Transmission failing in 02 AC at 140k?

Howdy all,

Just bought my Tundra a month ago, looked it over, thought I knew what it would eventually need and felt good about the buy. Took it to Toyota to get it checked out and low and behold, they say the transmission is failing/faulty? Seems odd to me at only 140k miles. Was quoted almost $5k to replace it. Is it worth a 2nd opinion?

There was a subtle thunk shifting into 2nd gear while turning or at high rpms that I was thinking was the cv axles and planned to swap myself eventually. Mostly just bummed at this point.

 

How’s your tranny fluid? Clean or burnt? Was it too low or high? Any more info about what exactly was wrong (cause)? A bad shift solenoid perhaps?

 

The fact that you even feel the need to ask worries me. YES! A 2nd, possibly a 3rd! We don't call them "stealerships" for nothing. You seem somewhat mechanically inclined if you're planning on doing the CVs. What does the transmission fluid look like? What does it smell like? Is it full? Do you know how to properly check the fluid? These things going to tell us quite a bit about the state of the transmission. These are easy tasks. This could be as simple as a fluid drop and refill.

 

That's the kicker, the guy I bought it from had just replaced the transmission fluid ~10k miles ago, so everything looks great.
And I suppose I am just a little bummed at the thought of needing a second opinion, my wife and I have been taking our rigs to this dealership for a long time and know a couple of the guys, so would bum me out if they were dragging me on this.

 

What are the criteria that the dealership used to sell you a new tranny? Just the clunk? I mean, by your description, that could be anything. I.E. driveline, motor mount, etc. I still think a 2nd or 3rd opinion is warranted. Take it to an independent shop that specializes in Toyota. Not sure where you're located, but you should be able to find one. Maybe even talk with a transmission specialty shop. They might be able to give you some insight. Sucks to feel like you're being backstabbed by this dealership that you've trusted in the past, but the reality is: life is tough, times are hard, they want your f-ing credit card. BTW, a video with good sound showing us what's going on could help as well.

 

First, if you have t read this thread. As a new owner, it’s really mandatory to cut your teeth here, in this community generated thread: https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

In that thread, you will see a late shift from 1-2 or hard/jolty from 2-3 is pretty par for the course.

Second, yes. 2nd opinion, 100%

Third, it’s 100% possible whoever changed the fluid used the wrong fluid. 00-02 used ATF DEXIII. 03-04 used T-IV. ‘05-06 is sealed and uses WS.

Fourth, there is almost never a reason to drop the trans pan, unless you’re rebuilding the transmission, or replacing a solenoid due to solenoid-specific code. The filter doesn’t need to be changed. And if you do, be careful not to over-torque the bolts, they will strip!

5th, check your trans fluid level, noting the HOT and COLD fill lines are different, and you need to be on level ground!

Last, I would personally read that thread. I’d make sure your driveline is greased properly. Test shifting into 4HI, but don’t turn on hard dry pavement while it’s engaged. Check your 4WD actuator vent hoses. Consider replacing if missing or crumbling, fracked ends, etc.

 

Appreciate the insights all! We'll take it to another spot tomorrow and get a 2nd look.

And thanks again! I read through that thread when I started shopping and was super grateful for it. Definitely steered me away from some messed up frames and was generally helpful. This forum has been awesome so far. Also appreciate the details about fluid types above from shifty. Will update!

 

2002 had the shitty transmissions. Mine went out at 159k miles. Planetary gear assembly grenaded.

If you got random, hard shifts during normal acceleration, you on barrowed time. I was 150 miles from home when mine died.

I hope I'm wrong, but look up the issues with the planetary gear assemblies on 1 st gen Tundras.

The transmission was designed for a Tacoma, but it worked so good, Toyota slapped it into the Tundra trucks. It wasn't strong enough.

I got to replace the transmission, oh, joy.

 

This brings up a good point. The weak planetary was an issue. And to that point, I doubt the PO went with new transmission 10k miles ago, I’m guessing used, how many miles nobody knows….

 

PO only changed the tranny fluid 10k mi ago, not the whole unit.

 

Please read this thread about the rough 1-2 shift. Pretty normal and not an indicator of total transmission failure. My truck does this every time it shifts from 1st to 2nd, I'm just easy on it until if shifts into 2nd gear or I put the shifter to "2" before it shifts and it eliminates it entirely. Is that the only issue you're having?

 

Reading comp > shifty

 

In my truck it’s not noticeable in 2HI but in 4LO it’s a very noticeable shift. Scared the shit out of me the first time I tested it out, almost scared me out of buying the truck.

 

1 to 2 in 4Lo is always very harsh engagement, the 1 to 2 in HI is like it rolls into the shift then slams in real hard right at the end. I wouldn't think at 48k miles you'd have it the same way.

 

Hey, thanks a ton for this. Yes, only issue, and yes after driving it home today, put it in 2 and was smooth, even on the throttle.

 

General update: talked to Toyota more, they just stethoscoped it and were suggesting a replacement just based on listening to it. Their replacement was a transmission from a rig with 280k miles on it. They said they don't repair transmissions there, only replace them. I drove it home today and think I will let my shoulders drop and drive it around some more for a bit. Once again appreciate all the help y'all.

 

You can't do anything about how the previous owner drove the truck, but don't tow in overdrive and you'll likely be fine. I'm not the most knowledgeable on the inner workings of transmissions and how our trucks compare to later model first gens, but I've always known not to tow in overdrive, or 5th gear if it's a manual. Seems like overdrive grenades when people use it towing and hauling. Which you aren't supposed to do. Don't do it. And that's the advice from Toyota, too. And every other vehicle manufacturer. Turn overdrive off to tow. I'd be very curious how many people with early model first gens who had the planetary gear blow up were towing in overdrive.

Sure, the early first gens had weaker transmissions. But it's not like they're blowing up left and right. They're solid. They just got more solid in later years. I've got an '02 with 230,000 miles and my transmission is smooth as butter. But I know the previous owner went easy on it, and changed the oil on a regular schedule. But it's also got the towing package and while I doubt he towed anything too heavy, he did tow with it.

 

I did. I was just towing a 16' job boat, figured it would be fine. Nope. You get to buy a new transmission.

 

If they’re going to replace the transmission and you’re okay with it, please have them scout out an 03-04 version with the stronger/upgraded planetary gear, especially if you plan to tow and have a habit of not keeping it out of overdrive.

 

I'm not even sure you can get the weaker transmission version anymore. When I did mine a dozen years ago, the upgraded planetary gear assembly was already speced as the normal parts for a rebuild.

 

I thought they were just going to swap in a used transmission and not rebuild it? I agree that with a rebuilt one you should get the upgraded planetary gear.

 

I hope they don't put in a used '02. That would not make sense.