Not shifting into drive?

2001 Prerunner SR5 3.4L automatic, every once in awhile when I start the truck and put it into drive and step on the gas, it doesn't go anywhere, just revs up. I'd say it happens about 1 in 10 times I start it, only fix is to put it back in park, shut it off and restart it. Doesn't seem to make a difference if its hot or cold, parking brake is off, it just rolls around like it's in neutral. Any ideas?

 

Now would be a good time to check the fluid level.

 

Forgot to mention I had the fluid changed a month ago, seems to happen less frequently than before but still not resolved. I'll double check the fluids to make sure it was filled properly

 

Sounds like the bands are worn out. Sorry pal, but it's time to take it to a shop.

 

What I was worried of...
Thanks!

 

Probably not the bands believe that's an all clutch transmission (no bands) however if it's full and clean it most likely is hard lip seals or forward clutch pack there is but one fix and it involves an overhaul. Lots of miles? I'll assume the reason the fluid was changed was to try and fix the problem?

 

I just had mine rebuilt for a little over $2800.00, but it was due to the forward bearing letting go. Maineah, you're correct it does have clutches and not bands. Hopefully when the pan is pulled it's not full of metal shavings. Mine had 173,000+ miles on it and now runs as it should. Good luck, hope it works out for you.

 

186k when I got it, I just did all fluid changes so I could start fresh, and it did reduce the frequency with which the misshift would happen. It's most common when I start the truck in my steep driveway, so I put it in Low to get out of the driveway then back into park, turn it off and back on, and then it shifts fine. Is it possible parking in the steep driveway contributes to the problem, like if all the fluid is sitting in the back?

 

Have you tried it on a level surface? If not, try that first thing in the morning on the first start up and see if it makes a difference.

My guess it'll behave the same but you never know as weirder things have happened.

 

It hasn't happened to me on a level surface yet, I'll park it on a flat street overnight and see what's up in the morning. I know that the driveway is a killer for any turbo'd engine because the oil isn't properly circulated when it's sitting at such an angle. Burned up a Mini Clubman turbo that way.
I have no doubt that it has something to do with the high mileage but if it's not a necessary fix and it doesn't get worse then I'm happy...

 

It still sounds to me like low fluid level. The stick will show two levels one will say it's low the other will say it's full depending how the stick is oriented in the tube. Fill it to the low side or just pour another qt. in and see what that does. If it's over full it does not matter any way if that does nothing for it if it works it's obvious it was low.

 

^^^^^ I agree . low on fluid when you are parked on the incline . Try backing the truck into your driveway . The transmission filter suction feed is at the front of the valve body ,so if your parked on an incline ,there is a possibility that your filter is not getting the oil it needs . Have also seen people using a 2 wheel drive filter in a 4x4 application

 

No problems parking flat today, it's on an incline now so I'll see if it happens in the morning.
I always back into the driveway, checked the fluid level when I got home and it was spot on for the hot reading while running. Guess I'll report back next time it happens...
Thanks for the suggestions guys!

 

Almost wonder if your valve body is getting tired .
For the heck of it , try checking the fluid while you are parked and running on an incline ...easy to check .
Here is a fix for a wore out valve body , its the only thing i could come up with : http://www.sonnax.com/parts/2764

 

Interesting...backed in the driveway after driving all day and checked the trans fluid level immediately, it was well below the cold mark. Guess I won't be parking in the driveway anymore

 

Put another qt. in it,it will not hurt it your doing more damage by not fully engaging the clutch pack. The trans should pickup oil on even an extreme slant.

 

I've read overfilling can cause an increase in transmission pressure and could blow a seal. Is that something to worry about? I'd rather spend the extra minute looking for a level parking spot than potentially damage it more

 

Excessive over fill will force oil out the vent the pressure is fixed by the valve body controls it will cause heating and waste fuel. I really don't think yours is full, it should not hesitate pretty much any where you park it. If you can drive up it then it should work as long as it's full.

 

Update: Hasn't happened again...knock on wood. Waiting to add fluid until it happens again so I can check the level right away.

 

As mentioned above , you will not harm your transmission by overfilling . Keep in mind that overfilling means slightly above the full line or above the fill plug according to Toyotas guidlines .
When engineers design the transmission pan where the transmission fluid is stored , they dont think about inclines , high speed turning corners or off road users . They just think about flat roads