2011 Prerunner SR5 V6, Automatic Transmission oddities

So, last year I got my first taco, a 2011 Prerunner SR5 with 182,000 miles. I decided to get it as I read that the mileage wasn't really much for a taco. It has been great so far and runs perfectly engine wise. I had the transmission power flushed a few months after I got it, shop I took it to said the fluid looked great and they didn't see any issue with preforming the flush.

After the flush, the truck shifted ultra smooth. It was already pretty smooth to begin with.

So fast forward to the past few weeks and I've began to notice some oddities. At least, they seem odd. I have anxiety issues so I am trying to see if it is just anxiety or if I need to get something looked at.

The oddities:

1.) When I am turning to get onto the interstate, so I slow down to 15 mph to 25 mph as I turn and then as I accelerate she gets into what seems to be 3rd gear (maybe 4th?) and then just... keeps revving and driving in that gear for a long while. I'll let off at the speed I want and it just maintains speed in the same gear for a while. If I let off the gas it just starts to engine brake and then finally she will shift down but with a bit of a bump. Not rough, just a dull but strong bump. This also happens with I turn into my road, but other than these 2 areas 90% of the time I never feel this.

2.) When slowing down and then re-accelerating sometimes it just...feels odd. Like she is always shifting down too far so when you go to accelerate the engine will race a bit and then shift. None of this is jerky or violent. Does the tranny just REALLY love to shift all the way down when you slow down?

3.) Transmission REALLY loves to jump in and out of overdrive (5th?) when driving between 25-40 or when I am going up hill. Almost like she really wants to stay in overdrive only to realize it is too slow or low of power? I'm not sure. Again, nothing violent or jerky.


Other than these things, the truck starts and runs perfectly. Never misses a beat. Does any of this sound like a major issue or something minor I could fix my self?

What are the signs of low fluid? Could the fluid perhaps be low and explain this all?

I really like the truck and have a bunch of things planned for it, but I don't want to ignore something that may need attention now to save her.

 

Anyone at all? Even the slightest idea? I've searched around but have not found any topics discussing these issues.

 

Only thing I can add is that you should scan it for codes and check the fluid level. It's not that hard to do. Don't even have to jack it up.

What fluid did the shop use for the flush?

 

The mechanic said they had Toyota fluid, I haven't seen any codes. Ok I didn't know it was possible to check the fluid, I'll look into that. Thanks mate.

Wait, I thought it was not really possible to check the transmission fluid level?

 

About the fluid, it should be World Standard (WS) Toyota fluid. Basically it's the new style transmissions that use thinner fluids. You can also use Valvoline MaxLife.

It's true these transmissions don't have a dipstick to check the fluid level but you can still check it. It's more complex. You need to have the truck idling warm (not hot), pull the fill plug and the fill check plug and fill it with fluid till it runs out the fill check. That's how you check it. Here's a DIY http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/6...09-diy-full-automatic-transmission-flush.html

 

@gearcruncher

 

I've made plans to have a tranny shop check the level for me, sadly do to the weather going on now I can't really get under her. Too much rain haha.
Thanks for your help.