1993 4runner transmission problems

Hi, I'm new here and hope to get some advice. My '93 4runner has 250,000 miles on it. It's a 4 wheel drive w/a 3.0. The tranny is hurting. I'm getting ready to take it in, but don't want to get ripped off. It's problems are like this. It won't shift into OD until the engine is at it's normal operating temp. I live in AZ so that's not so bad most of the year. Now the temp is below 70 degrees most of the time, so it is a problem. Also, it won't down shift when the temp is above 75 or so. The last problem is that when the engine is warmed up and I start from a stop, the tranny will shift through all the gears in a matter of seconds. Does anyone know what this means and how much it will cost?
Thanks in advance.

If you haven't changed the fluid in a while, try that first. Also, your thermostat may be causing part of this.

Thanks for the info, I didn't think about the thermostat angle. I'll give that a shot.

I have a 92 4runner V6 4x4 and it also will not shift into overdrive until at normal operating temp.....no slippage even though it flashes to 2600-3000 rpms on take off and falls back down to 1000rpms immediantly when you let off gas and will not lockup torge converter til warmed up.

Does your torge converter lockup before it is warmed up?(if you step on brake without letting off gas it will unlock and rpm's will rise letting you know it was locked up)

Hi, I'm new here and hope to get some advice. My '93 4runner has 250,000 miles on it. It's a 4 wheel drive w/a 3.0. The tranny is hurting. I'm getting ready to take it in, but don't want to get ripped off. It's problems are like this. It won't shift into OD until the engine is at it's normal operating temp. I live in AZ so that's not so bad most of the year. Now the temp is below 70 degrees most of the time, so it is a problem. Also, it won't down shift when the temp is above 75 or so. The last problem is that when the engine is warmed up and I start from a stop, the tranny will shift through all the gears in a matter of seconds. Does anyone know what this means and how much it will cost?
Thanks in advance.


P.S. Let me know what you find out on yours when fixed lol

Thanks for the info, I didn't think about the thermostat angle. I'll give that a shot.

Remember that there is not always one problem that is causing a failure. There can be a couple of contributing factors that add up to a problem. Both may need to be fixed before you see the end of the tunnel.

Actually, it is difficult to tell if you have a problem or not. In general, 4Runners don't shift into OD until the engine is at operating temperature, or at least near there.

Well said and so true Brian lol

Kind of thought it might be common on Toyotas not to shift into overdrive until engine is warmed up...other truck is a 94 Nissan SE-V6 3.0 4x4 and not only will it stomp a mudhole in any 3.0 V6 Toyota 4runner and goes into overdrive when cold gets better mpg's but also does a great job dusting the pesky school kids in their 5.0 HO stangs light to light...But I have to admit my Toyota 4runner rides better and has a tighter suspension.

Yes, I'm sure I have a lot going on with my tranny. I just dread the bill I'm going to get after it's fixed or replaced. I have to agree with the Nissan example. There isn't much get up and go with my Toyota, but I like the ride and handling. Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm off to the shop.