[bonasabest301]

I have a 2001 highlander 6cyl 4wd auto 199,000; Trans shifts 1st to 2nd to 3rd and that is it. I disconnected battery to reset; reconnected; it worked normally 4 miles; same thing wouldn't go out of 3rd. Toyota service says trans clutch pack and valve body need changing therefore needs rebuilt; it is electrical but not ECM. Trans does not slip, and it will work normally once in a while usually after first minutes. Can I just change the valve body and not the clutch pack? Valve body has the silonoids and electrical part so why do I need to change the clutch pack? On this you have to take out the entire engine and trans to switch trans. DILIMEA

 

[Oveur Engineer]

You can remove and replace the valve body without touching the clutches. Also, you can R&R the valve body without removing the trans from the vehicle. Not a fun job, but you can do it. However, I'd try really hard to figure out what the real problem is though before you replace anything.

Did they put diagnostic tools on the car or just drive it? Toyotas diagnostic devices should be able to show them what the ECU is telling the solenoids to do. And there are diagnostic codes that should be thrown if the solenoids aren't doing what is expected.

 

[bonasabest301]

Oveur; Toyota did put it on diagnostics and as I read the codes there is nothing about the transmission. I will call the service rep tomorrow to ask him. I called 3 transmission repair shops today and they want me to bring it in so they can drive and test without diagnostics. I will bring toyota's copys so they can understand better. Toyota wants 5,000.00 to put in remanufactured tran because their guys can't fix it; and I am beginning to think that the cars built today are throw-away cars. Thank you for the great info.

 

[Zembonez]

I am beginning to think that the cars built today are throw-away cars. Thank you for the great info.

200K and it's a "throw away car"? Those are big miles for an AWD automatic trans.

Everything wears out.

 

[Oveur Engineer]

They can use their diagnostic interface to manually actuate the solenoids, etc and get a better idea of what's going on inside the tranny. They should be able to identify a transmission problem where it's being told to do something, but fails to do so. Of course, that all depends on the skill of the tech using the device.

So you mentioned codes..... Are there codes? The reason I ask is that there are some codes that are not tranny codes, but will affect tranny operation anyway. You should strive for no codes at all before you start working on the trans.

 

[bonasabest301]

Zembonze; If toyota was to fix it, the cost would be more than it is worth, to me that is a throw-away. But your point is well taken because we bought it new and it has been to the shop for a front wheel bearing and I replaced the brakes. So it has been to the shop two times in 16 years. Hopefully I will get the current problem fixed for a good price.

 

[bonasabest301]

Codes: Engine and ect- status Com- FFD yes- DTC P0330= knock sensor 2 circuit malfunction- I will replace
P1153=A/F sensor circuit response malfunction- I will replace o2 sensor
ABS/VSC/TRAC- FFD yes- DTC C1201- Toyota didn't explain on paper
SRS Airbag- FFD no- DTC B1140 and B1140- they didn't explain
Air conditioner FFD no- DTCB1421 -they didn't explain on paper
No other codes.
It is possible that the trans was working when they did diagnostic, if that makes a difference, They told me they drove it and it was normal for a while and then it malfunctioned.
This Toyota is in Des Moines, Ia. so it is the biggest in Iowa. Thanks again

 

[Oveur Engineer]

I believe there is a link between shifting into the higher gears and the knock sensor. I didn't read through the thread, but here's one example:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/8...30-knock-sensor-code-transmission-issues.html

The point is that maybe the root of the problem is not a transmission issue at all? Search around here on the site and see what you can come up with?

 

[Zembonez]

Zembonze; If toyota was to fix it, the cost would be more than it is worth, to me that is a throw-away. But your point is well taken because we bought it new and it has been to the shop for a front wheel bearing and I replaced the brakes. So it has been to the shop two times in 16 years. Hopefully I will get the current problem fixed for a good price.

Hope so. Not trying to be a [email protected] just pointing out that it has been darn good!

I'd be really tempted to toss in a used trans. Most valid recyclers offer 3-6 month warranty, and you'd win big if it lasted another 50K.

 

[bonasabest301]

At this moment I am so thankful for this forum, and Oveur because I think it is a sensor and wiring harness problem and not transmission. Also, looked on youtube and they have two videos that show changing the sensor, and in the comments section a guy mentioned driving in 3rd gear; and from all else I have read etc; I will start by changing both sensors and the harness. 3 hr job for the experienced, probably 10 for me. I will also change the valve cover gasket which is leaking and maybe have the trans flushed. May the force be with me. Thanks everyone I will let you know the results in a few weeks.

 

[Oveur Engineer]

Well, of course, there's no guarantee if the sensor(s) are the whole problem or not, but I sure hope that's it. It's a whole lot less costly repair.

Only other advice I would give would be to do one thing at a time. Don't change a whole bunch of sensors and the trans filter all at the same time. Do one sensor and verify that code is gone for good. Then the next one, etc. And if you're going to change the trans filter, I would do that last.

Good luck, and please do report back.

 

[bonasabest301]

I replaced both knock sensors and wiring harness with genuine toyota. It took me over 10 hours and am I glad I took pictures and marked hoses (probably 25, air, vacumn, and water)! It WORKED, my wife says everythings has been great since, 5 days and counting. I also replaced spark plugs. A couple videos on youtube helped emmencely. This should be a sticky because so many people gave me different answers when I began the research. Even toyota dealeaship, they wanted to charge me over $7000 to fix it.

 

[Oveur Engineer]

Excellent! I love it when a plan comes together.

Here's wishing you many trouble free miles!

 

[phoenix2301]

Can we get a DIY guide out of this? or should I run for cover now >

Glad it's come together for you

 

[Hayabusafalcon]

You should send this thread to your Toyota Service manger. See what their egg-on-the-face reply is.....Haya.