92 auto 4th gear shifting problem

Hey guys,

I recently purchased my first automatic 4Runner, 92' SR-5, and it won't shift into 4th gear until the truck has been driven for 5-10 minutes. The thermostat is not operating correctly, and is being replaced in a couple days regardless of whether it solves the shifting problems or not.

I am wondering if Toyota automatics are not supposed to shift into 4th untill fully warmed up. It shifts fine through all the other gears, just won't go into 4th. untill fully warmed up. As this is my first auto, I have nothing to compare it too as far as shift points.

Any help would be appreciated,

Chris

The problem should go away with a new thermostat. The transmission has a temp sensor and if the thermostat is not allowing the engine to get up to operating temp, the shift points of the transmission are going to be altered. Good luck with the new Runner.

I have the same problem. At first my 94 runner wouldn't shift out of 1st until it warmed up. I replaced the thermostat after reading about how temp sensitive the tranny was.... and sure enough it worked... who would of guessed a $6 part.

I still have this problem with my 4runner but now only shifting into 4th gear. It seems to be very consistant from cold start until I drive 1.3 miles and it shifts just fine. Could this be a faulty speed sensor? I put new filter and tranny fluid in hoping that would work.

thanks in advance,

Same problem with my 90 runner v6 auto 4x4. Changed the thermostat (which was on the lower radiator hose next to the water pump for anyone trying to find it) and the problem was solved.