Trans Problem with 2017 Tacoma

Hello all,
I am new to this forum. I have been reading up a lot lately on a common problem with the shifting and jerking on the 3rd gen trucks. I was wondering if there is any solution that has popped up in the last few months? I bought this truck in October of 2017 and the problem didn’t begin until about 2k miles in. It really kicks in the morning and has been more frequent on the highway/incline driveways. I had the oil changed in January and normally have all my fluid levels inspected every 2-3 weeks at the dealer. My current mileage is just a shade over 4500 miles. I have taken it to the dealer but found nothing wrong. Any advice/input would be most welcome.

 

Welcome to TW, did they check the trans fluid? or just tell you they did?

 

I have a 2017 as well, I've heard that there is a "break in period" of some kind with the 3rd gen ATs and that the trans supposedly learns the drivers habits for the first 10k miles and may hunt gears/shift more roughly during that period. I don't know if that's exactly true, but I do know my truck shifts better for me now at 22k miles. Hope this helps

 

That’s the first thing I asked them to check. I had been reading that some had been coming out of the factory without the proper amount. I asked the service advisor to let the truck sit and cold start it so the mechanic could have a better feeling of the problem.

 

I had to take it in multiple times, finally Trans fluid was checked and discovered a quart low. Bring it back every week until it's actually checked.

 

I will take it to the dealer on Monday to get the trans fluid checked out again. Would this problem also be associated with my truck shifting at around 60mph or about 1500-2000rpm? I feel like it stalls no matter how much foot I put on the accelerator.

 

Check to see if there is a transmission software update. My 2017 just had the update done a month ago. Not all 2017's fall in the reflash. It helped smooth it out plus with some miles it gets better

 

It's not a quick check as I understand it. My issue was primarily as it downshifted coming to a stop. Quart low on fluid.

 

Thank you all for your input. Hopefully will get the problem fixed before it becomes more of a headache.

 

I will guarantee that the dealer does NOT check all fluid levels as stated in the manual....

They DO NOT check....

Front Diff
Transfer case
rear diff
Tranny
Grease zerks

You know...... all these essentials....!!

They will however, check any fluid level that they can "see"....(P/S/Brake Fl/washer/coolant)

 

This worries me, as I have been babying mine during the break-in period. But watch out this summer when I start taking It Off-Road!

 

Would it be better to take it to an independent Toyota mechanic? I really just would like an honest answer from the dealer about a possible solution. Thanks for giving me something to think about.

 

I found after 5k it settled in and no issues. Even before it wasn't that bad. I think people read other people saying they have an issue with the shifting and they make themselves find problems that aren't there...not always the case but seems common.

 

They probably did not check transmission as it takes a few hours. My dealer said they would not check it unless I paid for it. Said warranty would not cover it. Said they never heard of any being low and I know that's baloney. Bottom line is they don't want to mess with it.

 

another fuc-ing lying dealer

 

I am hesitant to post this review because the kid is absolutely piss poor awful, knows nothing about the Tacoma or Trucks in general. But he is driving a Truck that is well beyond the so called Break in period and he just cannot deal with the transmission even with the ECT pressed. I am convinced that the Break in has to do with the driver adjusting themselves to the truck and not the other way around.

 

Even now, if I take off on the highway (I work on a highway) after it's sat all day, it shifts kind of roughly if I punch it.opp

Hahaha that is perfectly possible man, and this "break in period" is just something I've seen people saying here on TW, I don't know if it's a real thing or not. I do know mine feels smooth now (or maybe I am just smooth now...)

 

My truck has had the rear carrier replaced under the diff recall. It ran great just after. Minimal shifting, good pick up from dead stop. Now about 5000 miles later, back to shifting wierd, high rev flares and the occasional kick to the ass when coming to a stop. If I do not come to a complete stop, the engine/trans stays in 2nd or 3rd gear. When I step on the gas the engine revs but no power is transferred to the wheels. Once the computer and the trans find each other it's like being shot out of a Canon.

 

I also have that happen at stops. I suddenly jerk forward and lose power for 2-3 seconds especially trying to get on to the highway.

 

I’m having the exact same issue. Dealer said fluid was checked during PDI. Harsh downshifting is the norm right now. Going to try and have them actually check it.