Toyota Repair: automatic transmission, metal particles, auto mechanic


Question
QUESTION: Drove my truck after work and it would only go 20 mph. There was no problems before that. And it goes the same in 2nd and L gear. I took it to auto mechanic and he took off the transmission pan and there was some metal on the bottom of it. He said there was no use flushing it or changing the filter. It needed to be rebuilt. Is this true or could it be something else?

1991 toyota pickup
22RE engine
A43D transmission
129,000 miles

ANSWER: The metal particles can be a problem and cause the shifting valves in the valve body to stick, some metal particles are normal if the pan has not been removed and cleaned in a long time so my answer would depend on how much material was actually in there. Before I would spend a few thousand dollars on a rebuilt transmission i would try to clean out the oil pan and then flush the enture transmission,if it doesn't work your only out about $100.00 but if it does you saved a lot of money.
A word of caution, if the transmission turns out to be the problem don't let anyone talk you into rebuilding your transmission, (invitation to disaster) replace it with a rebuilt exchange unit that comes with a warranty.    

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes I bought it at 86,000 miles and have never changed the transmission fluid. So before that who knows if it's ever been changed. There was metal particles in the pan, probably normal for that. Should I change the transmission filter before flushing it? And can I flush it myself? Add any additives to the transmission fluid? Thank you.

Answer
To do the transflush yourself you would have to get a large drain pan, then remove one of the hoses from the transmission cooler on the bottom of the radiator and let the fluid drain in the pan whith the engine running, at the same add fluid into the dipstick, at least 8 quarts until the fluid coming out looks clean, it's kind of messy but it can be done this way.