Automatic Transmission Issue

While accelerating slowly in traffic, my truck will shudder (like driving over railroad tracks) when it shifts from 3rd to 4th and 4th to 5th between 30 to 40 mph. If I accelerate normally or swiftly it seems to shift fine.

It’s a 2005 DCSB Prerunner still on the original fluid and has 103,000 miles on it. Could it be I just need a fluid flush?

Thanks

 

Had mine flushed at around the same mileage, made a lot of difference.

 

I'm putting my $ on the driveshaft carrier bearing. Get underneath and grab the driveshaft and push and pull it side to side; there should be very little to no play.

 

Thanks Steve I will check that out. Thanks for the pic too!

 

Yes, I think no matter what, I will get the flush.

 

When mine "went" on my old truck, the driveshaft would sway like 5 inches either way; I can't beleive the thing didn't fly off. Good luck. Cheers. Steve

 

Ok, I checked the carrier bearing and I can move the driveshaft up and down at least an inch and side to side a little less. I take it this is too much play?

 

Shudder during a shift usually means the friction modifier in the tranny fluid isn't working anymore. Time for a fluid change.

 

OP, sounds more like a driveshaft problem than a transmission problem.

 

Well took it down to the dealer today. Thier senior Tech said the carrier bearing was fine and the tranny fluid didn't look bad for the miles. He thinks it's torque converter shudder. He cleared the computer and told me to see how it runs and let him know tomorrow. If I still have the issue, new converter I guess.

 

I recommend the fluid change. Its $189, my shift quality is much better.

My mileage was similar when I had it done, I had a shudder on up shifts, especially 1-2, and 4-5. Its much better now, well worth it!

 

It is torque converter shudder. Mine does it too, especially going up a hill. I changed my fluid myself which only gets 3 quarts of the 11 total quarts and it went away completely for a week. Now it is back but not as bad. My next move is to bite the bullet and get it flushed for a complete fluid change.

 

I think at 100k miles they recommend a flush and fluid change, go do it, bet it will help!

 

Had the dealer do a flush today, $199 plus tax. Didn't notice the problem on the way home but, I only live 15 minutes away. We'll see what happens after I drive it around a bit tomorrow. Be nice if thats all it was.

 

Hi Chris, Avondale Toyota. Thier regular price is $239 but, the service guy I see there (CeJay) gave me a break. They seem to be pretty straight up for a dealership.

 

Same thing I had at 100,000 miles got it flushed and perfect now no issues put the top stuff in this time