2nd generation transmission shudder

Semantics matter in diagnosing properly. Vibration vs shuddering is huge difference in what the problem is.

 

Don't mistake skepticism with cynicism, this guy is seems super confident, but what I've read is it still could be something else. So I'm just skeptical of his confidence in what fixed it. The YouTube videos are not compelling at all theyy say to change it, I watch the video, not one goes" yep that's what fixed it" but many times it's just wrong.

 

The whole "putting in 4rth gear and it goes away" is probably the best tell that's it's VVT solenoid?? It's either TC or VVT. Let's get to the bottom of which one is which and save people tons of $$.

 

Stop trying to make it sound like there's only one solution. There obviously are people who have fixed this issue when they replaced their vvt. Others fixed it when they fixed their drive train or transmission. There is no one fix-all cure because there are multiple reasons why these vehicles may experience shudder or vibration issues. And yes, I can say vibration and shudder because people experience these symptoms differently.

 

For cars, there is almost always one solution, it's diagnosing the problem that's tricky. If you diagnose correctly you won't have to change more than one part. If you diagnose wrong you can change multiple parts unnecessarily. You are not a car guy and it shows.

 

Experiencing similar issue here, what a noticed driving yesterday was my shudder was completely rpm related. Upon acceleration starting in first, there is a slight shudder/rumble/vibration until about 2000 rpm's. 5th gear going 40 mph gives me the strongest of these symptoms. Has anyone simply tried cleaning the oil control valve with a little MAF cleaner? And if so what were the results? My truck doesn't have any codes yet so clearly the oil control valve is working to a certain extent. Maybe its common for these to get gunked up with all the miles these trucks see.

 

I thought about the same thing. The guy here that removed it and put it back in said his mostly went away. Maybe if he sprayed it with some carb cleaner it would have gone completely? Only reason I haven't tried yet, I have 3 other cars I'm working on and the truck is what I use to tow them around. When I can I will give an update. If you try it, please give us an update. I havent checked if mine is rpm based. But for sure around 40mph at steady gas pedal (not accelerating) I get the shudders.

 

Do u have 4 or the 6 cylinder ?

 

Mine is the 4.0L 6 cylinder

 

Username checks out...





LOL jus' kiddin' – I appreciate a thorough, cautious, careful, precise approach to auto repair.

 

https://giphy.com/gifs/nerd-m745dTCAxerHa

 

2008 Tacoma 175k miles 4.0 V6. Just like OP shuddering around 40mph but goes away if you put in 4th gear.

Finally had time,pulled both left and right VVT solenoids, carb cleaned, tested with battery to make sure they clicking nicely, sprayed it while they were clicking to make sure any gunk in the crevices get got. Slapped it all back together and BAM! Shuddering GONE!!. Will give updates if anything changes.

 

Shuddering came back. After a few days of no shuddering, it started again!! ‍♂️. Going to purchase new VVT solenoids both left and right. Will update.

 

Just did both of mine today ! VVT Oil Control Valve Solenoids!

 

Did this fix your shudder?

 

Posting in case anyone is still checking this thread, and because I am in dire need of help since the truck is my daily driver for work and I drive about 100 miles per day.
For reference, 2012 4dr PreRunner 1GR-FE V6 with 228,000 miles on it.
A few months back I started experiencing an issue while driving in any gear any time I was between 2000-2300 RPM. I could manually shift out of gear and the issue would stop but that caused issue with interstate driving. I eventually threw a code saying misfire cylinder 3. I replaced spark plugs and cylinder 3 coil and that worked for a few weeks and then the issue came back. Cleaned MAF and throttle body, no luck, but no codes either. Found a video on YouTube of a guy with same problem that replaced vvt and it solved issue so I decided that was the route I needed to go. Replaced both VVTs and it initially ran great but it didn’t last long. It seems like my initial problem was fixed but now I’ve had a new problem pop up. There’s a shudder while accelerating through first and second gear and when in 5th gear it will just randomly lurch or bump. I took a video of my gauges, since it’s random, while driving and I don’t see any change in RPMs or MPH. If I keep it in 4th gear I don’t experience the same lurch that I do in 5th with it in D. I replaced my MAF sensor and saw no improvement. Everything looks to me like it would be the torque converter but I don’t understand why this new issue would’ve started after replacing the vvt. It also hasn’t thrown any codes since replacing the spark plugs so I’m at a loss. With it being a daily driver it’s also killing me. I’m crossing my fingers someone can tell me something I can do to fix this that isn’t going to break the already broken bank. Would adding anti shudder to transmission help? I’d never heard about that until today and I really don’t want to think about replacing the torque converter.
I appreciate any help or insight, as y’all really seem to know what y’all are talking about.
I know how to do just about anything basic with the truck but when it comes down to the technical stuff I’m a novice. I may have missed a few details above as this has been a long and miserable journey and very out of character for my truck. Thank you!

 

Has the ATF ever been changed?

 

Never changed ATF. It’s just crazy to me that this could be a transmission problem that popped up directly after replacing vvt.

I’m seeing people also mentioning filter screens but responses are all across the board as to whether or not it’s needed. I’ve ran full synthetic in it since I bought the truck with 75k miles and always changed oil between 5k-10k, usually closer to 5k

 

As with many of these issues you have to try to narrow it down first to an engine issue or transmission issue. Hopefully it isn't both. A shudder around 45mph can be the torque converter clutch (TCC) locking up, as designed, but shuddering in the process (not as designed). If you can find the electrical connector on the side of the trans for the TCC you can simply disconnect it and go for a test ride. Unplugging it will prevent the TCC from locking up. A low speed shudder between shift points can simply be worn out transmission fluid. If you have 228K miles on the vehicle and it hasn't seen 3 trans fluid changes you are overdue. I would do that first. You aren't wasting money as this needs to be done as part of the maintenance. Also, I just re-read that you have never changed the fluid so.... It make take 2-3 drain and refills to get all new fresh fluid in the trans. You will drain out only about 3 quarts in a trans that holds about 10 quarts. Or take it to a shop and have a "flush" and fill performed.