The Toyota 4Runner was equipped with the A340F and A340E transmission in earlier models, and the A750E and A750F transmission in 2003+ series later models. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Toyota 4Runner transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Toyota 4Runner Transmission Models
Toyota 4Runner: A340F / A340E Transmission (1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
Toyota 4Runner: A750E / A750F Transmission (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)
Toyota 4Runner Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Toyota 4Runner transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0710 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0722 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0746 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0751 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0756 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0771 | Shift Solenoid 'E' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0776 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0778 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
| P0781 | 1-2 Shift |
| P0894 | Transmission Component Slipping |
| P0973 | Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Low |
| P0974 | Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit High |
| P0976 | Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit Low |
| P0977 | Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit High |
| P0985 | Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit Low |
| P0986 | Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit High |
| P2714 | Pressure Control Solenoid D Performance or Stuck Off |
| P2716 | Pressure Control Solenoid D Electrical |
| P2740 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor B Circuit |
| P2742 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor B Circuit Low |
| P2743 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor B Circuit High |
| P2757 | Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Performance or Stuck Off |
| P2759 | Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Electrical |
Toyota 4Runner Transmission Recalls
None Found
Toyota 4Runner Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB TC002-97 – P or N to Reverse engagement – A340E / A340F transmission
Toyota Tacoma – Toyota T100 – Toyota 4Runner – Toyota Land Cruiser
Problem – Drivers may experience a pronounced delay in the engagement of Reverse gear from the Park or Neutral position.
Solution – A revised B3 brake return Spring, B3 piston rings and low coast modulators spring will have to be installed.
TSB TC001-98 – Reverse to Park/Neutral chatter – A340E / A340F transmission
1997 – 1998 Toyota Tacoma – 1997 – 1998 Toyota 4Runner – 1997 – 1998 Toyota T100 – 1997 – 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
Problem – Some vehicles may experience a chatter noise when shifted out of Reverse into either Park or Neutral.
Solution – A revised A340 valve body design has been created with an additional check ball to prevent this problem.
Common Toyota 4Runner Transmission Problems
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Toyota 4Runner can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Toyota 4Runner transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Toyota 4Runner transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Toyota 4Runner transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Toyota 4Runner transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Toyota 4Runner transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Toyota 4Runner transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Toyota 4Runner transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Toyota 4Runner transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Toyota 4Runner transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Toyota 4Runner Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Toyota 4Runner Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Toyota 4Runner Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Toyota 4Runner Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Toyota 4Runner Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
Delayed engagement from park to drive
This only happens when I first start it after it has cooled down. It starter when I had new plugs and wires put in. Everytime I start it when the engine is cold and I put it into gear (any gear) it Jenks kinda hard. It seems to be idling higher since the new plugs and wires. But once it has warmed up it doesn’t do it .
at D around 40 to 60 km/hr speed feels like the car hits a gravel just for s spit seconds, and accelerates. By pass D to 3rd no noise and engaged back to D no problem noise
Changed torque converter in my 99 sr5 runner. All electronic connections are properly in place aswell as all bolts. Truck will start. When i put it in gear it will not move. Forward or reverse 4 high and low to no evale. And suggestions?
I have a 14’ 4Runner Limited with 155,000 miles it is sluggish going up hills and has a terrible whining sound when accelerating! Not sure if transmission related! No codes detected!
It makes me wonder if a catalytic converter is plugging up. If driven fast for a while at night, like the freeway, perhaps pull over quickly to see if it is apparent if one of them is glowing red hot.
When first put in drive the truck takes a long time to shift into gear