Transmission engage

TOYPACIFIC

MEMBER
2008 TOYOTA RAV4
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

My vehicle has been acting strange the past couple of months. It seems every morning it will go in reverse but takes about 15 to 25 minutes to go on drive. FYI, I live in the tropics so cold is not an issue. It drives well shifts properly when running but I can go somewhere and leave it parked for about an hour or so and it does the same. Reverse never really seems to be a problem it's only when on drive or even low gear it wont engage for another 25 minutes. So I sit there until I feel it trying to jerk forward then I stomp on the pedal lightly and it starts to go. I was told to change out the transmission filter underneath, but I like to get a second opinion.

5 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This is unlikely to be a filter issue. I suspect this issue is either a pump not supplying proper pressure or you have a fluid level issue.

It will not hurt to change the fluid and filter but again I suspect this is a larger issue than that. Let's start with checking the fluid level and condition.

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Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM

TOYPACIFIC

MEMBER
159 POSTS

Thank you. This helps a lot I actually drive it this morning to drop my wife to work then when I got back I decided to check on the fluid again. So I parked with the car still on and in park. I pulled the transmission stick to check the level as the car was warmed up. The stick was over hot. So I dipped back in and pulled out again this time it was dry, no fluid on stick. I also noticed the car when driving is fighting to push forward. It seems like it's going but something keeps holding it back at times. I will accelerate and the car would go but it's not going 100%.

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Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 5:19 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Okay. The first time you pull the stick out you need to wipe it off because this will have fluid on it due to it splashing up on it. When you wipe it off and dip it again, that is the accurate reading so you are low on fluid and need to fill it. This may be the only issue so if it is, I would go ahead and get it serviced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

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Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 7:12 PM

TOYPACIFIC

MEMBER
159 POSTS

Okay, got it. Yes it was dry I just added a whole quart and it runs and shifts good.I went under and noticed a leak right above the transmission filter pan not from the pan but the transmission cover. So, I'm thinking I'm leaking severe fluid I also noticed the parking before with leak but assumed it was oil, but the oil pan is on the passenger side the transmission on the drivers where it was leaking. If this was leaking what work should be done and how much does it cost average? I'm assuming the transmission is still good because it does a good job with good fluid but the fact I have a leak this is the reason for the issue.

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Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 7:50 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

That is exactly the issue. Good job. I agree that the transmission is fine if it is shifting okay now with fluid in it. So fix the leak and you are good to go. As for cost, it all depends on the shops door rate but on average this will be about $250.00 because it will be a small part cost in the gasket but the fluid will add up and the labor may be a little costly. However, this is not a hard job and can get handled quickly.

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