50mph + 6th gear = herky jerky... common?

Just moved from 6MT to 6AT... The automatic seems pretty smooth, but I notice that when I set my cruise at 48-52mph it seems the automatic shifts in to 6th gear (@1200rpm ish) and the engine bogs a bit causing a herky jerky feeling until the grade is steep enough to cause a downshift. Anyone else notice this? It's not a huge deal, but I just wondered if it's "normal".

 

I’m guessing that speed is going to be miserable with CC for anything other than totally flat.

 

Don't set cruise at that low speed. Problem solved.

 

Fortunately I don't drive on the highway much. Most of my time is on open roads with 45mph speed limits.
I can use S5 for a smooth ride, but I just wondered if it's a characteristic of the 6AT, or if I should mention it during my first free service.

 

The combination of an engine that does not produce low end torque running at 1200 rpms = a lot of down shifting. I think using S5 and not using the second overdrive is your friend in this situation.

 

No vehicle will work well at those speeds and cruise control on. 55 mph + for cruise.

 

The truck should not have that issue, many other manufactures and models can run cruise well at that speed. However, it is common on these trucks. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t mention it to the tech when you get it serviced.

 

Nope. No vehicle works well at that speed with cruise on. It is not a target speed. 55+.

 

I’ve driven plenty that do. Half my commute was in a 45mph zone.

 

I like buying new vehicles. We're on 5th in 5 years. (it's a bad habit, waste of money, yada yada, yeah i know).
All have been fine using cruise on the 45mph roads around here.

I can reproduce the same thing in my new truck by keeping acceleration light around that speed and letting the tranny shift into 6th, then accelerate lightly without going so hard that it downshifts. I can feel the engine stumbling. Feels like being on a rough road.

Anyone else feel the same thing? That's my real question here.

 

Mine does it too. If you know you're going to be cruising at 50mph for a while, either hit the ETC button, or just throw the shifter into "S" mode. That'll keep it in the power band consistently.

ECT button gives you a bit more RPM allowance before shifting, and "S" mode takes out the two overdrive gears and puts you into 4th.

 

Yes my 2019 does the same thing. I mentioned it to the dealership, but they didn’t have any solution. I still think it’s their programming.

 

Thanks guys. Glad to hear it's not just mine.
I'll have to experiment with the ECT button a little more and see if if I like it.
I'm only at 500mi so far, so I haven't had too much time to mess with it.

 

Is your truck new? If so, the transmission will need time to learn your driving habits. That’s just one of my guesses.

 

Let me just put it this way. If there was a way for me to have my truck with the ECT mode on all the time, It'd be a no brainer. It makes the truck drive like a truck. The fuel saving low rpm shifting shit that these tacos do is annoying. Motor makes good power and torque, but you have to stomp the piss out of them to get it. Transmission is a big gripe among owners of the 3rd gen.

 

Yep. Just rounded the 500mi mark.

 

It does get a little better over time.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ect-auto-turn-on-module.514627/#post-16228014

 

I drive 50 miles round trip on a 55mph county road. Usually set cruise at 60. It has some decent hills that need shifts. Mine unlocks the torque converter, and downshifts if needed. Some of the hills it will pull through in 6th and locked. I don't notice anything odd.

My first thought was your mileage being enough for the learning to have a chance.

 

Why would you use cruise at that low speed. Seriously that is not a speed that most people will target to maintain. 70 mph. 65 mph. 55 mph is what cruise and gearing is designed for.