Trans drops to neutral while driving?

[SaltLake470]

03 LX470 270k miles. While headed to work yesterday the truck shifted fine from 1st to 2nd, and what seemed like 2nd to 3rd then dropped to neutral. Once I got off the gas pedal it went back into gear so I was able to limp it home. I got a hold of Jason at Cruiser Outfitters as I live in SLC, but he isnt familiar with the issue. He suggested an indy trans shop. Figured I'd ask here first in hopes I could get some insight. No CEL or other dash lights. I drove it up to Park City with no issues the day prior. Any insight would be helpful. Maintenance records don't show any transmission work other than what I imagine would be part of the 145k service at Toyota.

 

[dallen341]

1st thing I would check is proper fluid level. I know these trannys are sensitive to fluid level.

 

[Coin]

Maybe the linkage between the shifter and tranny is loose? It's easy to see from under the drivers side.

 

[SaltLake470]

1st thing I would check is proper fluid level. I know these trannys are sensitive to fluid level.

I just checked that. After letting it warm up for 10 mins the fluid just covers the cold mark on the dipstick. That with it getting colder here in SLC now makes sense why it would just now act up. I'm hoping that's the issue. With that being said, it's due a trans service as well.

 

[2001LC]

03, Automatic transmissions fluid (AFT) level is checked art 158 to 176F. After shifting through all gears, checked while idling, iAT in N and on level ground.

ATF, like all fluid is subject to expansion with heat, contraction when cold. Colder weather means lower AFT level, pre warm up.

Unfortunately, we don't know what ATF or mix of ATF brands added over the years. It is, why we replace all fluids as a baseline!

I'd do a full 12qt flush. Using Mobil multi vehicle full synthetic AFT or Toyota IV ATF. As a first step!

 

[Redmud cruiser]

03 LX470 270k miles. While headed to work yesterday the truck shifted fine from 1st to 2nd, and what seemed like 2nd to 3rd then dropped to neutral. Once I got off the gas pedal it went back into gear so I was able to limp it home. I got a hold of Jason at Cruiser Outfitters as I live in SLC, but he isnt familiar with the issue. He suggested an indy trans shop. Figured I'd ask here first in hopes I could get some insight. No CEL or other dash lights. I drove it up to Park City with no issues the day prior. Any insight would be helpful. Maintenance records don't show any transmission work other than what I imagine would be part of the 145k service at Toyota.

G'day SaltLake470.
My 2001 landcruiser developed similar transmission symptoms as your write up.
My transmission was rebuilt, and has only done 18000 kms.. periodically, and only in the first 5km or roughly 5mins it jumps into neutral,then gains the gear when releasing the throttle..after 5km or 5mins ,it holds the gears and drives normally..I'm suspecting electrical sensor issue,possibly automatic transmission temperature sensor..took it to mechanics and they tested electrical circuits ,but all checked ok..I was wandering if you discovered and rectified your transmission issues and what was at fault..my oil levels are OK.
Any insight would be most helpful. Cheers

 

[2001LC]

Shift manually, see if repeats. Yes! Then likely not electrical.