LJ78 Auto with no overdrive - diagnosis?

[Grecy]

Hi all,

A friend is looking at a '92 LJ78 with the 2L-TE and auto.
I've read all about the head issue on the 2L-TE and we're fairly certain it's not cracked yet.

I drove it last night, and the "OD OFF" light is constantly lit.
Pushing the little red "OD" button on the transmission does nothing. The button depresses a little, but doesn't click, or stay down, or make the "OD OFF" light go off.

It seemed to be revving very high at 100km/h, so I suspect it never kicked into Overdrive.
(Another thread here said it should be running in the low 2000rpms at 100km/h - it was much higher than that.)

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I would diagnose the problem, or approximate cost of repair? (I'd like to use that figure to negotiate the price down)

The "OD OFF" light never blinks either, as some other threads have talked about.

The trans fluid looks darker than it should, and I doubt the filter has been changed recently (The engine oil/filter has not..leading me to suspect a lack of basic maintenance lately)

Thanks!
-Dan

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Sounds to me like the button is broken. Almost certainly that button is shared across north american toyota models as well. Could probably get it from a 4runner at the wrecker. You could call a shop and get a quote on the work, and use that to talk down the seller.

Good luck. They are nice vehicles. The engine can be improved to make a lot more power and run cooler if you are mechanically capable and willing to do the work. https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ideas-for-improving-the-2lte.680759/

I wouldn't be surprised at the lack of maintenance. Mine was the same. Make sure to budget for it, as it adds up quick (parts alone).

 

[Grecy]

Thanks for the reply.

Is the button supposed to "click" and stay down?

I'm wondering if the problem could be internal to the transmission, which would obviously be a bigger problem.


Thanks for the info and link. I'm read through all the threads I could find here on the LJ78, engine issues, and how to "fix" it.
Absolutely, I'll be adding an EGT gauge, water temp gauge, flushing the whole cooling system, checking the clutch fan and thermostat right off the bat.
Slightly longer term will be to delete the EGR and intercool.

Thanks

-Dan

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Yes, the button is supposed to click and stay down, and the light comes on steady at the instrument cluster.

 

[Grecy]

OK thanks.

I've never seen a light on the instrument cluster at all - only the huge "OD OFF" light that's on the surrounding dash panel on the left.
That light has always been lit.

-Dan

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

OK thanks.

I've never seen a light on the instrument cluster at all - only the huge "OD OFF" light that's on the surrounding dash panel on the left.
That light has always been lit.

-Dan

Yeah, sorry, that is what I meant.