Transmission? Driveshaft?

Hello,
I have a 09 Tacoma... the auto transmission seems rough on the shift. Especially from 2 to 3. It shifts but I can hear the engine and transmission working hard and loud before it shifts. I have to say, I have never done a transmission fluid change. The manual said its life of the truck unless towing. I haven't done anything towing on it. Im not sure if I should have the fluid changed or maybe the transmission is wearing out? I have the truck looked at last week at the dealer for the U-joints warranty. They said it was fine.... could it be the drive shaft? It doesn't sounds like it. FYI, I have 162k miles on it.
what do you guys think?
thx

 

Trans fluid could use changing due to high mileage but 99% that will not fix your problem. We get that a bit at my dealer "I want to do a trans flush to fix a trans issue" requests, we tell them we can do it if they want but would rather do diag on the trans for issues.

 

Hello,
I took to a mechanic by me. Their specialty is transmission and the heavy work. He drove it and said it seemed fine to him. But he recommended a drain and fill and not a flush. It would help prolong it. So they changed the filter and 5 qts of fluids. When I shifted into Drive, its alot smoother and changing gears seems to be the same. Yes, it needed a fluid change with 162k miles. I want to keep this vehicle for another 10 yrs, by then my son would stay driving. He can keep it. (hopefully)

 

Any update on this?

 

Hello,
It seems fine, but it feels like the truck needs power for the transmission that's why it seems to struggle or shifting more. But the mechanic did a code check and didn't see anything wrong with the engine or transmission... maybe I need a new air filter? I changed that 2 yrs ago... or maybe fuel filter?? I dont know... next time I'll get a manual trans. If I need a clutch, at least that obvious.