when will my tacoma learn??

ok, so I have 340 miles on my TRD OR and so far I really like the truck. I am not going to say anthing about the stereo, or the seats because that isnt my point..but, jesus, those seats..my 1978 dodge power wagon had better seats...

Anyways, the whole learning transmission thing. Does that take a long time to realize that I live in an area with lots of hills? every morning on my way to work I go up this moderate hill, maybe 30 mph in traffic. I try to close the gap a little, push the gas pedal...push it a little more...a little more.. then it jumps down a gear and jumps on it.

It seems the truck wants to do what it wants, not what I want. Is the OV tune the only way to fix this? Will my transmission learn my way of driving or is it just a kind of sort of learning thing.

Thanks for any advice guys!!

 

The “learning” process doesn’t work like that. It won’t change the shift points on its own. Try using ECT power. If that works get the always on mod. If you don’t want to do that get OV tune.

 

What you are describing was fairly common problem for '16 and 17s here on TW. T-SB-0062-18 is widely regarded as the fix (I did it, very happy). I am not sure what 19s come with. I assume that 19s come with this new mapping, but you may want to verify with dealer.

Also, the drive by wire takes some time. I don't think anyone knows exactly how long, but I would give it 500-1000 miles. Also, personally, I would not overuse the ECT button. To me, overusing it during it's learning period is like using a crutch while you heel an injury. Using a crutch at first is ok, but you have to leave it alone and let it heel naturally, so to speak. Otherwise, it will only learn to shift with ECT. just my opinion.

If all that doesn't work to you satisfaction, OVTune is getting a lotta love.

 

I don't fully understand the actually technology in play here (so take this with a grain of salt), but I think people are assuming too much when they talk about the system "learning" your driving habits. I guarantee you that it's not "learning" anything. It's probably just watching the data from a few sensors and making minor adjustments. That's good, but when we call it "learning," it sets unrealistic expectations.

And let's be honest with ourselves: my truck is not new anymore, and I'm very comfortable in it, and I don't drive it like an old lady anymore. I have a hunch that most of the deterioration over time is related to changes in the driver... but like I said... grain of salt.

-Craig

 

It won't get any better on it's own. I bought a Shift Sense Pro (search for it on this forum), and that made a huge difference in how the truck shifts.

 

I will look into the shift sensor pro, sounds like a decent option. People do seem very pleased with the OV tune I just dont know much about it yet. The threads on it are complete cluster f$%s. It's like being on team chat while playing call of duty. lol

I just dont want the throttle to be too sensitive. Tow mode on my tundra made the paddle soooo sensitive when not towing. Like undrivable in the city, sure was fun though

 

Big difference for me, was that the SSP is only around $150 when the OV Tune was considerably more, and the SSP doesn't change anything that would alter the warranty (not sure about the OV). If my truck were paid off, i'd definitly consider the OV Tune.

 

OVtune wont make the throttle too sensitive. The performance option can make it a bit touchy but the base option makes the truck perfect.

 

Your options:

1. Accept it for what it is.
2. Use the ECT
3. OVTune

 

My 2019 TRD OR DCSB 6AT is not near as bad as the 2017 TRD OR I test drove 2 years ago, reason why I initially passed on Tacoma the first time. The 2019 I have is a lot better, but still not near perfect. I do find if you ease into the throttle, it will act just as you describe on certain grades. If you increase the rate of which you move your foot over a short distance, it will react more favorably. Keep note, I am not talking about smashing the gas pedal, but the rate (how fast) you move your foot (a relatively small distance) will create different results than easing into the throttle. Getting the rate and movement of the pedal is a learning curve and can be down to a science depending how many gears you feel you need to "drop". Yes, it can be tiring at times and doesn't necessarily need to be this way, but as with anything Toyota, they are both stubborn and arrogant.

 

My 2018 OR was fairly shifty, it became much less so after 5,000 miles.

 

I can vouch for the ShiftSense Pro as well... made a big difference for me. Way better than just using ECT.

 

This kind of explains it perfectly. I am always really smooth with the pedal, but the tacoma engineers seem to have wanted to dummy up the pedal for those that mash and let off.

In regards to voiding warranty I believe you can reflash the original program and they will never know.

 

I have about 2500 miles on my ‘18, and I still find it hunting all over the place, especially when ascending hills.

What I find more irritating is the hesitation in accelerating from a stop. I’m not entirely sure if this is related or not, but I hope this will iron itself out soon.

 

It will not iron itself out. You'll need to either get used to it or buy one of the products mentioned in this thread. I had a 16 Sport and now a 19 Off Road, both are the same as far as shifting goes. Aftermarket is the only fix.

 

In time it’s basically you who will learn how to drive your Tacoma . It’s all about gas pedal modulation. By using S6, I can make it go whatever gear I want by modulating the gas pedal. S mode because there’s no learning involved . ( the TSB made this doable) . A slight press accelerates in 6th and if press slightly more it downshifts to 5th and so on. It’s like driving a manual but it’s not lol. . I like it. Why don’t you give it a try.

 

So you are manually shifting in S mode or just winding it out and letting it automatically switching gears? Maybe I should install a fake clutch pedal.. then I could adopt some sort of attitude of superiority because I "row gears" >??

 

Seems a shame you didn't get to do an extensive test drive prior to purchase.......... if you'd have 'known' would you have walked away?

 

OVTUNE DONE!!!

 

Does it matter>?