"Hedging" "Tugging" Transmission

4 mo old 2012 Double Cab V6 4X4 TRD with consistent "hedging" "tugging" sensation at 1100rpm around 40mph. Owned 03 pre-runner V6 SR5 TRD RWD for 9 years 130,000, no problems. Told at dealership "anomaly" with this new engine. No fix available. Concerning to me for new vehicle. Anyone else with this problem with this model and year?

 

I have no idea what to make of your descriptions. Any other way to describe it?

 

Tech at Dealership test drove my truck and validated my concern, conferred with ?toyo engineer, he called it a "hitch" due to load on engine and the drivetrain being locked into the engine. It feels just like a consistent pulling/tugging as long as I'm driving at around 40mph. Sales mgr told me to just shift down to avoid "hitch" sensation. transmission

 

Pulsating or steady tug ?

 

my 2012 truck does the same thing at 40mph when its in 4th gear and tc is locked, i think its normal cause its lugging down in top gear while the TC is locked, if i speed up 2 mph it stops...i thought this might just be the sweet spot for lugging in it, so ive not worried about it anymore

 

Pulsating, persistent, continuous tugging sensation around 40mph. Yes, if I decelerate or accelerate out of that 40 mph range it goes away. I'm thinking I'd rather have my 03 back.

 

Mine does same thing i call it surging.
I told dealership at first oil change and was told its a known issue no fix.
It happens between 40-42 mph in 5th at tq convertor lockup.
My solution is to pass through 40 mph firmly so tq convertor doesnt lock until after 42 mph. My 06 tundra same tranny never did this.
Its my only gripe with this truck after 10000 miles.

Op myself and one other person are the only mention i have heard of with this issue

 

Appreciate your input

 

My only concern as well. Love the truck otherwise.

 

It is worse under load or going up gentle hills. I asked dealership if they could alter the shift points and was told no due to epa fuel mileage they want the truck in top gear as soon as possible.

 

Looks like we've got the same truck. Mine is black.

 

Mine '09 does this exact same thing you describe OP

 

Thanks OZ-T

 

When I say exactly as you describe , I mean exactly

40-42 mph , TC locked , going up a slight incline or under a slight load makes it the most prominant

 

To me it is similar to the sensation you get when lugging a manual with a bit of load on

 

I drive in "4" to keep the revs up for better throttle response and engine braking if traffic conditions don't allow me to consistently keep above 55 mph.

 

I do this a lot too

 

My '12 hunts around that speed, worse if it is a false flat in the road. Highway speeds (75 mph for us) at mild climb causes some massive gear hunting too.

I put it all on the 5-spd, my 2007 was tight as a drum........

 

Its not "hunting" as in shifting back and forth it is in 5 gear with tq convertor locked the whole truck surges/stumbles between 40-42 mph. It only shows up when you baby the truck which is 99.9 percent of the time for me.

 

I see no point in babying the engine/transmission, which are the more durable parts of the truck. I think the complicated brake valves/ATRAC system will fail first, then the frame rusts...