new boy with a problem

[busaboy]

Hello to all you members. Been meaning to join for ages now , and i finally have. I run a 1994 3ltr diesel g model (you know, recaro seats etc. Shame i aint got a recaro arse to suit, but there you go). Me and the surf have been at war for some time now. It pulls a stroke, i fix it and so on. Damn sure its not going to win, cos i cant get rid if it, bit of a love affair really.
Its got me backed into a corner at the moment with its latest test of my faith. While i am typing i might as well ask you good people how to solve it. (hope this is allowed in my first post, if not sorry)
Now the beast wont drop into first gear until its fully hot and even then still does it. Along with this i have a flashing "o/drive off" light. Sometimes when pulling away in second it suddenly wacks into first and off we go as normal. Please, is this terminal or mendable.
P.S. Nice to be here!!

[MattF]

First thing to do is check/replace your transmission fluid. The flashing O/D light is a fault indication.

[busaboy]

Thanks for that. Dropping the fluid and refilling is no problem, but isn`t there masses of fluid still in the torque convertor that you cant get at? Also, is there a better type of ATF that works better than others? Sorry to be picking your brains about this but it would be nice to get it right first time, (not the normal way I do things though).Cheers

[BUSHWHACKER]

Hiya Busaboy (see what I did there?) welcome on board, enjoy your stay.
Before changing the fluid, carry out the diagnostics procedure for the transmission.....
http://toyotasurf.asn.au/techsite/do...odiagnosis.pdf