03 auto trans noise

*UPDATE* I took the truck to a transmission shop and they rebuilt it and put in a new torque convertor for $2850. See my post below for the breakdown.

I have a 2003 double cab TRD (v6 auto) that is stock with 160k miles.

I just got the call from Toyota Service department with their diagnosis of a bum transmission ("the noise is coming from inside the transmission... You're going to need a new one") and quoted $3800 (plus tax on parts) for a Toyota remanufactured transmission installed. They don't do work on the innards, just take re manufactures trans and install them, so I am questioning if it could be fixed for less than a full re manufactured trans swap.



The noise is an intermittent rattling when in gear and not moving or barely moving (so the torque converter is barely starting to engage the trans). The rattle is not there when in park or neutral, or when the truck is moving more than 1-2mph. The noise IS there whether or not the brakes are applied and whether or not the transfer case is in 2/4/hi/low/locked. This is making me think that it is the torque converter and not the entire trans. There is no hard shifting, clunking or jerking from the trans.

Since I don't have the shop space or tools to do this job, I don't want to deal with this job myself. I would rather work some overtime to cover the "savings" of buying the parts and doing it myself.



Any recommendations? I want this truck to be solid since the frame, body, interior and everything is in great condition and I'll only be driving about 5k a year.

 

Sub'd because I'm going to be in this same situation soon.

 

Take it to a Transmission shop. Any place will be cheaper than a Toyota
dealer.

https://www.google.com/#q=oakland,+ca+transmission+shop

 

It was $2400 to rebuild my transmission, at a transmission shop.

 

I agree that 3800 is too much money . You can get a transmission overhauled at a shop with a 3 year warranty for less than that . 2000-2500 sounds reasonable considering the labour involved so you are going to save 1300 bucks by taking it somewhere else . I am also questioning how Toyota came to the cocnclusion you need a new trans and wether the diagnostic was performed properly . A new torque converter runs about 200 bucks and a seal kit with all the frictions runs about the same . http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/325531-aisn-warner-340-series-transmissions.html

 

Yes, I self-diagnosed it to be the torque converter myself since it's fine when not in the stall phase of operation.

 

Mine does the same thing! Fine in neutral but bad in gear.

 

I keep thinking about this. Do most transmission shops offer a payment plan or should I start saving my dollars now???

 

All you have to do is call and ask , however in this day and age most shops offer 90 days interest free through an affiliate lending company .
Its in the shops best interest to offer these plans as it brings more work to their door .

 

Thanks gearcruncher. So if the torque converter is bad, will they still have to do a rebuild or just replace the torque converter.

I know it's damn near impossible to say what needs replacing until they tear into it but I'm just trying to save myself from being taken by the shop.

 

Usually when a converter goes bad , it takes the rest of the transmission with it as the converter and the transmission share the same lubrication . It is rare for a shop to replace the torque converter without going through the transmission and very difficult for the shop to warranty their work . There have been rare cases where the converter has been replaced without going through the transmission and the shop will put the question back to the owner if they are willing to take this chance . In your case , its a 2002 . Chances are you have a high mileage unit and probably due for a complete overhaul . This can be verified with a simple test drive .
Have a peek at this thread http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/325531-aisn-warner-340-series-transmissions.html

 

Gearcruncher, you're a smart one. Thank you! Now I'm going in a little more prepared.

I'll start calling and researching trany shops around here. When it goes I want to know exactly where to have it towed. I have a feeling I'll be a long way from home though lol.

 

Update: I picked up my truck this morning. $2850 total for a fully rebuilt A340F. No more noise, so I can assume my diagnosis of the torque convertor was correct.

Here's the cost breakdown of new parts and labor in Berkeley, California:

$380 - Torque Converter
$842 - A340 Rebuilt Kit, steel plate set, band, bushing kit
$310 - Front pump assembly & valve body
$62 - Brake piston
$90 - Filter & fluid
$1684 - TOTAL PARTS

$1000 - Labor ($100/hr * 10hrs)
----------------------------------------
$2835.56 Total with tax on parts​

Oh, plus $160 for Toyota of Oakland to "diagnose" the transmission as having a problem and wanting to replace it with a remanufactured one for $4100.

 

Yes , according to the parts the shop installed , your converter was the issue .