2000 Land Cruiser Transmission Problem

[LC100]

Hi,
I just had to replace the transmission in my 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser. It only had 108k miles on it. I was on a road trip when it started shifting funny. When I pulled over and went to put it in any gear, it would kill the engine. It was acting like a manual transmission does when you fail to clutch it at a stop or slow down. I had to have it towed. The Toyota dealership told me I needed a new transmission at the tune of $3,250! Ouch! Has anyone else had this happen to them? I have owned dozens of Toyota's and have never had a problem with a transmission... this really surprised me. Is there a known problem with these transmissions?
Thanks,
LC100

[fourwd1]

I'd find an independant trans shop with a good rep (there are some) but NOT a chain shop like AAMCO or Cottman, and talk to them. It could be something simpler/cheaper, like a bad torque converter or solenoid. It could be worth towing to them to look at. But I'd defenitely get a second opinion.

Were there any error codes stored in the ECM that might give a clue?

[LC100]

Unfortunately I was on the Oregon Coast on a road/camping trip with my family and I did not know of anyone in the area that worked on transmissions. Even the tow truck driver said that taking it to the nearest dealer was my best bet because there were a lot of "hokey" mechanics in the area. The dealer did not mention any error codes. I just have a tough time with the fact that a Toyota transmission went out at 108K miles. Especially in a vehicle like the Land Cruiser that you pay top dollar for. Has anyone else with a 100 series Land Cruiser shared this unfortunate fate?
Thanks,
LC100

[2000UZJ]

Your not the only one.

In 2000 Toyota switched Who made their trannys. Unfortunatley a few parts were swapped and were prone to fail early. Some at 25K under warranty. And some at 200+ out of warranty. When Toyota discovered it they switched back to araco ( I believe). 2000 was the only year of the big tranny issues. Other years pop up every now and then. Also the cracked exhaust manifolds were prone in 2000 due to a lack of engineering and quality. I have 1 cracked manifold ( to to cold water crossing on hot engine ). There isn't really a fix for either besides replacing them. Some have had luck welding some haven't.

As for the tranns issue. Your not alone, join www.ih8mud.com and you can post there. People other there will be much more knowledgeble that here.

Nick
2000uzj

[LC100]

Originally Posted by 2000UZJ

Your not the only one.

In 2000 Toyota switched Who made their trannys. Unfortunatley a few parts were swapped and were prone to fail early. Some at 25K under warranty. And some at 200+ out of warranty. When Toyota discovered it they switched back to araco ( I believe). 2000 was the only year of the big tranny issues. Other years pop up every now and then. Also the cracked exhaust manifolds were prone in 2000 due to a lack of engineering and quality. I have 1 cracked manifold ( to to cold water crossing on hot engine ). There isn't really a fix for either besides replacing them. Some have had luck welding some haven't.

As for the tranns issue. Your not alone, join www.ih8mud.com and you can post there. People other there will be much more knowledgeble that here.

Nick
2000uzj

[LC100]

Nick,

Thanks for the knowledge! That explains a lot! I ended up having Toyota put a re-manufactured Toyota transmission in. Do you know if this would have the same "poor" parts in it?

Thanks,
Nate
LC100

[2000UZJ]

Nate,
if it is a re-manufactured I would think the tranny would be pre-2000 (98-99) or a 01-02. 03+ were fitted with a new 5 speed. So your tranny probably is probably a 98-02. The guys on MUD who have had failed trannys can help you more indepth as I know the basic knowledge.

I would think Toyota would be smart enough to "discard" the trannys with the failed parts.

[LC100]

Originally Posted by 2000UZJ

Nate,
if it is a re-manufactured I would think the tranny would be pre-2000 (98-99) or a 01-02. 03+ were fitted with a new 5 speed. So your tranny probably is probably a 98-02. The guys on MUD who have had failed trannys can help you more indepth as I know the basic knowledge.

I would think Toyota would be smart enough to "discard" the trannys with the failed parts.

[LC100]

Nick,

Thanks again. I would think that they probably "discarded" them too. I will go and sign up on Mud. Sounds like a knowledgeable group!

Thanks!
Nate
LC100

[2000UZJ]

That it is. PM me when you join up!

2000uzj is my username.

Nick