Lack of power uphill, autobox surging!

[Kiwi64]

Hi

I have an intermittent fault on my 2002 105 series petrol landcruiser (212k). Driving along the flat it changes normally with the occasional surge in rpm when the autobox shifts up. However, when going uphill it is a lottery whether the box shifts down whether I use the kickdown or not and quite often I have to change down to 2nd gear to maintain speed. Car is serviced regularly, gearbox was checked by a local specialist and found to be working okay. Any ideas? - would the TPS cause these problems and is it a plug and play module.

The car also stinks on initial start up with white smoke which eventually clears, would this be related to the above?..............

Thanks for any assistance

James

 

[Higgy]

Hi

I have an intermittent fault on my 2002 105 series petrol landcruiser (212k). Driving along the flat it changes normally with the occasional surge in rpm when the autobox shifts up. However, when going uphill it is a lottery whether the box shifts down whether I use the kickdown or not and quite often I have to change down to 2nd gear to maintain speed. Car is serviced regularly, gearbox was checked by a local specialist and found to be working okay. Any ideas? - would the TPS cause these problems and is it a plug and play module.

The car also stinks on initial start up with white smoke which eventually clears, would this be related to the above?..............

Thanks for any assistance

James

Hi Kiwi. and welcome. Im no expert on the Auto box. but someone will be along to help you out im sure. . Regards the stink is it like rotten eggs ? My missus old petrol Rav 4 use to stink and smoke on first start up turned out to be something to do with Catalytic converter/Exhaust related... Sorry I cant be more helpful but that was our findings....PS I lived near Waimate for a few yrs... Loved NZ (That's if you are a Kiwi)

 

[Gav missin]

Hi Kiwi. and welcome. Im no expert on the Auto box. but someone will be along to help you out im sure. . Regards the stink is it like rotten eggs ? My missus old petrol Rav 4 use to stink and smoke on first start up turned out to be something to do with Catalytic converter/Exhaust related... Sorry I cant be more helpful but that was our findings....PS I lived near Waimate for a few yrs... Loved NZ (That's if you are a Kiwi)

Check fluids and kickdown cable not frayed or siezing

 

[StarCruiser]

As above, check you have enough ATF in your gearbox. Check it when it’s hot after cycling no through all gears with the engine running. Top up through the dipstick with scrupulous cleanliness if necessary. Also check the colour and smell of the ATF that’s in there. If it smells burned you may have other issues and a change of fluid is then the first step.

 

[Kiwi64]

Thanks for your advice will have a look this weekend.......

 

[StarCruiser]

Having re-read your first post it may be nothing to do with the auto box but as mentioned possibly the catalytic converter. These can shatter if driven through water when really hot, partially blocking the exhaust and can be damaged by poor/wrong fuel. Has either of these occurred do you know? Also has your fuel filter been changed recently?

 

[Kiwi64]

Hi Kiwi. and welcome. Im no expert on the Auto box. but someone will be along to help you out im sure. . Regards the stink is it like rotten eggs ? My missus old petrol Rav 4 use to stink and smoke on first start up turned out to be something to do with Catalytic converter/Exhaust related... Sorry I cant be more helpful but that was our findings....PS I lived near Waimate for a few yrs... Loved NZ (That's if you are a Kiwi)

Hi Higgy - Thanks for the advice, I haven't checked the cat converter yet. The smell is only temporary on start up. Yep NZ is a beautiful place we were based in Tauranga for 10 years.......

 

[Kiwi64]

Having re-read your first post it may be nothing to do with the auto box but as mentioned possibly the catalytic converter. These can shatter if driven through water when really hot, partially blocking the exhaust and can be damaged by poor/wrong fuel. Has either of these occurred do you know? Also has your fuel filter been changed recently?

Hi Star Cruiser - I haven't driven through water for a while. Checked all fluids which were fine and no burning smell. Fuel filter has not been changed for a few years, should this be done with the annual service as well? I use 91 and 95 fuel alternating fill ups. Thanks

 

[Higgy]

Hi Higgy - Thanks for the advice, I haven't checked the cat converter yet. The smell is only temporary on start up. Yep NZ is a beautiful place we were based in Tauranga for 10 years.......

Ok mate. I think you should give Starcruisers post a bit more thought.. I think there could be a link regarding the CAT and your auto box issues..

 

[StarCruiser]

Before spending any more time or money on this I would change your fuel filter. There is a recommended time scale that is probably a bit longer than the regular service but if it hasn’t been changed in a while it’s the cheapest place to start and certainly worth doing as a ‘just in case’ as it won’t be very expensive. Use a Toyota one as with the oil filter when you change that next time. They are far superior to anything else out there. There is almost certainly a filter in the tank. Whether this is the only filter or if there is another external filter I’m not sure on the 105.

Once you’ve eliminated the fuel filter other issues can be looked at.

Have you had any codes read or a ‘check engine’ light come up on the dash?

My knowledge is running out here i’m afraid as I neither have a 105 nor a petrol engine. @Scott might have more info as I think his 105 is petrol.

 

[Kiwi64]

Before spending any more time or money on this I would change your fuel filter. There is a recommended time scale that is probably a bit longer than the regular service but if it hasn’t been changed in a while it’s the cheapest place to start and certainly worth doing as a ‘just in case’ as it won’t be very expensive. Use a Toyota one as with the oil filter when you change that next time. They are far superior to anything else out there. There is almost certainly a filter in the tank. Whether this is the only filter or if there is another external filter I’m not sure on the 105.

Once you’ve eliminated the fuel filter other issues can be looked at.

Have you had any codes read or a ‘check engine’ light come up on the dash?

My knowledge is running out here i’m afraid as I neither have a 105 nor a petrol engine. @Scott might have more info as I think his 105 is petrol.

Thanks for the feedback, I am away working for a week or two (hence the delay in replying in outback Australia) so will change the filter(s?) when I get back. Take your point on the Toyota filters - is it an easy job to do this? Cheers

 

[Kiwi64]

Thanks for the feedback, I am away working for a week or two (hence the delay in replying in outback Australia) so will change the filter(s?) when I get back. Take your point on the Toyota filters - is it an easy job to do this? Cheers

No check lights either!......

 

[newmandan25]

Note.
The 4 Speed is common to flare especially between 2 to third.

As mentioned previous check the kickdown cable from the throttlebody to the trans, if this is frayed/stretched etc this can cause abnormal gear shifts or lack there of. This can be fixed by adjusting it up at the throttle body end. If not replacement.

The white smoke could be as simply as condensation in the mufflers after sitting over night and the rotten egg smell is common when using bioethanol fuels.

Let us know how you go!

 

[Kiwi64]

Thanks for all your feedback. Quick update - truck also developed bad misfire after I got home, still no check lights but changed the spark plugs and leads (Bosch). HT lead on no.6 was faulty and heavy build up on all plugs, ht lead must have been progressively breaking down. Misfire fixed and power restored - what was confusing was there was no fault code on computer? Gearbox surging still and random kick down operation uphill so cat converter next. Suspect it maybe faulty as checked using IR thermometer (You Tube) - will also adjust cables on throttle body as they seem slack.

 

[Kiwi64]

Thanks for all your feedback. Quick update - truck also developed bad misfire after I got home, still no check lights but changed the spark plugs and leads (Bosch). HT lead on no.6 was faulty and heavy build up on all plugs, ht lead must have been progressively breaking down. Misfire fixed and power restored - what was confusing was there was no fault code on computer? Gearbox surging still and random kick down operation uphill so cat converter next. Suspect it maybe faulty as checked using IR thermometer (You Tube) - will also adjust cables on throttle body as they seem slack.

Quick Update...

Finally managed to have a thorough look over the car. Replaced all HT leads and spark plugs (as per previous post), new fuel filter and replaced the throttle position sensor (TPS). All issues resolved, car changes quicker, kick down works and more power - relatively cheap fix. If you replace the TPS it takes a while (couple of days) for the black box to readjust its settings. Again thanks for all the help!

 

[StarCruiser]

Glad it’s sorted Kiwi and thanks for updating with the cure.