Toyota AB60 Transmission Rebuild & Repair in Glendale, AZ (Toyota Tundra Sequoia)

Sun West Transmissions — Glendale, AZ. Free estimates, honest diagnosis and a 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty on qualifying rebuilds and replacements.

The Toyota AB60 is a six-speed automatic built by Aisin for Toyota’s full-size trucks and SUVs. It became the standard automatic in the second-generation Tundra and Sequoia and was also used in the Land Cruiser and Lexus LX. Designed to handle the torque of Toyota’s V8 engines, including the 5.7L i-FORCE, the AB60 is a strong and generally reliable transmission. Still, heavy towing, Arizona heat and very high mileage eventually take their toll.

Sun West Transmissions in Glendale diagnoses, repairs and rebuilds the AB60. Many of the Tundras and Sequoias we see have well over 150,000 miles and are worth keeping, and a properly rebuilt transmission can help make that happen.

Vehicles That Use the AB60

• Toyota Tundra, second generation, with V8 engines
• Toyota Sequoia, second generation
• Toyota Land Cruiser in the 200-series era
• Lexus LX 570

The AB60E is the two-wheel-drive version and the AB60F is the four-wheel-drive version. Newer third-generation Tundras and Sequoias use a ten-speed automatic, and older V8 models used the five-speed A750. We confirm which unit you have before quoting.

Inside the AB60

The AB60 uses a planetary gear train with clutch-to-clutch shifting and electronic control through linear solenoids. It has a tow/haul mode on trucks so equipped and uses Toyota’s World Standard type fluid. There is no conventional dipstick, so fluid level is checked at a fill plug with the transmission at a specified temperature. On many of these trucks, the transmission fluid is cooled through the radiator and an additional cooler, so the radiator’s condition directly affects transmission health.

Common AB60 Problems

Torque Converter Shudder

Light-throttle shudder at moderate speeds is one of the more common AB60 complaints. It usually relates to the converter clutch and fluid condition. Our page on converter shudder in other six-speeds describes a similar symptom, and the causes overlap.

Slipping or Flaring When Towing

Tundras pull boats, campers and utility trailers all over Arizona. After years of towing in heat, clutch packs can wear and slip, causing flares between gears or a lack of pull on grades.

Harsh Shifts and Delayed Engagement

A hard shift into drive, harsh downshifts or a delay engaging reverse can come from worn solenoids, low or degraded fluid or valve body wear.

Overheating and Cooling System Issues

A clogged or failing radiator or cooler reduces transmission cooling. On some trucks, an internal radiator leak can also let coolant and transmission fluid mix, which damages clutches quickly. We check for that whenever a transmission problem appears with a cooling issue. See our radiator replacement page.

Leaks

Cooler lines, pan gaskets and output seals are common leak points, and the transfer case should be checked on four-wheel-drive models.

How We Diagnose an AB60

We scan for codes, review live data such as fluid temperature and lockup slip, check fluid level and condition at the correct temperature, inspect the cooling system and road test the truck. If the fluid is milky or pink, we look for coolant contamination. We explain all findings before recommending repairs. Learn more about our diagnostic testing.

AB60 Rebuild at Sun West

• Complete removal, disassembly and cleaning
• New clutches, steels, seals, gaskets and filter
• Replacement of worn bushings, bearings and hard parts
• Valve body and solenoid service or replacement
• Torque converter service or replacement
• Cooler and line flush, correct fluid fill and road test

We can also recommend an auxiliary cooling system for trucks that tow regularly. Qualifying rebuilds include our 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty.

AB60 Rebuild Cost

Cost depends on the truck, the damage inside, the converter, whether the cooling system also needs work and any contamination cleanup. We give free estimates after diagnosis. For more, see our Toyota Tundra transmission repair page. Financing is available.

Towing Smart with a Tundra or Sequoia

Use tow/haul mode, keep an eye on transmission temperature if your truck displays it, and service the fluid on a severe-service schedule. Make sure the radiator is clean and healthy before summer. Our summer road trip prep guide is a helpful checklist before heading out with a trailer.

Toyota AB60 Transmission FAQ

Is the AB60 a reliable transmission?

Yes, it has a good reputation. Most failures we see relate to heat, towing, high mileage or cooling system problems.

Why is my transmission fluid pink and milky?

That can mean coolant has mixed with the fluid, often from a radiator problem. Stop driving and have it checked right away.

Do I need to change the fluid if Toyota says it is lifetime?

In Arizona, with towing or heavy use, periodic fluid service is a smart way to extend transmission life.