Shuttering in second gear at slow acceleration

Hey everyone, need help. My 4x4 2017 tacoma (trd, automatic) will shutter really bad when It shifts down to second and start accelerating slowly like around a corner. I let a tech ride with me and he said it was the torque converter and it will be $2800 when they can get one in (ply a few months). Said it was the first time he's seen it on a tomcat. I have 88k miles on it and trans fluid has not been changed. I don't want to drop that much money if its trans fluid or spark plugs. I had this happen a few years ago and they apparently did an update on the computer and that helped. But now its back and shuttering much worse. I called the toyota service place where I took it 2 years ago to get a second opinion and am still waiting on a call. The toyota service place I went too today wasn't as helpful. Just acted sure it was the Torque converter. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

 

Mine does it. I’ve heard it’s the torque converter, Dealer says it’s not. I’ve heard there is no know cause, I’ve also heard using higher octane gas helps. I had mine KD Maxx flashed in December and that cut way down on the “stutter step” as I call it. I wouldn’t hurry to drop $2800 on a torque converter, seems to me the actual cause of this is much in debate.

 

i can confirm higher octane helps with the shudder. might not be the tc and could be the ecu pulling timing/not enough torque for the gear

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rip-my-2016-taco.747046/

 

I agree with the guys here as well .
Toyota wants these trucks shifting into the highest gear possible at very slow speeds to make these trucks competitive with the competitions fuel consumption . This places some huge loads on the locking clutch inside the torque converter . Imagine someone with a manual transmission pushing the clutch pedal 1/2 way down to the floor every 30 seconds . The locking clutch inside your torque converter cycles on and off as well as partial apply a thousand times in a short drive cycle
That kind of work out demands the reagents in the transmission fluid remain in " like New " condition all the time . Highly suggest fresh trans fluid followed by Lubeguard Platinum
The aftermarket tune has also been a huge help

If your truck is no longer on warranty , dont waste your time at the dealer $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
When the dealership replaces the torque converter , you no longer experience the shudder so you assume the issue is resolved . The fact of the matter is they repaired the symptom , not the problem .

 

wish you could disable the partial tc lockup. would drive a lot better and less wear on the torque converter. i don't want to have to replace a torque converter due to shitty shift programming.

 

Hey everyone. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I have an appointment at another dealership on thursday and will get a second opinion and will pbly just ask for the new trans fluid. I'm also looking up the kd max pro tune too. I'll update as I get more info. It will be interesting to see what the competitor dealership will say. Last time this happened 2 years ago they just ran an update on the computer and put in new plugs. So I'll let you know. Problem is I don't really have a mechanic here that I really know and trust. If I did I would def be in there asking him to take a look. Thanks again. Much appreciated

 

Not sure if your near me in Virginia or not but I am happy to help with any general tuning questions and I am in the KDMAX Tuning group so I can help with info related to those options also.

I will add that some 2016-2017s had low tranny fluid form the factory so a quick drain and proper fill is a great (and cheaper then dealer option) project I'd you are up for it.

 

Hey thank you Chris. Unfortunately I live in the Northwest corner of Arkansas. I will def look into the fluid and the KDMAX Tune. Thank you so much for your help.

 

Ok guys, here's the latest update. Got to the dealership at 7:30 this morning and the tech right off the bat said, "sounds like you need a torque converter or a new transmission." I was like, here we go again. So they drove it and came back and said, "Yeah, probably needs a torque converter." I said, ok, I just want to do a trans fluid flush and see if that helps today and then go from there. Hour and a half later they call me in and say, "well that pretty much took care of the problem, or at least most of it." He said the mechanic said you should add some lucas addictive, but he wasn't too sure I should. He said he's seen people ruin there trans by using that. I said what would you do. He said I'd drive it 2k more miles and flush it again. But our mechanic said to put in the additive so if you want to do that bring it up here and let us put it in for you because the fluid level has to be just right.

I hope all that makes sense. My next question is, (and I think gearcruncher had mentioned using it), is can I add that fluid to my already new trans fluid or do you have to drain some first and then add? Also, it a million times better than it was it just seems like it shifts too early and then when I'm going slower, (like thru the neighborhood,) it will seem like it's bogging down too much which makes it feel like you shifted too manually to 3rd when you should really be in 2nd on automatic. Does that make sense? So I'm in contact with a KDMax tuner to possibly get that soon when I've saved up my money after the $500 I spent today.

Thanks again everyone for your input. Saved me from just jumping on the torque converter for sure. Appreciate all your replies.

 

Cant comment on Lucas additive as I have never used it , but I can comment on Lubeguard Platinum and highly recommend adding it . I have used this for 30 years in my transmission shop . Works amazing for the condition your torque converter clutch mating surfaces are in . I have the 2nd gen guys hooked on this stuff and they are all very happy with the results .
Just add the bottle . Dont worry about overfilling your transmission . Its only 10 ounces
On your next transmission service , add another 10 ounce bottle at that time

$15 Lubegard 63010 Platinum Automatic Transmission Fluid Protectant, 10 oz.

https://www.amazon.com/Lubegard-630...2284&sprefix=Lubegard+Platinum+,aps,97&sr=8-2

 

Awesome Gearcruncher. Just ordered a bottle. I'll give it a try and let you know how it does. Appreciate your help