- Thread starter
- #21
Sorry about the problems. It's frustrating when it gives up like that. You're in a good place to get it sorted out though. Let us know how it goes.
A343f Shifting Issues
- Thread starter Eggpattern
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Awesome news! Had the ECU rebuilt for about $450. All problems solved. Man am I glad I dodged a tranny rebuild! This thread is what led me to checking the ECU. Thank you!
- Thread starter
- #23
I received the caps over the weekend and replaced them this morning. The truck runs great but I was able to get the shifting problem to show itself by slowly approaching a steep incline and stopping as it started to climb. Trying to start off it wouldn't budge. Shifted down to 1 and it took right off. Driving thereafter I had to manually shift back to 1 after coming to a stop.
This is how it usually behaves. Then, after a few minutes it can start shifting as it should especially if I'm on more open road. City driving more often will cause the shifting issue to appear.
I feel like the caps needed to be replaced and I'm glad to have done it. Maybe they were responsible for the occasional blinking o/d off light. I'm wondering though if it is a sticky solenoid causing the actual problem. Is replacing the solenoids the next reasonable step? Is there anything else that could be causing these symptoms?
This is how it usually behaves. Then, after a few minutes it can start shifting as it should especially if I'm on more open road. City driving more often will cause the shifting issue to appear.
I feel like the caps needed to be replaced and I'm glad to have done it. Maybe they were responsible for the occasional blinking o/d off light. I'm wondering though if it is a sticky solenoid causing the actual problem. Is replacing the solenoids the next reasonable step? Is there anything else that could be causing these symptoms?
- Thread starter
- #24
Quick update, I received a pack of solenoids sent from the US last week and installed them over the weekend. All shifting problems fixed.
would you happen to have the torque specs for the solenoids, filter and pan? Im getting ready to replace them this weekend
IIRC the pan bolts are pretty light, something like 10-14 lb-ft.
I didn't bother finding a torque spec for the solenoids or filter, I just remembered how they felt coming out and torqued them about the same.
If you check the link in my signature there are photos of the trans opened up when I replaced mine. (page 2)
I didn't bother finding a torque spec for the solenoids or filter, I just remembered how they felt coming out and torqued them about the same.
If you check the link in my signature there are photos of the trans opened up when I replaced mine. (page 2)
Last edited:
Over the weekend, my transmission chose to stop shifting into 3rd. I pulled the ECU to check the capacitors and they all look pristine. No puffing or leaking or discoloration. It's not a definitive diagnosis, but I think the problem lies elsewhere.
I've ordered a transmission solenoid/filter/gasket set off of eBay. Time to buy a big bag of kitty litter.
I've ordered a transmission solenoid/filter/gasket set off of eBay. Time to buy a big bag of kitty litter.
Bummer! The worst part of the solenoid replacement job was cleaning off all of the gasket maker left on the transmission from where the pan bolts on. Other than that I found it pretty straightforward. Hopefully that solves your problem!
Edit: just an FYI, the transmission filter that comes in those kits is for a later version of the A343f or an A340f, it doesn't fit the transmission in the Prados. I just cleaned and reused my old one.
Edit: just an FYI, the transmission filter that comes in those kits is for a later version of the A343f or an A340f, it doesn't fit the transmission in the Prados. I just cleaned and reused my old one.
Last edited:
GTSSportCoupe
2LTE abuser
Just to add a little bit to all this. I've been using a disposable AC Delco trans filter that I installed inline to the trans lines near the front of the truck. Just an extra thing to catch any small debris I guess.
Also, did you ever have your trans fluid flushed? The ATF in the pan is only about 1/3 of what is in the system. So replacing what's in the pan isn't good enough. I've taken to doing a flush every two years (because I tow), and have had no problems at all with the trans.
I've written this a number of times in greater detail, but it is possible to do a flush yourself. Buy 15litres of Valvoline Dex/Merc ATF. Drain and re-fill the trans pan. Then disconnect the trans cooler lines at the front of the truck. Put the outlet one into a big pail (both if you don't know which is which). You'll need an assistant. Start the truck, and run it until about 2litres comes out. Shut it off quickly. Top up the trans with 2litres. Start the engine again, and again let 2litres come out. Shift the trans into a different gear (with foot on brake obviously!) each time you repeat this. Keep repeating until clean ATF starts going into the bucket. Its handy to have a few buckets so you can tell. It takes about 15 litres in my experience. This is because you're replacing all the dirty ATF from the transmission passages, torque converter, ATF cooler, lines, etc. I think the totally system capacity is around 12-15 liters or so. It's handy to have some extra hose around. Ideally the ATF should pass through the trans cooler (in bottom of rad) before it comes out into a bucket - this way you're flushing the trans cooler too.
What was the color of your ATF out of curiosity?
Also, did you ever have your trans fluid flushed? The ATF in the pan is only about 1/3 of what is in the system. So replacing what's in the pan isn't good enough. I've taken to doing a flush every two years (because I tow), and have had no problems at all with the trans.
I've written this a number of times in greater detail, but it is possible to do a flush yourself. Buy 15litres of Valvoline Dex/Merc ATF. Drain and re-fill the trans pan. Then disconnect the trans cooler lines at the front of the truck. Put the outlet one into a big pail (both if you don't know which is which). You'll need an assistant. Start the truck, and run it until about 2litres comes out. Shut it off quickly. Top up the trans with 2litres. Start the engine again, and again let 2litres come out. Shift the trans into a different gear (with foot on brake obviously!) each time you repeat this. Keep repeating until clean ATF starts going into the bucket. Its handy to have a few buckets so you can tell. It takes about 15 litres in my experience. This is because you're replacing all the dirty ATF from the transmission passages, torque converter, ATF cooler, lines, etc. I think the totally system capacity is around 12-15 liters or so. It's handy to have some extra hose around. Ideally the ATF should pass through the trans cooler (in bottom of rad) before it comes out into a bucket - this way you're flushing the trans cooler too.
What was the color of your ATF out of curiosity?
Yeah, I was thinking about taking it someplace for a flush before changing the solenoids. Based on what I saw on the dipstick, the color is reddish and clear but I'd probably be safe in saying it's still the original fluid. Thanks for the tip about the secondary filter.
GTSSportCoupe
2LTE abuser
I've always been hesitant to pay someone to do it. Horror stories like wrong ATF type, or debris actually getting pumped from their machine INTO the transmission. But if you have a trusted shop, hopefully not a problem!
So, it appears that I messed up and bought the post-2000 version of this kit. Wrong size, wrong fitment.
I'm not finding any kits for pre-2000 transmissions, so I'll have to buy them separately. Can anyone confirm that these are the part numbers I'm looking for on a 1992 transmission?
85420-21090 - qty 2
35250-50030 - qty 1
The prices I'm seeing are making my eyes water so I really want to be sure.
I'm not finding any kits for pre-2000 transmissions, so I'll have to buy them separately. Can anyone confirm that these are the part numbers I'm looking for on a 1992 transmission?
85420-21090 - qty 2
35250-50030 - qty 1
The prices I'm seeing are making my eyes water so I really want to be sure.
This is looking promising:
Rostra A341E Transmission Dual Shift Solenoid Toyota Lexus A341F A343E A343F
It says it's for 1990 - 2004 transmissions. It's two solenoids mounted on a single bracket, though, and the mounting point for the bracket looks slightly different from the stock location. I'm confirming with them that no further modifications are necessary before putting money down.
GTSSportCoupe
2LTE abuser
I could swear someone with an LJ78 had bought solenoids and posted a link before. I did some searching, but couldn't find what I was looking for. But I did find this link. Apparently the A34x transmissions of the same years used same solenoids. So maybe these would work: A340 / AW4 Master Solenoid Kit - https://www.cascadetransmissionparts.com/a340solenoidkit3pc.aspx
I believe these should work too. They look exactly the same as the photos I took when I replaced mine a few years ago.
A340 AW4 TRANSMISSION SOLENOID KIT JEEP Cherokee Shift TCC A340E A340F (99109)* | eBay
One (1) Lock-Up Solenoid. Two (2) Shift Solenoids. with the A-340 Automatic Transmission. Fits most Lexus Rear Wheel Drive & Toyota Trucks 1985-On.
www.ebay.com
I’m going to have to get under the truck and look again but the brackets on those solenoids don’t appear to match the mounting points for the old ones. Here’s what the old ones look like.I believe these should work too. They look exactly the same as the photos I took when I replaced mine a few years ago.
A340 AW4 TRANSMISSION SOLENOID KIT JEEP Cherokee Shift TCC A340E A340F (99109)* | eBay
One (1) Lock-Up Solenoid. Two (2) Shift Solenoids. with the A-340 Automatic Transmission. Fits most Lexus Rear Wheel Drive & Toyota Trucks 1985-On.www.ebay.com
Are they all the same? I remember when I changed mine the new solenoids had a different design; they were much smaller and had different colored plugs. Two of the solenoids should be identical, and the third is different, mostly in terms of mounting bracket. Here are the photos I took:
forum.ih8mud.com
Builds - 1990 LJ78 in Montana
Those aren't rattles .... That's simply the land Cruiser having a conversation with you. :)
forum.ih8mud.com
Thanks for the help. I got fixated on finding units that exactly matched the OEM version. I ordered this kit off of Amazon that included a new filter. Everything went in easily. Drives and shifts way better than before.
Similar threads
