A442F Transmission problems.

[FJhammer]

are you checking the fluid level with the engine running? where is the level at? I'm sorry but need to start with the basics. it does sound like a low level.

I've been checking the fluid levels with it off. With the truck running it sucks the level down to the bottom of the stick. I experimented with levels yesterday. I had the level at the top end of the cold range on the stick. I let it run and it sucks it down the bottom of the stick. While it was running, I added another quart to see if that would make a difference, and no change to the symptoms. The extra quart, it then pushed over the top of the hot range once it was warmed up, so I let it back out. So I promise, it is not at a low level.

I have had a A340 at low level and I know the symptoms, none of what this is doing is remotely close to that.

 

[FJhammer]

IMO if it shifts fine manually then it not the fluid.

This is what I believe as well. If it was the fluid, then L and R would be much the same story. But they both work perfectly in manual. Which is why I eventually settled on solenoids. Having replaced those as well as the filter with brand new OEM ones, I don't think that's what's going on either.

 

[Broski]

Have you checked the wiring harness on the side of the transmission ?

 

[Malleus]

It depends on how fast you're driving when you "come to a stop". The torque lockup disengagement is lower rpm/speed than the engagement rpm/speed. And the fluid is in the torque converter, so it matters what fluid is in there.

 

[PIP]

I've been checking the fluid levels with it off. With the truck running it sucks the level down to the bottom of the stick. I experimented with levels yesterday. I had the level at the top end of the cold range on the stick. I let it run and it sucks it down the bottom of the stick. While it was running, I added another quart to see if that would make a difference, and no change to the symptoms. The extra quart, it then pushed over the top of the hot range once it was warmed up, so I let it back out. So I promise, it is not at a low level.

I have had a A340 at low level and I know the symptoms, none of what this is doing is remotely close to that.

OK. Now that we've established you're not checking the fluid level correctly, put the other 3 quarts in it, check it the right way with the engine running and see how it drives.

 

[Broski]

Wow I didn’t know how I/we missed that.
I have never met an auto trans that you check with the engine off.

Well at least you fluid well be nice and fresh.
And do check it with it running!!
You do have a FSM and or the owners manual right ?

 

[shocktower]

Toyota T IV

You do not want to use that fluid DEX III only,that fluid is for the modern transmissions ,drain it and but some generic DEX III who ever told you to but that is not your friend

 

[Beach80]

Just an FYI Cobra Transmission sells the shift solenoids for much cheaper. You may want to reach out to Wholesale Automatic Transmission out of Australia and they may be able to help you.

[th]

A440F, A442F Automatic Transmission 4-Piece Solenoid Kit

IPNJ-49420K-AA

Brand: Cobra Transmission Parts

$219.99​

[/th]​

 

[FJhammer]

OK. Now that we've established you're not checking the fluid level correctly, put the other 3 quarts in it, check it the right way with the engine running and see how it drives.

So I'm checking it incorrectly if I make sure the fluid level is in the cold range on the stick when it's cold and in the hot range when it's hot?

In any case, I did what you said and added half a quart at a time while warm and running and drove it around for 5 minutes, rinse and repeat until all 3 quarts were added. No change. L and R still work great... still won't downshift to first at a stop.

 

[FJhammer]

Wow I didn’t know how I/we missed that.
I have never met an auto trans that you check with the engine off.

Well at least you fluid well be nice and fresh.
And do check it with it running!!
You do have a FSM and or the owners manual right ?

Noted. Still, I put in the additional quarts with it running yesterday and no change. L and R work great, but still wants to stay in 3rd even from a stop unless manually selected.

No, I don't have either. I have an FSM for the 100 and the 80, never found one for the 70 and the owners manual is in Japanese.

 

[FJhammer]

Just an FYI Cobra Transmission sells the shift solenoids for much cheaper. You may want to reach out to Wholesale Automatic Transmission out of Australia and they may be able to help you.

[th]
A440F, A442F Automatic Transmission 4-Piece Solenoid Kit

IPNJ-49420K-AA

Brand: Cobra Transmission Parts

$219.99

[/th]​

That's awesome thank you. That's way cheaper than I got them for from Partsouq.

I checked the ones I pulled out and all checked good around 13.5 ohms and all pressure checked under power.

 

[PIP]

So I'm checking it incorrectly if I make sure the fluid level is in the cold range on the stick when it's cold and in the hot range when it's hot?

In any case, I did what you said and added half a quart at a time while warm and running and drove it around for 5 minutes, rinse and repeat until all 3 quarts were added. No change. L and R still work great... still won't downshift to first at a stop.

The fluid is checked WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Hot/cold is WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING.

When you turn off the engine half the oil in the torque converter drains back into the pan. As soon as you start the engine it gets pumped into the converter and stays there by centrifugal force.

That is why automatic transmission fluid levels are almost always checked with the engine running.

 

[Broski]

Noted. Still, I put in the additional quarts with it running yesterday and no change. L and R work great, but still wants to stay in 3rd even from a stop unless manually selected.

No, I don't have either. I have an FSM for the 100 and the 80, never found one for the 70 and the owners manual is in Japanese.

You should be able to down load FSM from the resource section here on Mud

 

[TheBussman]

Just an FYI Cobra Transmission sells the shift solenoids for much cheaper. You may want to reach out to Wholesale Automatic Transmission out of Australia and they may be able to help you.

[th]
A440F, A442F Automatic Transmission 4-Piece Solenoid Kit

IPNJ-49420K-AA

Brand: Cobra Transmission Parts

$219.99

[/th]​

the Isuzu solenoids from amayama or other overseas sellers are cheaper still and oem.

 

[PabloVTA]

is there a way to check the solenoids for first and second were not swapped when you did the install? what about the check engine/trans function while using a jumper in the diag box?
just asking...I'm researching a problem I'm having and have never done a solenoid replacement, but thinking about trying it. are these solenoids only a one place type fit, or is there a chance i might put the timing one in the wrong place?

 

[PIP]

It's been a long time, but as I recall the 442 used 2 or 3 of the same solenoids and 1 or two slightly different ones.

 

[Malleus]

The 1-2 & 3-4 solenoids are the same. The 2-3 timing valve and lock up valves are different. See the Transmission Unit Repair Manual and Supplement in the Resources forum, 80 series section (NOTE: this is not the information contained in the general service manual, ppg AT-1 thru AT-81).

The complete 2nd gen 80 series EWD is posted here, courtesy of @jonheld; the transmission specific pages are ppg 120-127 (xmsn) and 96-97 (shift lock).

 

[Malleus]

FWIW:

 

[FJhammer]

Awesome chart, Thanks Malleus

 

[FJhammer]

is there a way to check the solenoids for first and second were not swapped when you did the install? what about the check engine/trans function while using a jumper in the diag box?
just asking...I'm researching a problem I'm having and have never done a solenoid replacement, but thinking about trying it. are these solenoids only a one place type fit, or is there a chance i might put the timing one in the wrong place?

1 and 2 are the same and they're in the middle. the two on the outside are different and have unique brackets so it would be really hard to mess up. You essentially have to put them in a certain way. It's actually a rather easy job to swap them. I couldn't find a transmission shop in my area that would do it because no one wants to touch a JDM so I found a video of an Aussie doing it on YouTube. He even shows you how to check the operation of the solenoids checking for resistance and also open/close under power. All of the solenoids I pulled were still within spec when I tested mine. So that wasn't my issue.