2003 Toyota Tacoma - Stuck Tranny Auto - WD40?

Hey all, my first time here. I have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma that I bought new and now has 310,000 miles on it. It has been the best truck I have ever had. It now has some issues with the Auto Trans, where it seems to lock up (won't shift out of 2nd or 1st gear) for a few miles and sometimes can make the engine stall out at a stop light (very violently), like not pushing the clutch in at a stop on a standard. Now the gear shift it self is more difficult to shift. After the initial problem when starting to drive it typically goes away for the rest of the trip.

I took it to Toyota, but they will only replace the tranny. Tranny oil looks great, no bad smells. Was told it was probably a stuck valve. When I was walking out the mechanic said "put some WD 40 in the fluid, it will evaporate away and might help keep valve from sticking".

Does this sound like a good idea?? Anyone tried this?? Would love to squeeze as many miles out of this truck as possible.

Thanks y'all...

 

They actually told you to put wd40 into the transmission fluid?? Someone else should chime in on this but that sounds really sketchy to me...

 

.. well then.

 

I can't really think of what it would hurt, but 310k on the original trans.. spend a few bucks and get it fixed properly at a transmission shop.

 

That's what I am worried about, looks like I will need to replace it anyways... I have bought another used car to try and take the heat off of driving every day on the tacoma. I would love to keep her running, it has a slight miss in the number 6 cylinder that does not change when I change out coil packs or spark plugs or wires. Again the mechanic at the dealer said it was probably an elongated valve (?). Said he could do the valves but with that many miles something else would go soon. I don't know if he is an idiot or if he is just some genius when it comes to cars and trucks. I am about 50/50 on doing it, but with your comments I think I am leaning more to not doing it now. How about additives? Any suggestions? thanks for the responses.

 

No need to replace it, just have it rebuilt. 310k and you say it's not given you any problems, that's a great service life.

I wouldn't bother taking a truck that old to a dealership for any kind of servicing, and you can probably see why. Outside of warranty periods, there are specialized shops who do better work for less money. Definitely read up and find a trans shop you can trust, but both of those issues aren't particularly uncommon with high mileage engines.

Additives? There's a mechanical reason. An additive is either a waste of time/money, or it's a band aid.

 

A good friend of mine has a 1996 that's only running on 5 cylinders. But it runs like a top on those 5 cylinders and has no issues at all on his 200+ mile commutes.

 

definitely get a second opinion from a reputable transmission shop at least. I don't think id put anything in the transmission except transmission fluid.

 

Not sure where you're located OP but if you happen to be in the Los Angeles area, I can recommend a great independent transmission shop I've been going to lately that could help you out

 

Yes it has been a great one, only replaced air compressor (with a used one), everything else (except tires, brakes, belts) are original. I just drove it last month on a 600 mile trip pulling a micro camper and it did great until I ran over some railroad tracks and tranny locked up again for about 2 miles (only time for the whole trip up there and trip back). I took it to one tranny shop just before the trip, kept it for a week and didn't get to it. (I have loss faith in all shops in my town). Maybe I will try him again. Thanks for all the help....

 

Hey Eon, I'm in Virginia....

 

That sucks. Didn't get to it because they were slammed busy, or because they were busy not working?

A good trans shop is hard to find, so while I hesitate to return it to a shop who sat on it for a week without diagnosing it, if that happened because their workload is so heavy I'd probably consider returning it to them for a diagnosis.

Busy transmission shops, particularly independent shops, are usually a good sign.

 

Yes busy, and two of their employees were on vacation, at least the excuse I got. He sounded like he knew what he was talking about. But I was a little pissed he didn't get to the truck. I think I will try him again now that WD40 is off the table.

 

I don't think youll be disappointed in that decision. a proper fix is always better than a bandaid when you can manage it. It sounds like you can manage it since you already have a spare car to drive.

 

Ah.

Understandable if he couldn't get to it.. I mean, from our end it sucks and doesn't make sense, but from his end, pulling a transmission and doing a quick tear down for diagnosis isn't an hour job, so I'm going to assume if he'd had the time in the schedule to properly get to it he would have, and he didn't before you needed the truck returned.

Maybe check online for some info on the shop (reviews), I'd say if it checks out on that end then the owner you spoke with is probably a business owner with morals and spoke the truth to you, even if it made him look less than ideal.

 

I'll get in on the wagering.

It will need a teardown, rebuild with a 'soft pack', a replacement of all wear items, along with a good cleaning.

The other option is a lower mile compatible trans and swap it in, along with a complete fluid change, filter, pan gasket, front and rear seals. And cross your fingers.

This is only a guess, it's all you can do on the internet.

 

I agree with what the guys are saying . Its probably time for an overhaul .
You can read more info about your transmission here .
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...sions-write-up-your-4-speed-automatic.325531/