Landcuiser Auto - Feels Like Its Going To Stall / Shuddering

[Wiggly Critter]

Hi Guys

First off my mechanical knowledge is zero ( well maybe 0.1 ) !!

I am asking for help here before I go to garages for a fix as I am very unsure about the quality of advice I have been given previously with regard to mechanical problems I have had.

The problem is only noticeable when stopped at lights / junction. When sitting still in Drive with foot on brake the car shudders and feel like it may stall.

The easiest way I can descibe it is if it was a manual car and you had lifted your foot to far off the clutch whilst still pressing on the foot brake you would get the feeling the car was going to stall and you could fix it by pressing down the clutch again.

If I put the car in neutral the shudder stops - put it back in Drive it starts again.

Doesnt happen all the time in fact it happens only about 10% of the time.

Any ideas or suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Wiz201]

Found this for you, honest John mentions the shuddering problem

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/land-cruiser-2003/?section=good

[amazonpete]

Now then, i have a similar problem on my 2001 Amazon VX 4.2 TD.

Every now and then, when i am approaching a stop, it feels like it is momentarily stuck in gear and is going to stall, but at the last minute, as i come to a standstill, it automatically goes into, what i assume is 'standby' and is waiting for me to accelerate.

I dont have to move the gear selector at all and this is an intermittent problem. For example, it hasnt done it for a few months, but today on a trip to the supermarket it did it twice on the way there, but drove perfect on the way home, probably a 12 mile round trip.

I was thinking of having a gearbox service and see if this reveals any problems. Thoughts???

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Pete.

[amazonpete]

I will post this as a separate thread.

Very interesting visit to an auto gearbox specialist yesterday who is very familiar with LC gearboxes and mine is suffering from 'Torque Converter Lock-up'

Apparently, Amazons are prone for throwing torque converters, and any type of shuddering will always point to the torque converter in some way, shape or form....

However, all hope is not lost....well, not in my case anyway.

Anyway, after checking the oil on the gearbox dipstick because another fault which will give the same symptoms is water leaking into the gearbox, so first job for anyone reading this is to check the dipstick and see if the oil is a bit 'milky' If it is, bad news, and you will need a new gearbox.

If it isnt milky and the oil looks clean enough, then you can add an additive called 'Shudder Fix' I know i know, i thought it was a joke at first and he was winding me up, but i have the little empty tube here as proof and will email a pic to anyone who wants to see it. Basically, its an American product and provides an instant solution to all shuddering problems with an auto box. He sells tubes and tubes of the stuff to Vauxhall on a regular basis as the Vectras all suffer from a similar problem. After reading the tube its basically a synthetic compound which will make your TC less 'sticky' and less prone to sticking/shuddering.

It will prolong the life of the TC and will make it even less intermittent and he has said that it WILL solve the problem for now.

Well, ive added it and will keep you updated as to when the next 'shudder' occurs, if indeed it will at all. and at £15.00 its well worth having a punt isnt it?

I will post this as a seperate thread just in case anyone else is suffering the dreaded suffering problem.

Feel free to email me with any questions....

Pete.

[salmonfisher]

Do you know anyone out there that fitted a Koolertron head unit in landcruiser?? 2008 model. Any good?

Sent from my iPhone using Toyota OC

[AdrianLC5]

Hmm., very interesting "shudder thread". I've ordered the said Shudder fix. Do I simply put this in the ATF filler? Which is where? Yes, I know, but I haven't had the car that long. 2009 Invincible. Thanks in advance!

[AdrianLC5]

Found it! No problem (I hope)

[AyeupIQ]

I have a 2007 LC4 Auto. When cold and whilst stationery when I select 'D' the car shudders slip it into 'N' it goes..... okay when hot after about 10 miles. The outcome thanks to Toyota is that the Engine Mounts are faulty and need to be changed.. Car booked in for replacements next week and will keep you posted...... I have total confidence with Pinstones Toyota in Stoke on Trent but will keep you posted as they are quite expensive to replace

[AdrianLC5]

Hmm., keep us informed please!

[AyeupIQ]

Quick update. My Landcruiser has now had 2 new engine mounts fitted by Pinkstones Toyota and I am pleased to say the shuddering has not gone. The car now feeling a lot smoother and drives like new. A little disappointed at the cost £699 inc vat - but, I can once again enjoy the car again knowing it has been repaired to Toyota high standards. Hope this helps others with the same problem.