TRANSMISSION SENSOR UNIT...??

I just need a little insight to this TW peeps. On here reading all the time but don't post a lot unless i need advice. A little backstory, got in my truck today, started up fine and check engine light came on...Hmmm whats up I thought. Went to put it in drive and it was stiff from P-R-N-D and I noticed the blue light didn't come on in D. It was in drive just no light, so drove to the store, got back in started up hoping everything fixed itself whilst I was gone (just sarcasm) same stuff, stiff thru the gears and no blue light but drove fine.

Figures I"d stop at Advanced Auto for a free diagnostic for the check engine light and it showed Transmission Sensor Unit- Level of severity 2 out of 3. He said its a dealer specific item/problem. So my question is anybody familiar with this problem and what might the severity level be on my wallet. I do not do my own wrenching...

Thanks in advance!

 

What was the code?

 

Too be honest I didn't see a code number. I was focused on tranny sensor and severity level which was on his screen...

 

I see your in PA. Guessing they been getting snow, using salt/brine? If so get under body flush, and get under there and lube linkage cables. There has been others with this problem before. You may not need sensor, just crud.

 

Possible I guess but why do all the gear indicator lights work except D...? Oh another thing I found out, the S does not light and I can not change the gear selection, sorta stays in the 4 (default gear?) can't go up or down with the selector.

 

Thank You! It seems thats all that was needed, appreciate the advice very much. Check Engine light went off and shifts like new thru the gear range! Much more of a story to go along with the fix but I hate to type. Thanks again.

 

It really does others a service for those asking advice to come back and provide details on exactly what they found and what they did to fix it. Hope you reconsider and provide the details.

 

With snow and slush inches thick under the truck when driving in the winter I know what happened. You don't see that in the South.

 

Well, ok here goes. Took my diagnostic print outs to dealer. Went to parts dept to see if it was in stock and they had one, he put my name on it. Went out to service dept to possibly schedule and was told they could get me in today but not right away, if I could leave the truck they would have it back by 3:30. The price for the OEM part on line was 98-138.00 depending on dealer I guess, if I bought one to instal myself it was 70.00, Online labor rates to replace were 1.4-1.6 hrs. My dealer quoted me 192.00 for sensor and 229.00 labor (1.7 hrs) I said well since you can do it today, ok.

Left the truck and had the misses pick me up and went to breakfast. Didn't even get our food yet, not even 30 min later got a call from dealer. "Sorry sir but its going to cost more than we thought" Almost 1,100.00!
I ask why? Well he said, we have to drop your exhaust and move your tranny cooler line. I was a little jacked and told him NOPE, I'll pick it up in a bit when I'm finished with breakfast.

When I got there I told him that I'm pissed. I said I'm not a super intelligent guy but I know BS when its presented. Proceeded with my case and stated that I read labor rates and they varied from 1.4- 1.6hrs, you quoted me 1.7. I said this is why I"m very skeptical of this dealership, you put my vin # in your little Toyota computer, the truck has been out for over 7 yrs (Gen 3) and I'm certain this is not the first sensor to go bad. Just maybe Toyota would update their system as not to surprise people. Did you think that since you had my truck that i would just ok the extra parts and labor? Then I told him that this is why you guys are labeled "stealerships" bah,bah,bah, childish I know but I was still chapped.

Got the keys and went off to the lot to get my truck. Got in started it up and no check engine light, hmm, put it in gear, smooth as butter, blue D came on,hmm. shifted to S mode and ran up and the selector1-6, hmm.
Went for a MTB ride, truck sat for 2.5 hrs. got in and no check engine light, gear shift was smooth as butter. I thought OK I wanted it to fix itself but somethings going on. Took it to my mechanic, fortunately open today.
he knows but I revisited the fact that is not garage kept and gets used 3-4 times a week. He stated that it just might be crud or a bit of corrosion and not necessarily the sensor gone bad. He had the time to peak and sure enough the tech at the dealership sprayed and cleaned all around to see what was needed I guess and inadvertently took care of my problem. My guy went ahead and cleaned good and lubricated linkage and it works flawless.

IDK, I guess be careful with dealerships, do a little research on stuff but take what ya read with a grain of salt. Lotsa misinformation out there to. Needless to say I'm done with that place. It's a shame to, only 10 min from home.

 

Live in Pgh area and we have not had much of a winter yet but I get it. Years of splash up and slush build up. I should be ok for another 7 yrs.

 

That's great... Happy it all worked out.

That's great. Happy that it all worked out...