Shocks in the Land Cruiser 100 automatic transmission: causes and solutions

From 1998 to 2007, Toyota produced the tenth generation of the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, which received the individual index J100. In 2002 and 2005, this line underwent a planned restyling, which significantly increased the arsenal of power units of this model range. So, as a transmission, these SUVs were equipped with 4 and 5-speed automatic transmissions running on oil with factory specifications. Accordingly, in this article we will talk about the oil in the Toyota Land Cruiser 100 automatic transmission, its approvals and analogues.

Automatic transmission oils for Toyota Land Cruiser J100

About approvals
The tenth generation of Toyota Land Cruiser J100 SUVs has at its disposal:

• 4-speed automatic transmission A343F
• 5-speed automatic A750F

In this case, depending on the modification of the automatic transmission, it is necessary to fill these automatic transmissions with oil approved for ATF Type T-IV or ATF Type WS.

Problems with automatic transmission on TLK100

Some modifications of the TLC100 are equipped with an automatic transmission, which, due to its manufacturability, requires timely service and careful operation.

To avoid automatic transmission malfunctions and extend its life, you must adhere to the following usage standards:

• regular oil changes during service;
• at sub-zero temperatures, it is recommended to pre-warm the box before driving;
• timely maintenance;
• When driving off-road and in icy conditions, try not to overload the box with excessive wheel slip.

If the slightest signs of malfunction appear, transmission diagnostics are recommended.

Toyota Land Cruiser 100 oil in automatic A343F (4 gears)

The Aisin Warner A343F hydromechanical 4-speed automatic transmission was installed on the Toyota Land Cruiser 100 from 1998 to 2005, working in tandem with gasoline and diesel engines of 4.2 and 4.7 liters. As for the transmission fluid, the Japanese automaker recommends filling this automatic transmission with oil with ATF Type T-IV approval, which is available in both the original Toyota ATF Type T-IV transmission fluid and its analogues Kixx ATF Multi, Motul Multi ATF.

Shocks in the transmission of 100s: reasons

The most common cause of automatic transmission failure in Toyota is an aggressive driving style. This is manifested by sharp acceleration of the car with slipping, engine operation at high speeds and sharp braking.

Unit components fail when the jeep is towed improperly due to overheating of the hydraulic system. Failures in the transmission are also caused by shocks from the automatic transmission during long descents/ascents of the Land Cruiser 100 and off-road driving.

With a high mileage of an SUV, the satellites and friction discs of the gearbox wear out, and gaskets and seals leak oil due to loss of elasticity. The valve body gradually becomes clogged with particles of worn gears, which reduces the productivity of the box.

With prolonged use of the TLC100, breakdowns of the oil pump, which is responsible for pressure in the hydraulic system, and wear of the differential and shaft bearings are possible.

Transmission oil, automatic transmission Land Cruiser 100 A750F (5 gears)

After restyling in 2002 and 2005, the Toyota Land Cruiser J100 line of SUVs was equipped with a 5-speed hydromechanical automatic transmission Aisin Warner A750F, running on transmission fluid with a new ATF Type WS approval. Accordingly, we can recommend purchasing both original Toyota Type WS oil and analog transmission fluids Neste ATF Multi, Total Fluidmatic LV MV.

Automatic transmission diagnostics Toyota Land Cruiser 100

The owner may suspect a problem with the transmission based on the following signs:

• speed switching occurs with a delay;
• during the operation of the box, the driver feels shocks;
• automatic transmission knocks when the selector is switched to Drive mode;
• hard gear shifting of automatic transmission Land Cruiser 100;
• the car does not accelerate when driving due to clutch slipping;
• transition of the checkpoint to emergency mode;
• An error code appeared on the dashboard indicating a fault in the transmission system.

Some owners check the wear of the gearbox by performing a stall test on the automatic transmission. For Toyota Land Cruiser 100, it is not advisable to perform this procedure yourself, because Even a car mechanic can damage a car during testing.

The stall test is carried out on a completely braked SUV (it is recommended to additionally secure the wheels with stops) with the engine running and operating at maximum speed. To prevent injuries, it is necessary to ensure that there are no people behind or in front of the car.

During testing, the drive wheels are blocked and the maximum engine speed (stall speed) is measured in all gearbox positions except N- and P-mode. The obtained test indicators are compared with the reference data of the manufacturer. Based on the comparison results, transmission faults are identified.

To assess the technical condition of the gearbox, it is better to contact a car repair shop equipped with diagnostic equipment.

Automatic transmission repair Toyota Land Cruiser 100/200

Car: Toyota Highlander 3.5 , automatic transmission repair: U660E . Problem: Emergency mode, car does not move .

Previously, the client carried out an oil change at a third-party service center, in the hope that the transmission would come back to life. But the malfunction was already serious at that time, so one “Not a wonderful day” the car stopped on the highway. We sent our free tow truck, brought the car to the service center, and did diagnostics: errors in absolutely all gears (incorrect gear ratio), as well as in solenoids. We started removing the automatic transmission.

When disassembling the gearbox, a client was present who said that it started kicking six months ago, but hoped that this was an adaptation or “glitches” of the firmware. The condition of the oil was very bad, burnt, a lot of shavings, and there were pieces of metal in the pan. During troubleshooting, we realized that it would not be possible to get away with a slight fright.

The mechanical part was very badly damaged, the planetary mechanisms (a sore spot), the sun gears, of course the pistons and friction discs burned out, there was play in the bearing in the housing. The torque converter lock also shattered.

In general, the U660E box is quite difficult to repair (it’s not for nothing that they call it “U666”, but why is that so? Because it does not tolerate even the slightest “mistake”, and the assembly worker who works on it must, in fact, be a jeweler, otherwise any error - the transmission will burn out again, and even worse than the first time. Really serious jewelry work lay ahead, since the iron was subject to wear:

• front planetary gear,
• hub, sun gears,
• clutches, pistons, steel discs.
• the HYDRAULIC UNIT was replaced !

Let’s face it, we only replace the hydraulic unit with a new one in extreme cases. But this case is exactly like that, since the car was used for a long time with kicks and slipping. Absolutely all the solenoids were faulty (this is the first time in our practice), and the KINERGO stand could not solve the problem, since standard cleaning and spot repairs were unavoidable.

The cost of a set of solenoids and repair of the hydraulic unit using the SONNAX method exceeded the price of a new unit. We agreed on further actions with the client, and after his consent we began work. In addition to replacing spare parts, we repaired the torque converter and also restored the housing (the sore spot of all AISIN U series transmissions).

Such repairs are an exception to the rule, because as practice shows, in our country drivers are quite suspicious and do not allow such advanced cases. And this is nice, because at an early stage it is always easier and cheaper to repair a valve body or replace a faulty solenoid than to carry out a major overhaul of a Toyota automatic transmission six months later.

The warranty on our work is 1.5 years.

Automatic transmission repair TLK 100

The gearbox is a complex unit in design, so repair of faults in the automatic transmission hydraulics of the Land Cruiser 100 jeep must be carried out in a trusted car service center equipped with modern diagnostic and repair equipment.

Computer testing of the box will reveal the reasons for its malfunction. To diagnose and detect error information, the equipment is connected to the SUV connector. After deciphering the information, the auto mechanic determines which elements require repair.

After diagnostics, the gearbox is removed from the car and partially disassembled. The technician fills out a defect report and offers the car owner options for eliminating the breakdown.

Partial repairs usually do not take much time. In case of overhaul, the driver will have to pay a significant amount, since the procedure requires replacing the main hydraulic elements.

Transmission overhaul occurs in several stages:

• dismantling and disassembling the box;
• repair of hydraulic unit and hydraulic cylinder;
• replacement of faulty elements and subsequent adjustment;
• adding oil and replacing the filter;
• change of consumables;
• differential restoration procedure.

After repair, the transmission is tested in various modes.

Automatic transmission replacement

During the diagnostic process, significant problems in the operation of the gearbox may be identified, requiring a complete replacement of the transmission unit. In such a situation, the auto mechanic will offer the choice of installing a new automatic transmission, installing a contract spare part, or installing a unit removed from a damaged vehicle.

The new automatic transmission on TLC has a cost that can shock even wealthy car owners. Along with the engine, the gearbox makes up the lion's share of the overall price of the SUV. If the driver is not bothered by the price, then this option is the most preferable among the others.

The second option has a significant difference in price, so Toyota owners often choose a refurbished box with a warranty from a car service center for replacement.

In a rebuilt automatic transmission, all faulty elements are replaced. They install new rubber bands and seals, change solenoids, seals, gaskets and filter. Fresh oil is poured into the box and, if necessary, the hydraulic system elements are repaired. Having completed the repair of the Toyota Land Cruiser 100 automatic transmission, the unit is thoroughly cleaned and washed.