As I am in an area where I know no one (mechanical ) that I can ask a question, I thought this is a good spot to ask it...
I drive an ageing Toyota Surf with 300k on the clock. It is an automatic gearbox.
I'm not towing anything.
My problem is that on some occasions I have great difficulty getting going from a standstill. It eventually does get up and go and with reasonable power, so it seems like a gearbox issue.
Today I had travelled 100ks and got to town and tried to go up a steep hill from a standstill....NO GO.
I went down the bottom of the street and got a run up and did make it to the top. Thank goodness.
this seems to occur after the vehicle has done a few ks and warmed up. This is the only common denominator.
My problem is If I took it to an Automatic repair shop they are going to say ..."give me xxx thousand and we'll fix it,
however this vehicle is not worth it...If you know what I mean.
Any Ideas as to what could be causing it...Keep in mind that the rest of the time there are no adverse symptoms indicating that there is a problem.
Have you checked the Transmission Fluid Level?
Also the Gearbox may need a Service.
Can you feel the gearbox kick down when you push accelerator to the floor?
Where are you located?
If you are in my area soon I'd be more than happy to look at it for you for a thank you and a handshake mate.
First thing id check is drop the trans sump & inspect the pump pick up filter is not blocked. Then check & adjust any bands. If these don't fix it at those Ks it might be time for a rebuild or find a second hand trans.
First thing is to check the transmission fluid level - do this on level ground and with the engine runniong (check owners manual first). If it is low then the oil pump in the transmission will suck air in with the trans oil and this prevents the clutches/bands from gripping....so they slip, more so when cold than when hot because the fluid expands with heat and the oil pickup can then pickup oil with no air.
However, at 300,000km it's a fair bet the trans is on it's last legs.
So, if the fluid level is OK, go to Supercheap/Repco and buy a can of "Stop Slip"...ask what is the most popular brand. Add this to the transmission and it should improve the grip and stop the slipping. This is not guaranteed but at $15 you don't have much to lose. I've used this stuff in many vehicles and it can work and prolong the inevitable which is the transfer of many thousands of dollars from your wallet.
Last stop would be to go to a trans specialist where you can bet your bottom dollar they'd recommend a reco trans....this will cost more than your Surf is worth!
Whatever you do, do it soon. Every time the trans slips it overheats the clutches/bands and further degrades the trans oil. If it fail on the side of the road you also have to factor in a tow to get it fixed and then you are talking big dollars.
Good Luck.
Just let me add, when you dip the oil have a look at it and smell it if it is brown and smells burnt it needs replacing it should be RED and have no burnt smell..
As DeBe said, get a service kit for it and then drop it's sump and replace the pickup filter and then put fresh oil in it or have it done by a mechanic that can put it up on a hoist..
Your transmission is slipping. You can do a stall test to check, handbrake on, 2nd gear, and open throttle wide with your other foot hard on the brake. Let the throttle off sharply and the engine should stall, if it flairs on, the transmission is buggered.The transmission fluid should be a bright red. If it is brown and smells burnt the transmission is in need of overhaul. Adjusting the rear band is a temp remedy. 300k the transmission is ready for overhaul. Have overhauled transmissions for many years.
Hi Frank,
The transmission may not be buggered yet but will be if you keep driving it when its slipping. If it is driving normally most of the time then get onto the suggestions already given SOON.
This transmission has no bands to adjust. Its probably the filter/screen is blocking up so pull the pan off it and put in a new filter and an oil change. What you find in the pan and the oil condition will tell you the basic condition of the transmission. You have to pull the tubes off to change the filter in this. Take a picture of where they go before pulling them off.
If you do not feel confident doing the job then any Auto place should do it for a reasonable sum. Shop around. Actually that is about all that can be done anyway. So if that does not work then look for a s/h unit. They were fitted to lots of Toyotas over many years.
good luck jaahn
Check oil like said. If cooked drop pan change it and the filter. No Bands like he said.
Go on net and get a copy of page on transmissions for your vehicle. and check on adjustments.
You can get everything on net. I got the full Wksp manual for my Patrol
There will be a forum for your model. Google that.
Moneywise. If you're just tight. get over it.
If you on the pension..
They will loan you up to $1100 repayment over 5 months with no interest.
I use it for tyres\Insurance etc.
New combo gps\sounder for boat this time.
It comes in very handy and three work days from application to in your account.
Wreckers yard for one if rebuild too much. You should cover labour and cost of with that $1100
Best of luck buddy.
And take a little tip.
NEVER go away from populated areas with a potentially sick rig.
You can guarantee it'll get sicker.
and cost 10 times more.
Because you out there. (no competition for him) they can and do. Charge what they like.
You're lucky in that there are a lot of old Tojo's around.
