What could cause a Toyota 4 runner to hesitate when going into drive?

Answer by  BillyBlue (202)

Many automatic vehicles have this problem when automatic transmission fluid gets dirty or levels become too low, or the transmission fluid filter becomes clogged. When the vehicle is shifted into drive and the automatic transmission system begins building necessary pressure levels for operation, the slow moving fluid in the system causes hesitation.

Answer by  Allstar (2071)

Every automatic I've driven has done something like that, but you might try checking the transmission fluid to see if you need to add any or change it. They usually just take a second to shift out of park.

Answer by  mdjames26 (533)

It is quite possible that you have a transmission problem. The transmission has a series of gears with different size "teeth" that will engage or disengage depending on what gear you are in and whether or not the car is changing speeds. Sometimes the teeth on the gears wear down from use, you may have worn down the gears.

Answer by  sdsauble (5)

A Toyota 4 runner could hesitate when going into drive because it takes the vehicle time to for the transmission to catch. It is almost like a clutch car trying to shift gears. The reason for this is so that there is not much stress on the vehicle when switching between drive and reverse.

Answer by  sdf51677huskiesbloomuedu (41)

You need to make sure that when you put the car into drive the car is fully stopped. If you are careless it could hesitate.

Answer by  RCishollywood (190)

well like any car it sounds like it's your transmition. It cause also be a sign of a timeing about to slip if you have one.

Answer by  worker2746 (2434)

A hesitation in the shifting of a vehicle often means that the transmission is beginning to slip. Make sure there is no grinding noise during it - as this can be a real problem. It will often only do this in one or two gears at first, and then affect the entire transmission. Take it to your mechanic quickly.

Answer by  anees (21)

You need to make sure that when you put the car into drive the car is fully stopped. If you are careless it could hesitate.

Answer by  wwgt (7)

the Toyota, may be objecting to the direction he is heading in.