Saga Of The Rav4 Gearbox Continued

[chubbles]

My 2001 Rav4 NRG appears to have lost top gear, its as if it go's into kickdown, instead of going up a gear. Can anyone give me any ideas as to what to do - what too look for? It has been suggested that a change of transmission fluid might help (the car done around 126,000 miles) I'm wondering if there is a linkeage that come adrift or has lost adjustment. It puzzles me as it happened so suddenly, all other gears/speeds work as normal. Another tack is the loss of central locking - one minute it worked - next minute it did'nt, is there a fuse anywhere that might have blown, the imobiliser works okay. I all else fails can anyone recommend a auto gearbox specialist here in Northern Ireland?

[Big Kev]

Did you have the auto box ECU fix done already, George.....?

[CharlieFarlie]

Most auto gearbox problems are related to the ECUs that control them.. This would be a good point to start.....

[chubbles]

To answer Big Kev - Yes I did send the ECU off - nowt wrong with it, Anchorman asks the same question.

[chubbles]

Ooops - sorry I meant Charliefarlie

[chubbles]

My Rav is still not sorted, I just dont know what to do for the best. Should I chance a change of transmission fluid, would a diagnostics check help? If I decided to fit another auto box am I tied to 2001 or would a later model gearbox fit, the car is too good to scrap and £3000 or so for a new gearbox is a bit too much. I know that used gearboxes are like hens teeth! Can anybody help with ideas as to where to go/what to do next? I feel I cant chance travelling too far with the loss of top gear (which feels as if it is in 'kickdown' mode) Any ideas, suggestions please - anyone.

[Parts-King]

Where did you send the ECU to? The gearbox itself is pretty bullet proof, the ECU on the other hand is the weak point..................

Kingo

[chubbles]

In reply to Kingo Thumbsup,

I sent my ECU to Heanor, they found nothing wrong. The problem I have totally different to ever other Rav4 from 2001 to 2003, mine runs through the gears from 1st to 4th okay, but when it reaches 4th it seems to go into to 'kickdown' revs its nuts off! Reverse, etc all work fine, no jerks, no snatches, it is odd that the problem appeared overnight almost. It has been suggested a change of transmission fluid might work, the car has done 123,859 miles - not sure if it is the original fluid though. Would a diagnostics check reveal anything do you reckon? Thanks for your input.