new truck---rough shifting

Hi all,

I noticed that my new Tacoma (TRD 4x4 CC, Auto) seems to shift a little jerky/rough from 1st to 2nd mostly and somtimes in other gears. Also when I come to a stop it also feels like it shifts roughly back into 1st.

Am I just being picky or does the Tacoma's just have a little rougher shifting? I am coming from a Lexus IS250 though so I'm not so sure I just got really used to the Lexus transmission.

Any opinions are much appriciated.

Special Note, I also have that small vibration that you all talk about from deaccleraing around 30-20 mph.

600 miles on the truck...until this is taken care of I'm kinda bummed

 

I had the same with my 07 until it had about 2,000 miles on it. You have to make sure the pedal is on the floor. I think it is mostly due to Toyota installing a heavy clutch in our trucks. It will smooth out with some break-in. I also bought a 97 new and that clutch was the same however the clutch lasted to 115,000 miles and the tranny still works great. Even after replacing the clutch at 115,000 miles it had a ton of wear left. Keep in mind it will never be a smooth as the Lexis because it is a truck. Try shifting between 2400 - 2800 RPM's.

 

It's an auto!! LOL

 

Yeah I missed the "Auto" dam it must be time to quit reading these things for the day. Well then I am sure one of the other guys will give you an answer. Dam, LOL. Take care man. Don't worry it will all work out.

 

However if you ever buy a manual the advise should be sound..

 

There is a TSB for the vibration problem on the autos.

 

Ditto on that. Had my 6 speed off the lot with a total of about 5 miles, three weeks and 2500 miles later I've noticed that it has smoothed out a ton.

 

I've got 10800 on mine and it still shifts hard into 2nd when it's cold. But that's to be expected from a cold tranny.

Take it to the dealer and have them check the fluid level in the tranny.

I haven't done this myself yet but I'll be sure to get it checked long before the warrantee runs out.

 

Yeah-A few other dolks have described the hard shift back to first and some rough shifts up- and the general consensus was bad/not enuf trans fluid.
Get that looked at and talk to them about the shimmy you are feeling too..

 

Hmm, I am having every symptom mentioned in the OP on my 08.. it has 560 miles right now.

Might have to check out this TSB you reference...

 

I agree with this! Get it checked out. I've heard a few people say they came from the factory without the tranny fluid being full. Once it was topped off it shifted better. I'd look into that before you put too many more miles on it.

With that said, Toyota says 500miles for break in, but my manual didn't start really breaking in and smoothing out (both tranny AND engine) until around 5-10k. After that it's only gotten better with me being able to put it in 6th sooner and at lower speeds starting around 40k maybe. Hard to remember! I just know I remembered noticing a big difference around 40k. Like the engine parts finally seated/wore enough to get a little more power since I don't have to downshift as much and it doesn't lug as much.

 

Well, the dealer looked at it and said he had to techs drive it and nothing is abnormal. I am pretty sure it seems to shift a little rough. Is it possible the transmission just needs to learn my driving habits?

Also had them check the slight vibration from 30mph to 20mph but they said that it doesn't apply to my VIN and they couldn't duplicate the vibration anyways.

Is there a way I can check the trans fluid level myself? They said they can't do it because its a "sealed" transmission.

 

I would at least make your dealer aware. My 09 auto has almost 1000 miles on her now and had shifted great since we got it.

 

What should I do? Shoud I just live with it? Will it help to unplug the battery and reset the computer and maybe it will learn the shift points again?

Is it possible that it will get better with more driving?

 

Hmm I don't know offhand how many US pennies that is... jk

100 kmph = approx 62 mph, so 10,000km = approx 6200 mi

 

unplugging the battery wont reset the the computer. get the dealer to check the tranny fluid level as mentioned.............it sounds a bit low. the 06 i had was low from the factory, and it would shift late, shift weird sometimes.had the fluid checked.....and it was a quart low. got it filled to be correct, and it was fine. with the tranny being the type it is........it has to heat up to driving conditions for it to shift optimally too just so you know. you can check the fluid yourself, but its a weird process. easier to let the dealer check it..........under warranty, and if something happens to the tranny later on......it has a paper trail for the dealership, so it would be in your favor. and yes....the more you drive the truck, the tranny will learn the way you drive it and act accordingly with its shifts.

 

Yes, in the smaller center section of the speedometer

 

I called the dealership again and they stated that the transmission can only be check by draining and re-filling with the correct amount?

They said there is no way for them to check it and just add whatever amount it is low. They also said it would take about half a day for them to do this because it has to be at the right temperature and stuff.

Any insights on this?

 

im calling bullshit!!!! that dealership is lazy as hell!!! they do have to let the tranny heat up to a certain temp,but in no way do they have to drain and refill!!! basically, all they have to do is top off......but its complicated since its sealed, so they probably lie to people!! as stated, when i had my 06....took it in, they checked and found fluid low, added the extra needed quart, and all was well!! hope you get if squared right away man!! hell........do like Chris4x4 said........CALL THE 800 NUMBER....IT'LL GET RESULTS FASTER!!