should I switch back?

So basically I've only had 2 vehicles in life. A tacoma and a tundra. I had an 04 tacoma for 7 years and the only problem I had with it was with the emergency brake cable. incredible vehicle. Never got stuck never had to put it in 4wd. Now I have 2012 tundra and the thing has gone into "limp mode" twice on me. Both times the dealer says "it will never happen again". I work out in the elements and have to get to work. Should I switch back to tacoma? Should I wait for the 2016 or is the 2015 better? Any input would be appreciated.

 

What's the limp mode?

 

what were you doing when it went into limp mode?

usually that occurs when its severely overheated!

 

Probably the secondary air injection valves sticking open or closed. It is a known issue.

 

When it happens It's either really cold like close to 0 or a deep snow. the traction control light and check engine light are on and the 4 lo light is flashing. Can't get above 30mph

 

Basicaly it's what the truck does when it detects a major problem. It goes into "limp" mode to "protect" itself and allows you get drive to safety. Only reason why you can't get above 30 mph. to the OP, I'd find out of it is that secondary air injection valves sticking open or closed. That is a huge known problem on Tundra's and the biggest reason why I got rid of my 05. Started getting the check engine light and that was the issue. The part alone is like 1200.00 bucks. Quotes from dealers to fix is around 4,000!

 

Thanks for the info. I assume you went to a tacoma?

 

Do the AIP bypass mod. Fools the truck ECM into thinking all is well. I've been running mine for three years.

The only thing those air injection pumps do is inject air into the cats during cold starts to ensure that all un burnt fuel is converted to harmless gasses.

Like you said, going into limp mode is very inconvenient. It was unacceptable to me to wonder when this could happen.

I don't even know if my air pumps are even functional and don't care. In addition, this mod still allows you to pass smog testing if you live in one of those states.

 

I don't live in one of those states. Like I said it only happens in the winter. I work for a power company so I need to get to work in all situations. Just debating on if I should trade for a tacoma or if this problem is also found in the tacoma today.

 

The modern Tacomas have the same problem as the Tundras.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/319868-2012-tacoma-cel-trac-off-light-came.html

There appears to be a $15 disable mod available, but it is not fully explained.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tu...ng-tundra-have-few-questions.html#post7468123

 

My '05 Tacoma went into limp mode this past fall when it threw a knock sensor code. I used my ScanGauge to clear the code and the limp mode went away. The knock sensor code hasn't come back either. It was probably bad gas or something.
I'd wait for the 2016 Tacoma if I were you. It will have a new engine and likely better power and fuel economy.

 

I would buy a used one and save your money till they work out all the quirks on the 2016. Maybe look for a used 2010-2015 model and wait till the 17 or 18's come out. The 2015 isn't much different than all the other models from 05-up. The 16 has a lot of different things going on. New engine, new design, etc. You can see all that on the 3rd Gen section.

 

No one knows the answer to that yet - though I'm sure many have opinions already See the 3rd gen section for endless speculation.

Basically the 2015 is a 10 year old drive train with a cosmetic refresh done in 2012. It has been very reliable in many ways and has a number of now well known issues. You can spend endless hours here learning all about what has and hasn't worked out well with the 2nd generation.

The 2016 is the new 3rd generation. It looks like a nice refresh of the interior features and has a new drive train. There are some new features for the TRD OR as well. In basic function and size it is very much like the 2015 and the rest of the 2nd gens. There are few specs available at this point. Certainly it will be improved in certain ways. Presumably it will also be very reliable but will of course end up with its own set of issues that people will slowly discover. You can read about the little information available so far in the 3rd gen forum.

It sounds like the issue you are having with the Tundra is well known and being worked on. Otherwise a reliable platform? Might be worth just letting that one problem get sorted and apply a work around while Toyota gets it solved rather than changing to a whole new platform.

 

Thanks, koditten. Found the mod instructions .

 

Sounds like you're already leaning on going back to a Tacoma. I say go for it. Unless you need all the interior room of a Tundra or are hell bent on a V8, I say Tacoma all the way. I've owned 3 Tacomas, put over 100k on 2 of them. Never had a "limp mode" issue happen. The 2016's don't do it for me, regardless of the refreshed body or engine or whatever. Plenty of nice 2015's still available on Toyota lots if you don't want a pre-owned.

 

I would like to thank all of you for your input and advice. Its a tough decision for me. I know what i had with the 04 tacoma and that was pure awesomeness. I guess thats why 2 issues with the tundra is throwing me off. I stayed with toyota for the reasons that my tacoma gave me. Thanks again. I dont know what i will do.

 

going backwards to a tacoma from the size and power of a tundra you will feel like a fish out of water. it'll feel like your driving around in a compact car, or ford ranger.

you'll miss the smoothness (transmission and ride), power available and extra room of the tundra.

the tacoma is noisy, harsh, and lacks on extra space, but is nimble, reliable little truck and has a better internet forum. they are both dependable vehicles but its a big jump from one to the other.

 

Tundra's have a problem with a CEL coming on due to freezing up of moisture in the valve/pump in the AIR system, going into limp-mode. This is starting to show on 12 Tacos too.
So check for CEL issues elsewhere on this forum and see if it matches.

 

This is strange to me. The 4 cyl have had this air injection pump since 2005 and I havent heard of any issues. My 2006 with 80,000 miles hasnt had any problems and it sits outside all the time (daily driver). I wonder what makes the 6 and 8 cyl pumps and/or switching valves different?

 

Sounds like you would be better off doing the mod and holding out for a bit.
FYI: tundras.com just saying, not trying to kick you outta here.