Transmission question

Hey all! Another question! In regards to my 2021 Tacoma. I purchased it this month, really like it but am having a hard time getting used to the transmission. I’m coming from a 2015 to this and there certainly is a big difference. I purchased it certified. I’ve read a few posts and have seen that they have a “learning transmission” if I purchased this with 32,000 miles on it.. do you think the dealership reset it, is that even a thing.. so that it could “relearn” my driving habits or is it constantly “learning” one thing that really troubles me is when I am slowing down, the truck seems to vibrate.. it doesn’t seem break related, I’m not sure if it’s the transmission breaking and if it has learnt to do that from a prior driver and will resolve itself. It’s not a very smooth driving truck I just admit. Not as smooth as my 2015. I hope it evens out over time and learns my driving habits.

 

What you’re describing, unfortunately, is just the way Toyota has the ECU programmed. The shift points are really terrible and it makes the truck feel jerky and sluggish. Many more people will chime in here shortly and probably say the same thing but I had my truck tuned to fix the issue. I have the KDmaxx tune but there are many others out there and they’re all good options. It drives like a dream now.

The transmission behavior in the 3rd gen (auto trans) is a very common complaint. For example, when I first got the truck, my wife would think that I was braking for no reason while we were going down the road. I tried to explain to her that it was the way the truck shifts and reacts to taking your foot off the accelerator. She never believed me, that’s how bad it was. Drives like a whole new truck after getting it tuned a couple years ago. I’ve never looked back.

 

Tsb for it one of the many many many quirks of the 3rd gen, new leaf springs and steering damper will be installed

 

Get an aftermarket tune
I’ve had the KD max tune for years, no complaints.
Search the forum for it and find a local tuner

 

Forgive me, I’m so new to this. What is a tune an how does it work/installed?

 

THIS! This is exactly how it drives! I’m almost tempted to take it back and get my money back.. been nervous about this purchase.

 

It’s funny you say that because I had the exact same thought when I took the truck on my first trip right after I purchased it new. I had this sinking feeling in my stomach like “oh no, I’ve made a terrible mistake.” Came on here the next day and did some research like you’re doing and I found my way to a few of the threads talking about tunes.

The next week I had an appointment lined up with the tuner and 10 minutes later I was on the road smiling from ear to ear. Best money I’ve ever spent on the truck.

 

The 3G transmission upshifts much earlier than the 2G. This is apparently (?) good for fuel economy, but makes the drive a little “luggy and laggy”. The truck is constantly learning and adjusting to your driving and the fuel in the tank and altitude and ambient tempt etc. That process is ongoing and endless in the background. It doesn’t “learn” your habits once and then stop.

What I found is you, and your foot, learn to drive this truck the way you want it driven, then all is good. There is a period of calibrating your gas pedal pressure, and developing a little muscle memory, but I found eventually you sync up with the trucks programming and from then on it’s all good.

Some fellas freak out and sell the truck in the first month, but those that stick it out eventually stop complaining.

 

A tuner basically just reprograms your truck by connecting a laptop with a cable. It changes the way the transmission shifts so it’s much smoother. Most people (including myself) describe it as allowing the truck to drive the way it should.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/kdmax-pro-tuning-now-yotawerx-tuning.713699/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ott…is-there-a-downside.829584/

Lots of other threads out there but those two will get you started with some info.

 

Thank you so much for your encouragement! It is so nice to know I’m not alone. I love the truck - just wish it would drive smoother! I will look into this! What about pedal commander? Also - is doing a tune dangerous and couldn’t be reserved does it void a warranty?

 

Tune is basically a software update to the truck’s ECU. A simplified explanation (my best understanding) is it changes the trucks shift points, air/fuel mix, gives it a little more hp…
Installed by some guy with a laptop connected to your OBD port

 

I have never heard of a tune being described as “dangerous”, if anything I feel like it makes my truck safer because it drives in a much more predictable manner. I think the general consensus is that it probably won’t void your warranty because it’s unlikely that a dealership would be able to tell the truck is tuned. You could always revert it back to the stock tune before taking it in for a warranty claim.

 

Tune it, I've done both of mine.

 

Awesome guys! I will look into this - I live in northern nh. Any ideas on who there is up here? lol

 

Literally tune it and never look back lol

Dealer can’t tell because the file name is the same as the original. They also won’t check and dont care….about anything..,
I got a “do not flash” cover for my ODB port so when i bring it to the dealer they wont hit me with the TSP update and accidentally erase my tune

 

I used the second link in post #9 of this thread and it looks like the closest tuner is in Acton, Maine. Worth the drive.

also do some research on TW on rust proofing (fluid film, cosmoline…) since you live in NH

 

I don’t know how the other tune peeps work because I’ve only ever had kdmaxx but they have a map on their website, or you could hit up @PapaRee and he can tell you who is closest to you.

 

I bought a peddle commander because I just wanted to a quick fix until I found a tuner. It improved enough that I'm happy with it now.

 

did you find that upon breaking it smoothed the rpm’s out?

 

Well Ty everyone for taking the time to ease my mind I’ll keep everyone updated!