I have a 1996 Toyota RAV4 which just turned 150k miles and is slow shifting
10

Asked by DonnaBob Nov 27, 2018 at 03:48 PM about the 1996 Toyota RAV4 4 Door

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Just recently, and notably when some very cold temperatures have hit, it
takes a while to shift into third gear.  It seems to take a few stops and starts
and maybe around 15 minutes for it to begin shifting all the way through.
If I get on the highway right away after initial start-up, it has sometimes never
shifted into third.
Are there any parts I should have checked out to help prevent failure?
I was told I should not change out the transmission fluid due to it's age and
mileage.......is that true??  One mechanic said that doing a tranny fluid flush
could cause more problems.

3 Answers

F_O_R answered 5 years ago

Change the fluid and filter. Take the advice not to do a flush. Sounds like you have a good mechanic.

3 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
22,650

Guru9FSV8 answered 5 years ago

Yeah you need SOME new fluid and a clean filter. I have revived many a shifting issue on Toyotas specifically. The issue shows up cold and feels like the transmission is holding car back until that gear catches and throws vehicle forward. Do not flush!!! Two drop and Refills over 10K miles has been my secret for my toyota clients. Sometimes the second I do a inner filter change. Toyota fluid only. Castrol import if they don’t have lots of $$$

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
10

DonnaBob answered 5 years ago

So, simply changing the fluid is okay but flushing is what NOT to do? Thanks!!

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

RAV4

Looking for a Used RAV4 in your area?

CarGurus has 2,089 nationwide RAV4 listings starting at $3,888.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Toyota RAV4 Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    CHARLES DEFAZIO
    Reputation
    4,850
  • #2
    Evie Hunt
    Reputation
    4,260
  • #3
    kathymay22
    Reputation
    3,370
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda CR-V
99 Great Deals out of 3,843 listings starting at $1,795
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $2,212
Used Toyota 4Runner
12 Great Deals out of 309 listings starting at $9,700
Used Toyota Tacoma
57 Great Deals out of 1,080 listings starting at $8,708
Used Toyota Corolla
122 Great Deals out of 1,994 listings starting at $2,795
Used Honda Accord
43 Great Deals out of 907 listings starting at $1,599
Used Honda Civic
176 Great Deals out of 3,690 listings starting at $1,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.