them on cars that aren't 30 years old. IIRC, the WS transmissions have to be filled from below and monitor the trans temp in order to properly fill it. You might be able to get away with using a lesser fluid, but I wouldn't especially if you think the vehicle is having an issue.

I had an '07 4runner and have a 98 LX, no issues at all.

 

[UltraFJ40]

I think you're dead on TX. Figured I would go that way but was hoping to use a synth fluid instead of the low ball bidders that won Mr T's approval. You are also correct with regard to monitoring the temps.

I see that the replacement pans from "Vato Zone" come with a rubber gasket so there's no need to use RTV. I wonder about he validity and fitment though?

 

[GXO]

Use FIPG from Toyota, that stuff is cheap and better than RTV.

 

[Frankencruiser]

My 04 gx has a different trans, but it also has WS as the factory fill and is a "lifetime trans". I have been using Valvoline Maxlife ATF. It is WS compatible, and is a full synthetic ATF for about $17 a gallon at Wal-Mart. The Toyota dealership near me has WS for $8 a quart so $32 a gallon.

If your trans is like the A-750f it has 3 plugs in it, a drain, fill, and check.

I have been simply driving the truck until it's hot, pulling the drain plug, measuring what comes out, and using a funnel in the engine bay with a leingth of tubing attached putting the same amount of new fluid (plus a cup or so) in the fill plug. Then I put the trans in "check mode" and pull the check plug until it stops dripping. So far it shifts smoother and the flaring on the 2-3 shift has gone away.

 

[TXLX100]

No need to get a new pan, unless it's damaged. Just use some FIPG an take your time if you do the job.