Automatic transmission fault diagnosis [Toyota RAV4 XA20]

Note: Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission design, diagnostics and repair are difficult for the car enthusiast. If any problems other than those listed below arise, the vehicle should be taken to a dealership service center or a specialized workshop.

Liquid leak

• The automatic transmission fluid of the vehicles described is dark red in color. Leaks of such fluid are difficult to confuse with leaks of engine oil, which can be blown onto the automatic transmission housing by an air flow.
• To determine the cause of the leak, first remove any dirt build-up from the automatic transmission housing using cleaning agents and/or steam cleaning. Then drive the car at low speed for a while to make the streaks appear again. Raise the vehicle and determine the source of the leak. Most often it flows from:
• Pallet (chapters 1A or 1B and 7B).
• Dipstick tubes (chapters1A or 1B and 7B).
• Automatic transmission oil lines (chapter 7B).
• Speed sensor (chapter 7B).
• Drive shaft seals (chapter 7B).

The transmission fluid is brown or smells burnt

• The automatic transmission was overheated, the fluid was burnt (chapter 1A or 1B).

Common problems with the gear selector mechanism

• In Chapter 7B a description of how to check and adjust the automatic transmission selector mechanism is provided. Typically, problems with a poorly adjusted mechanism include the following:
• The engine can be started in selector lever positions other than Park and Neutral.
• The indicator shows a gear or mode different from the one actually engaged.
• The car can be moved when the selector is in the Park position.
• Adjustment of the selector cable is described in chapter 7B.

When the accelerator pedal is pressed to the floor, the transmission does not downshift (the kick-down mode does not work)

• Automatic transmission - electronically controlled. Consideration of the above problem, which is caused by a malfunction of the control unit, sensor, solenoid (electromagnetic valve) or the control chain itself, is beyond the scope of this Guide. If such a problem occurs, the car should be taken to a dealership service center or a specialized workshop.

The engine does not start in any of the selector positions or starts in positions other than Park and Neutral

• Malfunction of the range switch (TR) of the automatic transmission (chapter 7B).

Slippage of friction components, hard shifting, noise in the gearbox or lack of torque transmission in forward and reverse gears

(The publication is taken from the website toyotaman.ru)

• There are many possible causes for the above mentioned malfunctions, but the car owner has the ability to eliminate only one of them - the transmission fluid level. Before taking your vehicle to a dealership or a specialized workshop, check the fluid level and condition as described in Chapter 1A or 1B. Bring the fluid level up to normal or, if necessary, replace the fluid and filter. If the problem persists, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics using professional equipment.