Toyota Prado Gearbox & Transmission Problems

The first thing to check is the level of the transmission fluid. If this is incorrect, it can cause all sorts of drive and shifting problems. Also, how long since this vehicle had its automatic transmission serviced? We tend to forget that these hard working components benefit from a periodic change of filter and fluid and a general check-up to make sure there’s nothing that needs adjusting inside the gearbox.

The reason the transmission begins to feel better after it’s warmed up is possibly to do with the temperature of the fluid and the friction surfaces inside the transmission. When the gearbox and fluid are cold, the fluid is thicker (and harder to pump) and can’t lubricate or operate the transmission as effectively. Even so, the gearbox should not shift harshly even when it’s cold. When it does, it’s trying to tell you something.

The clue here is that the problem started after the repairs were made post-crash. It sounds awfully like some of the turbocharger's plumbing has been damaged/gone missing after the crash. If so – and it only takes a minute crack in the piping – the engine can lose turbo-boost, which will produce the precise symptoms you've noted.

While the turbocharger itself will be working fine, the boost it produces is being allowed to escape into the atmosphere instead of being pumped into the engine to produce more power. That's why it sounds noisy, and also why it's not delivering the performance you're expecting.

Toyota Australia spokesman, Steve Coughlan replies: “From our records, Brighton Toyota has reported a very light vibration at speed consistent with when the torque convertor lock-up clutch engages. To fully understand the issue we will arrange for one of our Technical Field Managers to contact Mr Jeffrey and assess the vehicle. A member of the team will contact him to set up a meeting”.

It doesn't. It's probably good insurance to fit a cooler when you're towing its maximum rated load for extended periods. But you also need to consider the sort of roads you are using and your driving style. If you're on highways and not going off-road, and you change down manually when you want to climb a hill you probably don't need it.

Your experience is not uncommon. We had a number of reports from Hilux owners in the year of so after the ute was launched, but we thought the reprogramming of the computer had fixed the issue. Perhaps it hasn't. Talk to your Toyota dealer, and also get the advice of an auto transmission expert about fitting an external oil cooler. If you plan to travel over hilly terrain on your next trip it  would be a good idea to fit an extra cooler.

I would have the transmission serviced, particularly as you obviously do a lot of towing as relatively heavy loads. And like you I would expect the bonnet struts could be re-gassed if they are a problem. Dealers normally go for the most efficient option for them and replacing them with new components out of their parts department is much faster and cheaper than sending the struts out for re-gassing and waiting for them to come back to be refitted. That all takes time and costs the dealer time, money and efficiency in his workshop. And don't expect the dealer to use aftermarket parts when he can make more money out of selling you some nice, shiny, new factory parts.

The dealer is incompetent, and lazy. Contact Toyota’s customer assistance people and report your experience, with the car, and with the dealer, as they need to be hauled over the coals. There is something wrong with your car and, you’re right, it needs to be fixed. If the dealer and Toyota say it can’t be fixed, which I seriously doubt they will, park it on the dealer’s forecourt and ask for your money back.

The gearbox is sealed in production and it's not meant to be serviced for "life", but what "life" means is anybody's guess. Oil is the lifeblood of an auto transmission and Andrew of AW Automatics is of the old school, which advocates changing the oil every 20,000 km, particularly if the car is being used for towing. On that basis you would be well advised to have it changed.

Both suggestions are good ones, particularly if you do a lot of towing. The external cooler will keep the temperatures under control and regular fluid changes will ensure you always have fresh fluid in the transmission.

There is nothing to suggest there is a problem with the Triton, but it’s worth checking the owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with any recommendations Mitsubishi makes about towing with the Triton. That way you will minimize the risks of having a problem.