Local Vendor Experiences

[Overlandeffex]

I use alternative auto in Escondido. Straight shooters and give options on fixes.

 

[Bud_Dude]

Anyone recommend a shop to diagnose my lag in gear engagement from a stop to go?
Seems like if I decelerate to rolling stop then accelerate through intersection there is a 1-2 second lag , then the truck gears engage and move forward again. Dunno if it’s the VC or transmission or other. Or normal. Wanting someone to drive it and see.

Have you checked your kickdown cable adjustment? My 80 did this pretty badly in the past and was much improved after adjusting. I think it's covered in the FSM. I couldn't find the mud posting about this so I did a Grok search which produced the following:

Query - 80 series landcruiser slow to reengage after intersection kickdown cable adjustment

Response - The issue you're describing with your 80 series Toyota Land Cruiser—slow reengagement or delayed acceleration from a stop (like after an intersection)—is a common symptom of improper throttle position or kickdown cable adjustment on the A442F automatic transmission. This cable (also called the throttle valve or TV cable) controls shift points and line pressure in the transmission. If it's too loose, the transmission can feel sluggish, hold gears too long, or hesitate to engage when accelerating; if too tight, it might cause harsh shifts or other problems. Many owners report that correctly adjusting it restores crisp shifting and better responsiveness, often resolving that "bogged down" feeling from a standstill.

Here's a high-level overview of how to check and adjust it properly, based on factory service manual guidance and owner experiences. Always consult your vehicle's manual or a professional mechanic, as incorrect adjustment can damage the transmission.

Symptoms Matching Your Description​

• Delayed engagement when accelerating from a stop.
• Transmission "searching" for gears or taking too long to shift up.
• Overall sluggish performance, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Adjustment Procedure​

1. Locate the Cables: Open the hood and find the throttle body on the engine. The kickdown cable is typically the one connected to the transmission (often with a reddish or orange housing), next to the accelerator cable (black with rubber boot).

ih8mud.com
80-series Throttle Adjustment - Land Cruiser Tech from IH8MUD.com

(Diagram showing throttle and kickdown cable setup on an 80 series.)

1. Tools Needed: 12mm and 14mm wrenches (the kickdown cable usually uses 14mm nuts, accelerator uses 12mm).
2. Check for Slack: With the engine off, press the accelerator pedal fully and observe the cable—it should extend and retract smoothly without binding. Look for about 1mm of slack between the end of the cable housing and the stopper (or a small lead ball/yellow mark on the cable). If it's stuck or not retracting, it may need lubrication with ATF or replacement.
3. Adjust the Kickdown Cable:
   • Loosen the rear nut first, then the front nut.
   • Push the cable forward to remove excess slack (aim for minimal play but not taut—overtightening can cause early shifts or damage).
   • Tighten the front nut, then the rear nut.
   • If needed, fine-tune: Slightly more than 1mm slack can work if 1mm feels too loose.
4. Adjust the Accelerator/Throttle Cable (if related): Follow similar steps with its nuts to ensure no slack, as it works in tandem.
5. Test Drive: After adjustment, drive in varied conditions (stop-and-go, highway) to verify smoother engagement and shifts. If issues persist, check transmission fluid level/condition, throttle position sensor (TPS), or solenoids.

This fix has helped many 80 series owners cut acceleration times significantly (e.g., improving 0-60 mph from sluggish to more responsive). If the cable is damaged or stuck, replacement might be needed—it's a known wear item on these rigs. For visual guidance, check out tutorials on IH8MUD or YouTube.

 

[Surfdc]

Great idea and one I hadn’t thought of. Thank you. I’ll do this adjustment this weekend.
I considered a worn VC as well as a transmissions issue one search result suggested driving around with the 2nd start button pushed so I did this evening and did not experience the delayed engagement.