TOY: '95 4Runner Transmission overheat

[Chuck <cgreco@xxxxxxxxx>]

I've got a '95 SR5 4runner auto and I've noticed that after about an 
hour of highway driving above 70mph or so, the a/t temp light comes on 
and I have to sit and let it cool off. The question is, is this normal 
behavior? If not, has anyone else had a similar problem and if so what 
was the fix?

From owner-toyota@www.4x4wire.com Tue Apr  6 20:40:31 2004
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Date: Tue, 06 Apr 2004 18:28:48 -0700
From: Paul Cherubini <monarch@saber.net>
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Subject: Re: TOY: '95 4Runner Transmission overheat
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Chuck wrote:
> 
> I've got a '95 SR5 4runner auto and I've noticed that after about an
> hour of highway driving above 70mph or so, the a/t temp light comes on
> and I have to sit and let it cool off. The question is, is this normal
> behavior? If not, has anyone else had a similar problem and if so what
> was the fix?

When the light comes on, stop the truck and with the engine idling,
pull the transmission oil dipstick.  If the fluid is obviously scalding hot
then you've got a problem.  

If the fluid temperature is normal, it will
be only around 130-155 degrees which is cool enough to let drip on
your hand (at least for a second or two)

If your fluid temp is normal then something is wrong with the
temp sending unit and it's nothing to be worried about.

If your fluid temp is scalding hot them something major is wrong
like engine way of out tune, fluid level over or underfilled, radiator
partly clogged and more.  Power and gas mileage should be down
as well.  Of course, this all assumes you have a stock truck.  If you
have monster tires, a lift, and other stuff like that then the mods could
be the culprit.

Paul Cherubini

From owner-toyota@www.4x4wire.com Tue Apr  6 21:15:12 2004
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Date: Tue, 06 Apr 2004 19:04:06 -0700
From: Chuck <cgreco@dedot.com>
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Subject: Re: TOY: '95 4Runner Transmission overheat
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Paul,

I have had some moderately extensive engine work done, however, I had 
the problem before and after the mods. I am also noticing only about 
12.5mpg and I have no idea what the dyno is saying.

Thanks for the troublshooting help though, I'll take it for a drive 
tonight and see what's what.



Paul Cherubini wrote:
> Chuck wrote:
> 
>>I've got a '95 SR5 4runner auto and I've noticed that after about an
>>hour of highway driving above 70mph or so, the a/t temp light comes on
>>and I have to sit and let it cool off. The question is, is this normal
>>behavior? If not, has anyone else had a similar problem and if so what
>>was the fix?
> 
> 
> When the light comes on, stop the truck and with the engine idling,
> pull the transmission oil dipstick.  If the fluid is obviously scalding hot
> then you've got a problem.  
> 
> If the fluid temperature is normal, it will
> be only around 130-155 degrees which is cool enough to let drip on
> your hand (at least for a second or two)
> 
> If your fluid temp is normal then something is wrong with the
> temp sending unit and it's nothing to be worried about.
> 
> If your fluid temp is scalding hot them something major is wrong
> like engine way of out tune, fluid level over or underfilled, radiator
> partly clogged and more.  Power and gas mileage should be down
> as well.  Of course, this all assumes you have a stock truck.  If you
> have monster tires, a lift, and other stuff like that then the mods could
> be the culprit.
> 
> Paul Cherubini
> 4x4Wire.com Toyota Section http://www.4x4Wire.com/toyota/
>