Purchased the truck used, checked fluid color, test drove it thoroughly, there were ZERO indicators that anything was wrong.. 500 miles later it becomes un-driveable in limp mode throws 3 transmission codes and we are told its basically too hard to find parts and were better of replacing it. Either needed 2 solenoids and a new torque converter or we get a different transmission. The worst part is there was no indicators, and we even checked everything. Very frustrating and the dealership is only paying part of it.

I've noticed that when I come to a stop the trans would stumble when it down shifts. i went to check the trans fluid but there is no dip stick to check the fluid. i took it to a friend at a local transmission shop and he told me that it would have to be checked by a dealer or he could check the (color) of the fluid for me. he checked it for me and it was BLACK he told me since it was still under warranty (100000miles) to take it to the dealer and have them change the fluid. i took it to Mcgeorge toyota in richmond va. and they told me that my trans was a sealed unit and the fluid can't be changed and if i wanted to have them to check out the problem it would cost a lot of money. i told them no that i would back with them. with that i looked it up and toyota says to change the fluid at 100000 miles. how can i change the fluid if it is a "sealed" unit . and toyota has issued a TSB in 07 on how to change the fluid. i would like to change the fluid before my warranty runs out. black trans fluid is not good. please help thank you.