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Transmission fluid not circulating

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by g81981, Jul 29, 2024.

  1. Jul 29, 2024 at 12:25 AM
    #1
    g81981

    g81981 [OP] Member

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    2002 Tacoma SR5 2.7L w/4-Speed automatic

    Long story short:
    Transmission fluid was changed (Supertech A/T fluid), New transmissiom filter. New TCC solenoid.

    Able to shift into all gears while engine is on like normal, but truck doesn't move. RPM's do jump up 100-200rpm and settle when it is shifted into R, D, 2 & 1. Parking brake is not on.

    Both cooler return and feed lines attached to radiator are disconnected and no fluid flows in or out.

    Dipstick shows full and doesn't go down. Only used about 5qts of Supertech A/T fluid.

    Could it be the Supertech A/T fluid? The transmissiom oil pump? A Valvebody part stuck?

    Stumped for several weeks now. Any ideas?
     
  2. Jul 29, 2024 at 4:39 AM
    #2
    Dm93

    Dm93 Test Don't Guess

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    Sounds like either the filter isn't seated in the punp, is cracked, or the seal is missing.

    You need to drop the pan again and check the filter installation.
     
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  3. Jul 29, 2024 at 5:10 AM
    #3
    RustyGreen

    RustyGreen A breaker point guy in a Bluetooth world

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    ^^^
    This.

    "You always start first where the last guy worked".

    Sometimes filters have a plastic film over the media to keep them clean - sometimes folks forget to remove said film.
     
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  4. Jul 29, 2024 at 1:54 PM
    #4
    g81981

    g81981 [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the responses guys.

    The old transmission filter was used prior and still had the same issue which is why it was replaced with the new one. The old unit didn't even have the gaskets surrounding the three orifices and the screen was definitely clogged (~240k miles). The new unit has the gaskets and one can clearly see through the filter material.
    It was correctly installed and seated flush and securely screwed against the valvebody.
     
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  5. Jul 29, 2024 at 1:58 PM
    #5
    g81981

    g81981 [OP] Member

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    Prior to installing the new unit, I tested the new filter with running water through the pickup point and it flowed through to the three openings smoothly. The old unit was barely allowing any water through.
     
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  6. Jul 29, 2024 at 2:08 PM
    #6
    Dm93

    Dm93 Test Don't Guess

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    Then it sounds like something is up with the transmission pump, did you have the transmission out recently?

    @gearcruncher your thoughts?
     
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  7. Jul 29, 2024 at 4:26 PM
    #7
    g81981

    g81981 [OP] Member

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    I took the transmission off to check the fluid pump thinking it might be damaged. It looks fine.

    20240712_103950.jpg
    20240712_104204.jpg
     
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  8. Jul 29, 2024 at 4:32 PM
    #8
    Dm93

    Dm93 Test Don't Guess

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    Where's the inner rotor?
     
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  9. Jul 29, 2024 at 5:34 PM
    #9
    g81981

    g81981 [OP] Member

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    Any pictures of what this looks like?
     
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  10. Jul 29, 2024 at 5:40 PM
    #10
    Dm93

    Dm93 Test Don't Guess

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    Oh nvm it's in there, it looked like it was missing but I see it now in the first pic.

    I'm not sure then, I'm not a transmission guy. I know a little bit about them, hopefully @gearcruncher will chime in with something.

    upload_2024-7-29_19-38-36.png
     
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  11. Jul 29, 2024 at 5:54 PM
    #11
    g81981

    g81981 [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the confirmation.
     
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  12. Jul 30, 2024 at 7:15 PM
    #12
    gearcruncher

    gearcruncher Well-Known Member

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    Did you use gentle force when installing the trans filter .
    Some guys crank the bolts down to tight and it warps the valve body preventing the valving from stroking .

    Did you have the valve body off ?

    You were checking the fluid with the engine running I hope ?
     
  13. Jul 31, 2024 at 11:21 PM
    #13
    g81981

    g81981 [OP] Member

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    I pressed the filter up against the valvebody and secured it with the four bolts. Just hand tight. Nothing forceful. (It was not engaging prior to removing & inspecting the valve body and installing the new filter)

    Yes, I took the valvebody off to check if there was anything clogged and found nothing.

    Yes, I checked while the engine is on and it didn't go down. Just remained at the high level.
     
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  14. Jul 31, 2024 at 11:38 PM
    #14
    g81981

    g81981 [OP] Member

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    I warmed up the truck to engine operating temperature and stepped on the brake pedal for this test. I had a phone underneath to record and saw that the transmission linkage does operate (rotate) fine when going into all the gears as I shifted inside.

    Next test is with engine on. Not safe, but I did it anyways in an open area.
    I placed the shifter into Reverse and was able to push the truck forward and backwards a few feet. I did the same test for N, D, 2 & 1 and they all did the same. It's like all the gears are in neutral. Likely due to fluid circulation? Valves not allowing flow? Torque converter/pump not circulating?
    When I place the shifter into park, I am unable to push the truck forwards or reverse.
     
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  15. Aug 5, 2024 at 12:29 AM
    #15
    g81981

    g81981 [OP] Member

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    Update for future readers.

    I resolved my issue. I was unable to find an answer on the direction the flex plate should face. I had the side with the welds facing the engine. Verified with some posts on this forum and YouTube to be correct, but I had my doubts. Well, I continued searching and verified with some Ebay listings that their flexplate welds were facing the transmission. 4hrs later and I am now able to drive the truck. Thanks to those whom helped and future readers with a similar issue.
     
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    #15
  16. Aug 6, 2024 at 9:57 AM
    #16
    x2468

    x2468 Well-Known Member

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    Hey there. Would you happen to have time to weigh in on my situation? I know you're busy and all. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/leaking-transmission-pump-seal-replace-transmission.837901/
     
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