help, automatic popping out of gear

Hey guys i have a 99 tacoma prerunner automatic. lately it has been hopping from drive into neutral. It usually happens when starting up an incline or leaving a stop sign on a bumpy road. It usually happens at inconvenient times. Does this happen with anyone else? or does anyone know what is causing it or what I could do to stop it? thanks

 

My truck doesn't pop out of gear, but it seems like it does have some play to it. Will kind of move back and forth in D like coming to a stop or taking off from a light. I'm planning on taking the console out and seeing what's going on down there.

 

I'm planning on doing the same when I get a free day. If you find anything let me know.

 

take a look at the tranny fittings under the truck. maybe one of the cables is loose?

 

tacomazach, did you ever figure this problem out? I've got a 99 Tacoma with the same problem. Anytime i need to really punch the gas or when im stopped at a light and take off too fast is pops into neutral. Been happening for a while now and i cant seem to find the problem.

 

I had this same problem about 10 years ago. Had the transmission flushed as the ATF was turning an ugly shade of brown anyway, no problems since then which was about 100,000 miles ago. Probably time for another one soon for me. Hope this helps!

 

Checked my fluid this morning and it was a little dark... I'm weary about flushing it because of things I've heard in the past.. Maybe I'll just drain it, change filter and refill. See if that clears it up.... Thanks

 

Transmission mounts or engine mounts , driveline flex causing the transmission shifter cable to pop into neutral .
Shut the truck off in Park and " remove the key " Key must be removed .
loosen the nutt on the transmission shift lever under the truck and slide the transmission lever into park . Go to the back of the truck and manually push the truck by hand to verify it does hold in park . Once you know the shifter is in park and the transmission lever is in park , go back under the truck and tighten the nutt .
Then verify the truck will only start in park and neutral .
I would suspect the shifter alignment to be the problem from your explanation .

Falling out of forward is usually an indication the transmission is low on fluid .Usually happens going up hills and turning corners because the transmission filter lost the prime