What are the possible causes of gear shift and power transmission issues in an '06 Highlander?

90

Asked by sadhighlander Oct 14, 2012 at 08:57 AM about the 2006 Toyota Highlander Base AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The major problem is that the gear does not shift from 1 to 2 for an abnormally long time and after much whining from the engine gets up to 3000rpm. In addition, when you depress the throttle sharply when in motion, rather than the normal lurch forward of the vehicle, the engine screams at you and no power is transferred to the vehicle - it is as though I were depressing the clutch and throttle at the same time in a manual transmission vehicle. I just had the transmission fluid changed when I noticed this first, with a Dexron IIID variant, but the problem persists. Any helpful suggestions out there for me?

11 Answers

935

Since you had the tramnsmission fluid changed I'm guessing the oil level is OK. The transmission filter should have been changed when they replaced it. If not they failed big time! Could be clogged. If their was a lot of mesh in oil when they changed it, could be a worn clutch pack. In this case... it's BAD. If oil look good, it could be bad solenoid / bodyvalves, etc... In both case it might be expensive. I'm guessing you have over 120000 miles.

4 people found this helpful.
90

Thanks Francis. The filter was not changed when the fluid was and yes, the car has over 120,000miles. I had the error code read P0746 and I was told that a solenoid SL1 was having problems. But the transmission fluid was really black and I have been told that there is every possibility that the fibres within the transmission are also gone and I have been asked to have the whole transmission system changed!!! Not a ride in the financial park, if you know what I mean. Another alternative being suggested to me is to have the solenodi replaced, but between not being able to secure a new solenoid and issues with competent personnel to carry out the change, I am still undecided on what to do. The ATF is supposed to have been T-IV, and someone thinks that changing just that might solve some of the problems... I wonder. Whatdo you think?

9 people found this helpful.
70

I have a 2004 Toyota high lander and the rear middle part is leaking oil or gear oil what can it be and what kind of gear oil can I use to fix it

7 people found this helpful.
80

Tha gear is shit one two and three parfct time but is there fourth gear not change every time is there change an time or any time not change.

8 people found this helpful.

Not sure I should post this here but it is still along the same lines an problems I am having. How would the car react if the TCM was bad? I just changed the fluid an filter it ran great right afterwards roughly 80 miles then was giving some hickups then it would not go fwd but would go in reverse. If I need to post else where please let me know I am just in need to get this thing going again quickly. Thank u all.

130

I have a 2016 Highlander, I always have it serviced on a regular basis neve had an issue before. Anyway last night as I was driving home I suddenly couldn't feel any traction when I accelerate and none of the gears are working not even the reverse gear

13 people found this helpful.
90

Hi I am stuck on the side of the road with my 02 Toyota Highlander limited when I try to accelerate my car won’t move. I can mover my shifter into all gears can any tell me what’s wrong or do I need to call a tow truck

9 people found this helpful.
60

The transmission filter is plugged up and need to be replaced. The OEM filters are flat screen metal mesh type filter and It can be cleaned by the mechanic but it's hard to get all the junk out. It's better to replace it. In my opinion, it's better to replace it with fiber type aftermarket filter that gives you a multilayer filtration effect that won't get clogged up immediately after you just cleaned or replaced the filter. I have replaced the filter several times myself on 2002 HL. I'm sticking with an aftermarket. Please don't use Fram brand if you are doing it.

6 people found this helpful.
20

Hi my 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid gear shifting panel is hard to move to parking and will take like few minutes to hook after going back and forth. Anyone with ideas or have experienced this .

2 people found this helpful.
20

I have the same issue with my 02 highlander won’t shift it has no codes any help

2 people found this helpful.

any solutions to the no shift? was it all the filter issues? with going into gear but no movement? same issue right now any help be great thanks

Your Answer:

Highlander

Looking for a Used Highlander in your area?

CarGurus has 737 nationwide Highlander listings starting at $2,495.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Wendy Tucker
    Reputation
    6,460
  • #2
    Stillsearching
    Reputation
    3,680
  • #3
    SIdd
    Reputation
    3,100
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Pilot
45 Great Deals out of 1,256 listings starting at $4,495
Used Toyota RAV4
100 Great Deals out of 2,089 listings starting at $3,888
Used Toyota 4Runner
12 Great Deals out of 309 listings starting at $9,700
Used Toyota Highlander Hybrid
14 Great Deals out of 263 listings starting at $8,995
Used Lexus RX
38 Great Deals out of 858 listings starting at $3,995
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 Sequoia
4 Great Deals out of 72 listings starting at $16,489
Used Toyota Sienna
35 Great Deals out of 744 listings starting at $4,200
Used Acura MDX
37 Great Deals out of 756 listings starting at $6,495
Used Toyota Tacoma
57 Great Deals out of 1,080 listings starting at $8,708
Used Ford Explorer
87 Great Deals out of 2,048 listings starting at $2,999
Used Lexus GX
4 Great Deals out of 54 listings starting at $13,800
Used Toyota Tundra
34 Great Deals out of 1,190 listings starting at $8,500

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.