Transmission and alternator

[Denton Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Denton]

Hello,

Seems like a coincidence that I had my alternator go out and then drove home about an hour to get back to my mechanic. On the drive I noticed some jerking as the car downshifted at stop lights (rolling to stop). After fixing the alternator everything was fine including the transmission until...

Once the car was warmed up, it wouldn't go into 5th gear. I also noticed a clunk from N to D. I took to the mechanic and the oil had a burnt smell. Mechanic flushed a couple of times and the issue improved slightly but not good. Mechanic called a transmission guy and he said it was cactus (also not related to alternator).

I checked with a previous mechanic for advice and he said that it's a strange coincidence that the transmission went out right when the alternator went out.

2009 Prado GXL, diesel with about 265kms, Auto.

Does it sound like my transmission is cactus or is there some computer thing going on to make it work weird. Also, a check engine light was on and there was an error about a pressure solenoid (can get details).

Thanks, in advance, for any assistance.

[Denton Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Denton]

Update: I spoke to a transmission place that was recommended by Toyota (Gilroy Transmissions, Toowoomba) and they thought the trouble could be related to a computer going out. they were going to check with someone who is more knowledgeable and get back to me. Still waiting. Does it seem possible that a computer glitch/failure would cause the transmission to stop working correctly?

[Denton Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Denton]

UPDATE (again): I have further information regarding my transmission. I am the culprit of it's demise.

When my alternator went out, I drove the Prado about 100km. As the battery was draining, there were a bunch of systems going out (warning lights for ABS, air bag, etc, turn indicators stopped working and interior lights no longer lit up). Frankly, I was surprised it was still sending sparks to the plugs. I later learned that the electronic, auto transmission essentially burnt itself out by no longer being able to control pressure solenoids and the computer for the transmission is probably also fried. Damage to be assessed in the coming weeks.

Moral: Just because you can drive the vehicle doesn't mean you should - especially newer vehicles with multiple computers.