Update on Transmission Issue from recent TSB

I just wanted to let everyone know about the status of my transmission issue in the event that something comes of it which will help other 3rd gen owners with this issue.

My truck was built at the San Antonio factory in June of 2016. I had the TSB applied in August of 2016 due to cruise control/hill issues and harsh park to reverse shifting. The dealership, Toyota of Freeman, was very helpful, but did not do the ATF check wanting to see how the TSB alleviated the problem. Both the cruise issue and the harsh shifting from park were fixed, however, a new issue arose. From a cold start (generally when vehicle left in garage overnight), when you first drive and when the gears shift from what I think is 2nd to 3rd although it could be 1st to 2nd, the RPM flares up for a second or two and then settles back down.

In October of 2016, I took the vehicle in for the 6 month or 5K maintenance and brought up the issue and the ATF was checked. It was half a quart low. Upon driving the vehicle after the refill, the problem was less noticeable (not as aggressive of a flare) but still there. I took the vehicle back to the dealership (who was again very accommodating) and they gave me a loaner. The dealership was able to duplicate the problem while it was hooked up to some type of machine and sent the information off to corporate. I will keep you all updated.

 

Mine did the same thing....interested to hear what happens.

 

That's good to hear that they are going to follow up with your vehicle.

After the TSB, I still experienced the same issues with the delayed engagement however I am going to go the same route you did, which is to request to have the ATF fluid level checked at the 6 month / 5K maintenance. I asked them to check the ATF fluid levels after the TSB but they gave me the bullshit excuse that it's a "sealed transmission" and that they are unable to check the fluid and they will only change the fluid at 90,000 miles. fucking dweebs.

 

Well hope you get it fixed. The TSB made a day and night difference for me. The shifting is way better and I can now use the cruise. I have also learned to drive with the ECT on all the time and my fuel mileage has gone up from 16 mpg to a solid 19 mpg. The ECT and tranny update have really helped transform my Taco from a gutless wonder. Thoroughly happy with it now; just wish there was a way to have the ECT turned on all the time.

Glad your dealership is taking care of you.

 

I experienced my first flare on my 2017 at 922 miles. Not cold but sat for an hour after a drive. 2 to 3 shift at 1/4 throttle flared to nearly redline before I backed off throttle and it grabbed.

I'll be awaiting another firmware update that hopefully fixes it.

 

@smitty99 <~~that guy has some helpful info on this. That flare you speak of is not a new issue for us taco owners

 

Mine built same place, same month and also bought in August. Same set of symptoms so I guess I'll be bringing it in too. Thx for the post

 

I received a call today from the service manager who advised that my truck was essentially a test subject. After hooking it up to a computer which recorded the problem multiple times, they began a dialogue with the manufacturer. The manufacturer continually recommended checking the ATF at 100 degrees. A few days ago, the manufacturer changed their tune and advised to check the ATF at 95 degrees which showed it was low (while the test at 100 degrees did not). The fluid was filled and the truck ran fine for the last few days according to the SM.

I picked up the truck and it did not have the symptom upon leaving the dealership, however, I do not know how long it had been sitting before I drove off. I am skeptical that this was the cause of the problem but given my limited knowledge of mechanics, I will just drive it and report back whether the problem has been fixed or not.

 

Mine has the same issue

 

This morning I drove the truck and the problem is still there (identical to what it was before). I am taking it back to the dealer now. Will update thread as new info emerges.

 

Same problem, every time I drive it, only the first time through the gears. Just this morning my daughter asked why I was driving so slowly when we left the house, "light throttle so the flare isn't too big". Pretty sure she didn't know what I was talking about, but you guys do!

 

I have the same 3-4 flare issue. I received a new transmission (the latest date code) last week, and the problem was not resolved.

 

Yeahh....I think I recall us predicting that.

 

You are right. The transmission definitely seems better, but I can still make it flare on an immediate cold acceleration.

 

@bradwhitenikki I am to sorry hear that did not fix your issue. The dealer told me that is the next step for me and I will take my truck back in on Monday. I am dissapointed to hear that it will likely be a waste of time and not fix the issue. What is your next step?

 

I will be working with Toyota to see what the next best step is. They will call me Wednesday.

 

Keep us updated if you can. I will do the same.

Here is a youtube video someone posted in case anyone wanted to see what we are talking about. The flare can be more dramatic depending on how much throttle is being given at the time the gears change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8wDBMY-Vw8

 

Nothing new here .
Even the 2nd gen has the flair when cold . This is common in the Aisn Seiki transmissions

 

How can I tell if my truck as has the update?

 

Beware of who is helpful on here. Some things are not as they appear.