Delayed shift A343 trans (1 Viewer)

[Hitter]

I have a 96 FZJ80 with 150,000 miles, A343 trans. I've noticed just recently that when cold (cold weather as well as my first trip of the day) that the 3rd to 4th gear shift is delayed. I have done 1 drain refill of 3-4 quarts and planned on more until satisfied with freshness of the fluid like some have done here before. 4th gear comes with approx. 3-5 seconds of delay. After the first run through the gears all is well. The trans has no shifting problems- all come smoothly-no reverse delays..etc. I am planning now on a complete flush a la Snow Cruisers FAQ link and I will probably replace with M1. If anyone wants to add there 2 cents, I'd appreciate the input.

 

[CJF]

4th gear comes with approx. 3-5 seconds of delay.

What's it doing during those 3-5 seconds? Like it's in neutral??

Yikes...

 

[Hitter]

No. the trans is engaged and I can accelerate- although I do it slowly, when it does shift it's smooth with no slippage at all.

 

[landtank]

On first startup the 4th gear is disabbled until the temp sensor reaches a certain temp and then 4th is allowed. In the middle of winter that time can be rather lengthy but once the temp is reached it will shift normally.

 

[concretejungle]

a choke system, right.??

 

[alaskacruiser]

This sounds like normal operation until the trans reaches operating temp.

 

[TommyBoy]

On first startup the 4th gear is disabbled until the temp sensor reaches a certain temp and then 4th is allowed. In the middle of winter that time can be rather lengthy but once the temp is reached it will shift normally.

I have had this EXACT same problem all week and was worried about my tranny. I have a thermostat that is blown and is being held open so the engine never reaches operating temperature. What 'landtank' describes is perfectly accurate. New thermostat goes in tomorrow. I had to wait 3 days for the gasket to show up.

 

[Walking Eagle]

Kool. I've wondered about this, cause mine does the same thing on cooler mornings. Predicable enough that I know exactly which house I'm by when it finnally hits 4th. I always assumed it had something to do with warm-up, nice to know for sure.

 

[Hitter]

Thanks for the input. Landtank makes perfect sense since I let the Cruiser warm up for 20 minutes before taking my 5yr old to school this morning- smooth as silk. No choke system. I still plan on the fluid exchange.

 

[RAYJON]

As info both the 442 and the 343 will do this... another example of toyota designing stuff to last....

 

[alaskacruiser]

Rayjon- I take it you haven't owned many non-Toyota vehicles. Most modern transmissions do this.

 

[RAYJON]

I do but the are all dodge diesels with sticks........ the only other refference that isn't a toy... is my company ford exploder.. will go into od within 3 blocks of the house......