Help! Transmission Problem

I have a 2018 Tacoma pro currenlty in colorado(i live on east coast) that wont shift above 3rd gear. It is just outside of warranty and has 35k miles. The car is in a reputable shop in Colorado and they are telling me they cleared a few codes but they believe the tranmission needs to be replaced. There is no nearby toyota dealer. The transmission fluid is clear(no metal) The only thing I had noticed was sometimes the drive light would come on unless I shifted a few times between neutral and drive. On of the codes cleared was a trans speed sensor code. Any ideas before I shell out 6k for a new tranny?

 

I had similar issues about a month ago (codes, blinking drive light, wouldn't shift above 3rd). I replaced the neutral safety switch and that worked for me. Hopefully you won't need a new tranny. Good luck dude.

 

Specifically what failed in the transmission?
If this doesn’t fix the issue, are they going to refund your money?
How long have you been jogging shifter in and out of gear? It sounds like you may have been ignoring an issue and made it worse.

 

If it were me, I would put it on a trailer and take it to your 'closest' dealer. I understand that might be hours away but the answers you are getting at the current shop aren't worth making ANY decisions over. No metal in the fluid (I am assuming they dropped the pan), it is likely a fixable issue (solenoid, TCM, etc.)

 

Welcome to TW. I agree that I would get hauled or towed to the nearest dealership.

 

Just to clarify, you’re above your warranty by 35k or the truck has 35k? If the truck has 35k and you’re under the year, which you would be with an 18 model, it’s covered under the 60k. Unless I’m missing something here.
That said, I agree with others. If you’re going to pay 6k.. bring it to Toyota directly, even if that means loading it on a trailer, and hauling it via a service. If the thing only has 35k miles.. they are going to be a much better option at this point.

 

I'd guess a chewed wire or a bad solenoid. Seriously doubt the entire transmission needs replacing with 35k. How long has I been sitting? What were the cleared codes?

Agree on taking it to a Toyota dealer. At most you would be on the hook for a diagnostic fee if they don't do any work and it's not covered under warranty. Toyota corporate might even be willing to chip in some if it's slightly out of warranty, but you'll have to take it to a Toyota dealer and contact Toyota corporate. Ask nice, the worse they can say is no.