Sounds like 05 isn't shifting at highway speeds

My 2005 4 DR 4x4 Tacoma (auto) sounds like it needs to shift when I approach 55-60 mph. RPMs are still low. Physically shifting doesn't cause sound to increase, and shifts normally. All passengers say "do you have it in the wrong gear".

 

When was your last major service?

My cousin's pickup truck did the same thing; all he needed was to service his vehicle as it was in poor running order.

Tacoma equivalent would be to perform a full major service including all fluids and a transmission drain and fill.

 

Thanks, never really serviced anything except engine oil, I'll give that a try.

 

lol

 

Since you have a 2005, I assume you have a lot of miles. Do a drain and fill on your tranny instead of a flush.

And follow this guide and you'll be good to go.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...nance-2nd-gen-30-000-60-000-90-000-miles.html

 

Spark plugs!

 

X2

 

OP, not sure if you ever got the problem figured out or not. But if not, I had the exact same problem. Even people riding would ask if there is something wrong with the truck. So I took it into the dealer and had a Tech ride with me. He immediately said it was a wheel bearing. Came back to the dealer and they called me a couple hours later saying it was the front left wheel bearing. Luckily its under warranty for me, not a cheap fix.

 

Thanks! I'll check the bearings right away. Mine's well out of warrenty. I haven't resolved it yet. I waited until the next oil change then changed plugs but that didn't do anything. Kind of thought it was my tires, as they are wearing out, but with even thread wear.

 

umm how does a wheel bearing affect transmission shifting?...

 

He is referring to the noise a bearing makes as speed increases.

He mentions engine rpms are low but vehicle is at highway speed and it questioning the reason for the high rpm type of sound.

Since you have a 4wd truck you have a number of bearing up front that could be causing the noise as speeds increase. Could also try putting it in 4wd hi to see if the sound changes at all. Might help a tech pinpoint the issue.

If it is a wheel bearing typically when making a turn you can hear the noise as well generally only one direction as it is only one failing bearing. Since you are putting added load on the bearing when turning.

 

I checked in 4wd yesterday, no noticeable change. About turning, the noise disappears when in a tight right turn, even at low speeds (around 30). When turning, the "high rpm type" sound stops completely. I was even wondering if its my tires. I put the near new spare on the passengers front and the noise didn't change at all. Thanks for the posts.

 

I'd guess wheel bearings or brakes.

 

I thought it was the same thing. The problem sounds like the transmission wasn't shifting into it's highest gear; like you are driving in 3rd or 4th gear on the highway. But the RPMs remain normal. I had a master technician ride with me and he determined it was a wheel bearing before even looking at one. Turns our he was 100% correct.

 

Just to close this out, I took it a local shop and they replaced the drivers front wheel bearing, $355 ($100 parts, $255 labor).