2006 VX100 4.2TD 70000 KM Transmission Problem

[KutsalDogan]

Hi Folks,
I have a 2006 VX100 4.2TD with 70000 KM. It has a 5-speed automatic (ECT) transmission. The vehicle has been serviced well and garage kept. Neither me nor the previous owner used it hard or towed with it. I plan to use it for towing later once I fix the tranny
Nonetheless, I have a transmission problem. It started to stall when cruising down to stop and would act as if it is in Neutral for while and would engage with a knock after revving it up. This happened very rarely and searching online I noticed a similar problem exists in other Toyota vehicles and Lexuses.

However, more recently, the vehicle does not go to 5th gear. ECT power button is not pressed. I played with it. It revs up but does not go to the 5th. There is no difference between 4 and D positions.
I took it to the dealer and they did run the diagnostics, checked the solenoids, etc. Could not find any reported error codes or such.
I asked them to change the ATF as at 58000 kms the previous owner changed the ATF as part of 60K service even though it was not recommended for lightly used vehicle like this.
I am the second owner and driven the vehicle for about 8000 kms. The 5th gear problem just started few days ago. Other problem, stalling, apparently started after ATF change.

After re-changing the ATF at my service shop, it shifts to the 5th gear but I was told that it does not shift smoothly like a LandCruiser should. This is my first LC, so I don't know what that means.
The guys at the service shop suspect the problem may be inside the transmission so they suggest to open up the tranny.
I have an extended warranty and they will check to see if this will be covered by it. I left it at the dealer to make sure I don't void the warranty by acting against their suggestion.
My questions to you are:
If it is covered, should I let them work on the tranny?
If it is not covered, what should I do?
Has anyone experienced a similar problem?
Thanks in advance for any helpful info.

Cheers,
Kutsal

 

[kamalsrana]

Mate, my LC 100 has done about 80k Miles, I change the ATF much more frequently as I heard that the fine mesh gets clogged, this can affect the gear changes.

You need to see a professional Tranny chap, on my 80 Series, the AT gearbox suffered slippage, as it seems that it was probably used heavily before I bought it, so I took it to Stephens automatic gearbos specialists, they are on the North Circular road, near wood green.

Its cost me 1800 quid, but, the gearbox is fantastic now.

Maybe this helps you a bit.
Kamal

 

[uHu]

Sounds like a "real" AT problem, but two-three things come to mind that could be checked first.
One - is that the method for checking/filling the correct amount of ATF is rather cumbersome, and only experienced Landcruiser mechanics would get it right. (Operating temperature, engine running, fill until overflow (short version)). But if this is an experienced dealer's garage I suppose that would be covered, just that the symptoms are somewhat typical for wrong fluid level.

Two - is to check the linkage to the gear shifter, to see that the shift positions of the stick corresponds with the correct positions of the AT. This might change over time as the engine/AT mounts deteriorate.

Another thing to check could be that the flow of ATF through the cooler is OK, no dented pipe or sqeezed hose.

After checking those external factors, I would drop the oil pan to see what can be found there, before deciding to tear it down.

If you state where you are located (e.g. via sig.line), other members could chime in recommendations or warnings regarding who to trust it to.

 

[nathanrobo]

I'd imagine that Mr Toyo will change the fluid, clean the filters, put on diags, and then either send the box off to a local AT specialist or want to fit a new on. If you're not covered by warranty I'd consider talking to member Julian Voelcker. Julian is in the west country (are you in the UK). Whatever you do don't give the job to Mr. T if you are paying for it... they'll do it the expensive way!

 

[KutsalDogan]

Thanks a lot for your responses folks.
Here is some more info.
I finally got the paperwork from the previous owner. Now I found out that the earlier dealer put the wrong ATF in.
They put Type T IV instead of WS. I have driven the vehicle with wrong ATF for about 8-9000 kilometers in summer.
I am in Istanbul BTW. I forgot to mention that.
So the problem started when the weather cooled down a little.
After my dealer changed the oil with the WS, it now shifts to 5th gear. I haven't driven it yet.
What kind of damage do you think this wrong oil did to the tranny?
I plan to drive it for a week and change it again with WS.
To get the all ATF out, I need a full flush but the dealer here never heard of it
What do you guys think?
Cheers,
K

 

[uHu]

Might be just the fluid then. Go to a place where they know how to do a full exchange via the cooler pipes. IIRC you need a pump and a couple of containers.
Otherwise you can do a drain and fill 4-5 ? times to get about 90 ? % exchanged. A bit cumbersome though, but fairly quick if you have the right equipment.

 

[KutsalDogan]

Thanks uHu, I am keeping my fingers crossed. I will try to see if I can find a place to do full exchange. I would do it my self but I live in the city with no place to do it myself. If not I will keep having ATF changes.
I really don't want to have them do a full transmission rebuilt by themselves even if it is totally covered. They probably never did this before. So I am quite uneasy.
I will talk to them on Monday to see what they will say when I show them the paperwork.
Thanks again. I will keep the forum posted.

Kutsal

Might be just the fluid then. Go to a place where they know how to do a full exchange via the cooler pipes. IIRC you need a pump and a couple of containers.
Otherwise you can do a drain and fill 4-5 ? times to get about 90 ? % exchanged. A bit cumbersome though, but fairly quick if you have the right equipment.

 

[Cruizer]

Did your problem with the transmission get sorted out. If so, please let me know what you did as I am having exactly the same problem with my 2006 Amazon. Thanks

 

[Graham]

Now the 120 series and the 100 series are very different.

But a while ago when I went to Toyota for a "Full service" I asked them to replace the auto-box oil, and filter.

I said it had done some thing like 230,000 miles (375,000km )

He asked why, is there a problem?

And to bring it back when the clock shows 500,000 miles.

I have towed our 6 meter plus caravan for thousands of miles on the many times through all of Europe, Andorra etc.

Gra.