Lost 5th Gear

There is one case I know of that was reported here on TW. They are indeed very rare. It had a happy ending but it was expensive. In that thread is where I leaned of the "Pink milkshake of Death." The OP's problem does not match the description of the other failure so probably different issues. Nonetheless, people should be aware that the transmission fluid is cooled/warmed inside a compartment inside the radiator. Cracks can develop and the two fluids can mix causing thousands of dollars in damage.

OP, please report here and be sure to tell your story so we know what happened and what the resolution was/is. Thanks!

 

According to the shop, the tranny is smoked. Codes and drive test confirmed same thing. 5th gear is gone and the others are sloppy. Worst case estimate from them was around $2900. $900 for labor and $2000 (approximately) for their tranny guy (they send it out) to rebuild it. Comes with a 3 year warranty. This stinks.

The story is kinda short. All was well until yesterday when I was slowly accelerating up a hill. RPMs jumped and truck stopped accelerated - just like if you depressed your clutch on a manual transmission. I downshifted and drove home. I shut vehicle off. Turned back on and same thing happens. As soon as the truck shifts into 5th, nothing is there. No symptoms previously. Truck still drives fine except when it shifts into 5th, RPMs jump and there's nothing there.

 

Talk to Mach1man001, he works at a place that sells used auto parts. I don't know if he'll be cheaper for the parts or not but it's worth talking to him.

 

Have you ever changed the fluid via drain and refill or flush?

 

You can lose gears in a manual too, old Nissan truck transmissions were really bad with it.

 

Tough luck man.. Just out of curiousity, do you tow a lot? I've always heard that can burn out trannys early, especially the higher gears. Just wondering.

 

It was changed once at around 85k miles.

 

No, I've never towed with it. On Saturday I brought home 800 lb of pellets, however.

 

Spoke with Machman001 a little while ago. Looks like he'll save me a few bucks. Nice guy, too.

 

cool shit.

 

You'd have other problems with the 6-speed, like the throwout bearing quill wear.

 

I think it's recommended at 60k now regardless of if you tow or not. Also was it flushed or just drained and refilled? If you can, get a sample of the fluid and see what it looks/smells like.

 

Oh absolutely, but it wouldnt render your truck pretty much useless if you did lose a gear in a 6 speed. You could always skip a gear, or power shift if you didnt care about your tranny... plus it would cost half as much to fix/replace it if need be too.

 

Where in Central Mass are you??? I ask because if all else fails, I know of a private shop in Shrewsbury (rt. 20) that did my BMW's tranny a while back... not a bad price too, I was surprised.

 

Might look on ebay and call the local wrecking yards. A low mileage one out of wreck might be a option.

 

Thanks for the replies, guys. I live in Douglas and the work is being done in a local shop, not far from my home. Like most Tacomas, I don't get work done often (ever, actually) so I am not that familiar with auto repair shops.

I purchased a used tranny from Mach1man001's company. If you're interested in what I paid shoot me a PM. Bottom line is it was a lot cheaper than having mine rebuilt through the shop and it comes with a better warranty.

That said, this is still going to cost me a lot of money.

I couldn't spend much time shopping around since we are a 2 vehicle family and I need the truck to be back on the road. Plus, I am heading out of town on business on Saturday so I needed to have everything lined up before I get on the plane.

 

Good stuff bro! glad to hear it didnt cost an arm and a leg

 

I wouldn't go that far. It's gonna cost me around $2300 - $2500 when all is said and done, I estimate.

 

Ah thats shitty man, still way cheaper that what the dealer would charge no doubt. I hope this one works out for you though!

 

Thanks, man. It is what it is. I did what I could do to save a few bucks without cheaping out.