Transmission Shudder

Hello, I have a 2009 Tacoma with a 4.0 V6 and an automatic transmission. I’m having a low RPM shifting issue I’ve drained the pan and refilled the transmission but it didn’t change anything. I checked the level after putting the truck in the temp check mode etc. The u-joints and suspension are new. If I give the truck more gas it will downshift and not shake but it seems like it’s the torque converter locking/unlocking. Any solutions for this? Thanks.

 

Drive it in 4th and see if it still shudders. If it doesn't then replace torque converter.

 

Are you sure it's the transmission and not the engine missing?

 

If it was the engine missing then I would’ve thought that increasing the throttle would make it worse or throw a code perhaps. How can I determine if it’s the engine missing this bad? Sure feels like transmission. It seems to only happen during low RPM higher load situations. No shutter on the highway.

 

I’ll give it a try.

 

I'd do a drain and fill again and add lubeguard. I have an 09 and after doing a couple drain and fills with lubeguard, my shutter went away almost completely.

 

I want it completely gone. I saw a few posts about lubeguard so I’ll order some.

 

It’s OD Shudder. It’s common. One flush improved mine but I can still get it to happen if I try.

I have a buddy that’s done 3 flushes and replaced the torque converter but his still has the issue. He is resigned to deal with it for now but thinks it may be an out of balance drive shaft. He’s basically starting over trying to figure it out. He drives a ‘13 TRD OR double cab.

 

I was genuinely impressed and surprised at the difference lubeguard made, I'd say my truck is 99% better if not 100%. I was pretty thorough with how I did it though, first I did a drain and fill and drove around for a few days. Then I did another drain and fill and added lubeguard. I used the shudder fix (small red tube) but also a bottle of the regular ATF protectant. Highly highly recommend.

 

Wow, that’s not what I wanted to hear. So I’m guessing the shift points have to be messed with or a new transmission if he’s done 3 flushes and a converter. I’ll drive it till the wheels fall off before I’m forced to buy a transmission.

 

Plates on TC get glazed, sometimes to the point beyond fixing. This is why drain and fills are important!

 

I replaced the torque converter and added lubeguard. I still get it when the trans is hot. I just put it in fourth and it goes away.

 

Thanks for the update.

 

Where did you get the converter from?

 

What kind of fluid you using...

 

WS Type Toyota ATF.

 

After I replaced my converter I went with Valvoline MaxLife synthetic ATF. Over 3000 miles on the new converter and not a single shudder.

 

How many miles?
What did the fluid look like when you changed it..

 

150k. It didn’t look or feel bad to be honest.

 

Toyota converter?