2nd generation transmission shudder

That's what a properly maintained engine should look like

 

It's still odd that the PCM doesn't flag a timing code though, I guess they are still working good enough to keep the PCM happy.

The pressure to the torque converter clutch is controlled by a valve (SLU Solenoid) that is PWM (Duty Cycle) controlled so pressure to the torque converter clutch is constantly varied, it's not a solidly locked clutch like the other transmission clutches are. IMO the reason alot modern automatics suffer from TCC shudder is because most do not fully lock the TCC, they allow around a 30-70 RPM slip even when it is "locked". I have yet to find a good explanation as to why this is the case but it is how they are.

 

I try. It started out with M1 EP then Amsoil XL 6000-7000 oci. I also used Amsoil SS for a few 10K interval runs. 128K I can complain.

 

Another data point; I got this recommended video on Youtube the other day and wow, he describes how his shudder was solved when he put in a new oil control valve after getting a P0022 code. He had been dealing with the vibes for four years, and was just about to buy a torque converter.

 

Update.
Do not buy VVT's from autozone. I went to replace mine and while the body of the solenoid is correct, the bracket they used was too long. I would have had to install spacers and a longer bolt to make it work. It's not worth the hassle.

Interestingly, after reinstalling the original VVT that has 150k miles on it, my shudder between 35-40mph is now gone. LoL. Drove it all weekend plus the commute this morning and it hasn't come back. There is a very slight rumble at 40mph, but other than that, it seems removing it and putting it back in has some kind of magic.

 

Yep, my 2015 does the same thing, use to think it was the carrier bearing, but not so much now.

 

Very nice-looking timing chain & top gear. Almost no trace of varnishing / yellow film.

How often do you change your oil? What kind of oil? Have you done any other intermediate oil "cleanings" or "flushings" with any special products like BG44 etc?

 

No flushes. Mostly Amsoil XL. Six months 5500-7000 oci. Ran SS a few times for 10K intervals.

 

Wow! Is that the view down the oil-fill tube? Nice! It looks like the engine has never been started.

 

Yes. Just changed the oil today at 129K looks the same.

 

Here is a pic of mine: 2014 4.0 w/127 (+- 4k since previous oil and filter change)

For reference: Toyota Owners web site shows dealer oil & filter changes every 5,000 for the first 50k. Carfax shows Valvoline oil at a local oil-change place every 5,000 or so for the next 50k. I purchased the truck 104k and do oil and OEM filter changes every 5k.

Removing the oil fill cap and shining a light down there was the first thing I did when I went to look at it. It spoke volumes regarding how the truck had been maintained over the years.

 

Hello All,
I am having the same shudder symptons as you all with my 2015 TRD, I can duplicate the problem at will. I can even in 4th gear if I try hard enough. No codes at all. Someone told me to add Lucas anti shudder fluid to the tranny. But before I do that I was wondering what would be my next troubleshooting step would be?
Thank you

 

Being able to cause the problem in 4th is not normally associated with torque converter shudder. One of the tests to confirm shudder is to put the gear selector in 4 and see if the problem goes away. So you may have some thing else going on.

There’s a great thread here on diagnosing vibration issues. I would give that a read.

 

Is this the 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder Tacoma? Cause the 6 cylinder one has 2 VVT solenoids. And I don't even know if the same symptoms apply to both 4 and 6 cylinder. Please help please clarify thank you.

 

I assume you have the 4 cylinder on since you only changed one VVT solenoid?

 

Nope. I have the 4.0 V6. I was going to change both, but the first one wouldn't install, so I just returned both. Since I reinstalled the one, the vibrations only happen at exactly 40mph, so I've left it alone for now. I'll likely replace both with OEM next year.

 

I don't think you have the same problem, it's a shuddering feel, not a vibrating. mine Feels like bunch of little hard shifting and sometimes hard ones. That's at steady throttle around 40mph. Like it doesn't know what gear to be in. This OP has never replied to anyone, so I dunno if this whole thread is just bad info. ‍♂️

 

"DR TRANNY LUBEGARD TRANSMISSION INSTANT SHUDDER FIX FIXX SYNTHETIC ADDITIVE"

Used two tubes of this additive with 239,800 miles on the odometer, lots of 'hookup' shudder/vibration. Dropped tranny pan after three quart drain, cleaned the magnets, reassembled, replaced the three quarts (actually took 4.5, low from factory) and added the stutter fix. Solved the problem pronto....at 270,000+ now, stutter free (about 2 years). I am adding another 2 tubes again in the near future just for kicks and giggles. The stuff works....

 

By my count, we have three people who have reported an association between presumed torque converter shudder and the VVT oil control valves, plus one YouTube video reporting the same. That’s some fairly compelling statistical significance.

Does this mean that anyone who also has symptoms of shudder who replaces their oil control valves will be guaranteed to be shudder-free? No, not at all. But I think we can say with some confidence that the valves can be degraded without the ECU noticing. My shudder not only went away, but the engine is smoother. Didn’t notice there was an issue with the engine, but subjectively I can say it’s running better. Wild.

 

I said vibrations, but it's shuddering. Don't worry about the symantics. I already described what I went through.