Too much ATF?

[Toller]

Having recently purchased a 2001 LC, I'm getting used to owning my first SUV, my first automatic and definitely my first car with a 4 speed transmission!

I'll post a few pics and introduce myself properly soon... But in the meantime I have a question about the shifting and transmission.

It has 128k miles on it, but the transmission was replaced with a reman unit by a Toyota dealer for the PO a few months ago.

The transmission seems to shift a bit hard when going from reverse to drive and has a bit of a humm to it when stopped in drive. No humm when stopped in park. Seems a bit rougher than the others I've driven, but they were mostly 03s with the 5 speed. Only thing I can figure is that there is a bit much ATF in the system. The attached pic is with a cold system... Could it be causing an issue, or am I just not used to the transmission?





Appreciate the advice

 

[2000UZJ]

The harsh shifts could be a worn U-Joint. The hum can also be a well known exhaust boom issue. There was a TSB for the exhaust booming while in drive. Mine has done it for years. I learned to turn the radio up.

Welcome!

 

[PIPO]

This might be a dumb question, but are you checking the fluid level with the engine running?

 

[Toller]

Haha, not a dumb question... Dumb move on my part- still tired from the trip down to Seattle to get the vehicle I guess!

I'll try it with the engine running next time.

 

[marshotel]

The transmission fluid should be checked with a warm system, engine running, in Park, on a level surface.

The level on the dipstick when cold with the engine off doesn't tell you anything useful.

You have to get the level right when the engine is running and the transmission and torque converter are full of fluid.

When the engine is off, some significant fraction of the fluid drains out of the trans and TQ and goes back into the pan. Thus, the level on the dipstick will always be too high when the system is cold and the engine is off.

That said, I doubt the transmission fluid level is causing the symptoms you describe. I bet the transition from reverse to drive is the infamous thunk

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/401590-official-clunk-thunk-driveshaft-thread.html

-;- the hum in drive is probably related to the exhaust.

I would grease all the zerks on the drivetrain and see if that takes care of the rough transition from R to D. (Also make sure you come to a COMPLETE stop before shifting from R to D, unlike a manual transmission).

As for the hum when stopped in drive, I reckon that is normal. (But do check your transmission fluid again to make sure the level is correct with a warm system and running engine.

Hope this helps.