Last weekend, I noticed a ‘slip’ in the transmission of my 1996 4Runner 4WD. It occurred only once, so I wasn’t sure whether or not I was imagining it.
Yesterday, I as I was driving between 40 and 50 mph, it slipped again, but this time it was more pronounced, so I know I didn’t imagine it. The slip occurs if I’m driving at speeds over 40mph, then coast, then accelerate again. It seemed worse this morning.
I tried to check the tranny fluid, but it’s a little difficult with this particular vehicle. After fighting with the dipstick, I think it might be a little low, although I’ve not noticed any leaks.
Here are my questions to all you mechanically inclined Dopers:
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Should I just recheck it for accuracy, and then add fluid if it’s low and not worry about any hidden problems?
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If it’s low, do you think there’s an underlying transmission problem that is the cause?
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There have been no warnings or lights, so, I’m not convinced the problem stems from low fluid. Besides low fluid, what other problems could be the cause of the slip?
Any ideas are appreciated.
I’ll take it to my mechanic on Monday, when he comes back into town from a funeral.