Jim Grant's Tech Tips

‘88 Toyota Pick-up, Automatic Transmission Problem
Q: My ‘88 Toyota Pickup’s automatic transmission slips when I take off from a dead stop sometimes, but not all the time. Could this be fixed with a transmission flush or adjustment, or are we talking a new transmission?. Also are rebuilt transmissions as good as new? Or is it better to go with new for longevity....Thanks Mark

A: Did you check the level and condition of the automatic transmission oil? I trust that if the oil level was down you corrected it. In all practicality the only window one has to determine transmission oil condition is at the dip stick. The eyes and nose are the tools one uses. The transmission oil should be pink to a light shade of brown in color and have a strong petroleum smell. If the transmission oil looks more like used motor oil or smells like a burnt greasy grilled cheese sandwich, then the transmission is in need of service. It is important to realize that servicing (replacing the filter and/or flushing the oil) a transmission will not correct or repair internal transmission damage. If the oil is bad all you can do is service the transmission and hope for the best. In the event you do have to replace the transmission the cost of a new one, if it can be acquired, will easily exceed the market value of your vehicle. A rebuilt transmission is pushing it as well. But, if you insist on ‘like new’ factory parts then check with Toyota. They have a factory rebuilt transmission program. We’ve installed their transmissions and have good luck with them.