Dealer says the solution to my stuttering at low rpm accel is a new tranny... Really? Need guidance

@PapaRee Any experience with this during tune?

 

damn seems like these 3rd gen tacos werent reliable, main thing is the tranny thts what everyone says, ig the solution is the manual

 

I didn't see this status available in the Blue Driver. Returning it to Amazon (gotta love the returns) and getting an OBDLINK MX+ that's $20 more but seems have a lot more diagnostics available.

 

I have tuned a few people in the past with similar complaints that say that the tune fixes it. It is definitely worth a try.

 

Take it to a real "TRANSMISSION" shop they will be able to fix it and tell you just exactly what is wrong with a test drive. Fine one listed as an ATRA shop.

 

I

Straight forward tune or something difficult requiring more experience from your end? I've got a local guy who seems newer to KDMax in Santa Cruz - Holyoak Tuning @KH86.

 

Thank you, my friend!

 

Get fusion obd2 app and buy Toyota PIDs($16). If use Android, buy Veepeak OBDII mini ($14) and you can see everything..
Check phone OS compatibility if Apple phone

 

@gtg,
For diag purposes, you could reach out to any tuners in you area that can take your stock ecu calibration and turn tc locking in 3rd and 4th off. At least this will put you in more specifics repair path

 

@Vlady - Toyota PIDs... Who sells that list?

 

It is under fusion app. Purchase Extra

 

@maineah - found one (https://www.scottsvalleyauto.com/) that gets high ratings nearby, pinging an old friend who lives in SV to see if he knows these guys since he's a car guy (Monster Miata autocross guy). Thank you!

 

Yes, we just put our regular tune on. Kris @KH86 can do it.
I would try that, then if you want any custom Torque converter settings, I can do that.

 

Thanks, @PapaRee. I pinged @KH86 to find out more.

 

Good advice from the dealer on not flushing. Too many variables to have something go wrong.

I have a 22 SR5 4x DCSB. My truck ran good the first tank of gas from the dealer. Filled it up and it was like a different truck. Hesitated pulled timing etc. called the dealer. They have 89 that they used to fill it up when I picked it up. Filled with 89 when tank was empty again and truck has run fine since.

The naysayers say 87 only but my manual says minimum of 87. 89 seems to give the ecu a little more room on advancing/retarding the timing. With 89 I don’t have any converter issues ( at times on 87 struggled to find lockup under light load and you could feel the timing being pulled to accomplish lockup).

Also agree with the fluid drain and fill. Can’t hurt and sometimes fresh fluid has a way of making things just work better.

The shop that is 12 plus hours away: don’t count them out if they have reputable experience with the Tacoma transmission. I’ve driven 4 hours for an exhaust and 7 for a new third member pulled at 1300 miles. If they can work magic for less than the dealers new transmission what’s a few hours driving. Just my 2 Septims worth.

 

You need to get a monitor. What you said does not have a merit. Especially about the lockup...

 

Computer controlled transmissions will not go into lockup if knock is detected.

 

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This would also explain if in fact you're getting weak fluid pressure on the 3-4 I think.

Long ago I had a Chevy Corsica that would do this especially after about 15 minutes on the highway, it was worse when slowing on the off ramp etc. The lockup for the TC wasn't releasing correctly sometimes. I was able to get out of it unplugging the lockup wiring, though IDK if recent vehicles would have that option. Not saying I would do it on yours (mine was a $400 college beater) but if possible might be a way to narrow it down to TC or trans?

 

I would love to check it, but Toyota did away with the dip stick for the A/T. My Gen 2 was so straight forward. Timing belt every 90k, new plugs when suggested... done! For 2016+ Tacomas, it's a hard wire 4-13 or the OBD reader. No way to "visually" check it without going through a drain and refill from what I understand.