03 3.4 auto transmission issue

I have a 2003 taco 3.4 with the auto trans, this is my camp/play truck since I got my 13 taco, the issue I’m having is when I first start it after sitting a few days the trans doesn’t grab until the truck warms up for about 2 to 5 minutes than works as it should until it sits for a few days by few I mean 5 to 10 days, I’m looking for some in-site to the trans, thinking filter but I don’t have much knowledge on the trans. Any info will help thanks!!

 

Have you checked the fluid when hot?

 

Yes everything is as it should be

 

if the fluid is at the correct level, with auto transmissions anything that is out of the ordinary usually means that something is going wrong with them. Oftentimes it is something severe. The general rule is that you should keep the fluid a bright and clean at all times using drain and fills. If it is a very dirty oil, then you should not change it. reason being is that the dirt and grime might be the only thing holding and keeping the torque converter grabbing and shifting. I couldn't tell you if it is bad for sure after all it is only the internet, but i think the only way to know for certain is to go to a reputable transmission shop to give a dignosis. if your low on cash you could buy a newer transmission and install it yourself at that point.

 

if the fluid is still pink pink, the only thing i can think is possible is that you have a clog in the filter causing low fluid levels above the filter.

 

I’ll have to double check everything just doesn’t make sense, how would it work flawlessly once it’s warms up, if I start the truck and let it warm up every time I would never know something is acting up. The truck only has 186000 shouldn’t have trans issues in my opinion but I’m no expert

 

I’m no expert but I’ve been inside a valve body. You might very well have a piston or possibly a solenoid that isn’t engaging when requested.

Call Transgo and ask if their refresh kit will help. They might be able to offer some help with diagnosis or what it might be. They are very helpful.

Don’t take it anywhere yet. A shop will probably try to sell you a used trans.

 

Side note this was my daily driver for almost 12 years never one issue it only started once i brought it to the camp and it sits for a week to 2 sometimes, I can’t see how siting would do something

 

Would anyone know the proper fluid for the trans? I see so much on the internet don’t really know what to believe

 

Check your dipstick. Depending on the year it will say DEX3 or Type 4.

 

Ahhhh thanks!

 

Have you recently done any other work on the truck, even something you would think wouldn't affect the tranny? I had a recent issue and ended up reading up on the tranny, its an electronic tranny and so if other sensors aren't working properly it will shift oddly or not at all. Mine would not shift out of first, I had no error codes, I thought something was screwed in the tranny but turned out to be a TPS sensor from china I put in (marked as oem). I put the old one back and shifting returned to normal.

 

Changed the timing belt about 5 thousand miles ago or so