2004 Tacoma a44d auto trans

I might give that a go.

The only solenoid is the external overdrive solenoid.

Thanks for your input.

 

Thanks. When it stops raining I'll squeeze under there or reach under with my phone

 

What do you mean by the governor?

 

The governor sits on the end of the tail shaft of the transmission and spins at driveshaft speed . Its a mechanical valve that tells the transmission when to shift . The valve is known to stick causing symptoms such as you describe in your first post but there are reasons why the governor gets stuck . Usually , small particles of metal get trapped in the valving . Its a sign that there are deeper issues with the transmission .
Before continuing , have you taken your truck by a reputable transmission shop for a free road test ? Road tests are free

 

Two actually, Aamco, $4k to replace and an independent, $3100 to replace. Aamco was hard to get useful information. Something about 2nd gear being out. Given that it shifts into and out of 2nd gear well I lost confidence in that appraisal. The independent said that it was likely hardening of the o rings which allows the fluid to pass by until it gets enough volume to pressure the drum to slide then it feels like a hard shift. Since it does not do that every time and is rather intermittent I am suspect of that diagnosis as well. To me if the o ring is not sealing because it is hard then it should be a mechanical consistent.

Two phone consults with o ther independents said to let them drive around for $75 with their computers hooked up to it to see if the TPS or other sensor is mis-cuing the trans. I told him the only electric solenoid is the bolt on overdrive one but he tried to convince me that there are other electric solenoids inside so I lost confidence there as well. However that same one did say that on a Chevy they did tear apart a valve body and found a little sumpthin sumpthin in there messing with a valve. Which seems inline with what I am thinking.

The intermittency leads me to believe a schticky something or other

 

Thanks for posting back .
When diagnosing over a keyboard , there are far too many factors to rule out and this is why I recommended you take it to a professional for a free road test .
At least from this point on we can confirm you actually have a transmission problem .
I agree with your loss of confidence after the Aamco test drive . Quoting you on a complete rebuild rather than giving you an in depth explanation of the problem ?

The independent shops diagnosis may hold some value .
Transmissions are heat sensitive and therefore perform differently from cold to hot . It may explain why your issue is intermittent . There is a cheap cure for this issue . Add a seal swelling aftermarket additive to the fluid . A seal sweller additive works with heat and actually increases seal size by 12 % .
The downfall to a seal swelling additive is that the fluid must be dumped shortly after .
The useful life of the additive is finished and turns to an acid and unfortunately contaminates the rest of your fluid.
I will add that on occasion i have recommended a seal swelling agent to my very own customers after a proper test drive and diagnostic .
There is no better feeling in the world when you go in expecting to pay a couple grand for a transmission repair and the technician tells you to add a bottle of transmission conditioner for $12 bucks and call it a day

 

Thanks for the input. The symptoms happen right out of the parking lot and after a 30 min freeway drive. I have added a bottle of Lucas a while ago is that a seal swelling product? Id so I have to do a full drain and fill. Prior to that I did a pan drain and fill.

 

If I am reading this correctly , your problem occurs while cold as well as hot .
The Lucas transmission conditioner does have a seal swelling agent within its ingredients . The seal swelling agent should have worked by now . If your downshift clunk remains , I am afraid your problem is much deeper than factory seals that have dried up over time .
If you have the garage and time to go through the vale body and governor , that would be my next step
http://transmissionrepairguy.com/lucas-transmission-fix-review/