Torque converter chatter?

so i have a 2014 DCSB TRD Off Road automatic. i have the same drive line vibration everyone else seems to have around 20 mph when accelerating.

but, another problem and more worrisome one i have is around 40 MPH when in 5th or OD or whatever the high gear is being refereed to these days. When I'm just moving along holding steady at 40+/- the engine is around 1000+/- rpms. If i give any kind of gas to hold it like on a slight incline, there is a horrible shudder. feels like driving over a rumble strip. It will do this probably up to 50 mph and 1500 rpm unless i give enough gas to drop down into 4th.

Does this sound like a symptom torque converter shutter, axle wrap, drive line vibration? Thanks guys. I have taken it to the dealer with both issues and got that same run around most get about it being a "normal characteristic of the vehicle. The other 2 or 3 on the lot do the same thing. I did drive another 2014 that did indeed do the same thing. Just not as bad as mine.

Thanks gang for any input

 

You have a 2014 take it to the dealer

 

Ah...he did.

 

This. I'm going to take it to another dealer this week but they even said that since the last dealer couldn't find anything they may not either.

But I don't want this to be a dealer should do this or that, I'm looking for ideas on the symptoms.

 

Well my stock 14 must not be normal then because I have no vibes what so ever. Maybe I should have it looked at.... Thats B.S

 

My '09 does the same

 

A gentle tap to the brakes turns the converter off for diagnostic purposes .
Have you checked your fluid level ?
Does it shudder in 4th gear ? I would suggest using 4th gear at that speed until you get the issue figured out or until Toyota comes out with a re-flash .
Here is a little reading for you .
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...hift-kit-shift-recalibration-kit-2nd-gen.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-transmission-low-fluid-directly-factory.html

 

You said it shudders like going over rumble strips. That is a serious shudder. If it shudders as bad as you say how is it the dealer did not find it? Did you take them for a drive or did they drive it themselves? Take them for a drive! It is not your place to figure out what is causing it or to fix it as it is under warranty. Just prove your case that it is happening.

 

That may be but it is not right. I have a 4runner with an automatic and it does not do it at all. It needs to be repaired.

 

Thanks for all the information guys. I will read through your linked to posts as soon as I get time. The original dealership did notice the issue but said it was "normal" and they couldn't fix it. Trying dealer number2 this week hopefully.

 

I do a lot of mountain driving too so I feel your pain. This new TSB for the low speed shudder, do you know what it is? And I'll test out tapping the brake today

 

Ok. So I just got back from in. So at 40 I got the shudder, tapped the brakes and nothing. Tried it again and if I push the brake peddle just hard enough for the brakes to catch, thr shudder stopped and the rpms went up about a 100 or so but then once the rpms came back down the shudder was right back. Is that the expected result?

 

Yes , gently tapping the brake pedal will turn the converter off . What you are doing is manipulating the brake switch . The brake switch tells the ECM that you are planning to stop therefore the converter lock up clutch is commanded to turn off . If the converter lock up clutch didnt turn off when you come to a full stop , the truck would stall .

Since you are simply tapping the brake switch for diagnostics , The ecm will command the converter to lock up shortly after you release the pedal .
Have you checked the transmission fluid ? driving up long hills is going to be very hard on the trans and converter if the fluid is low .
Have you noticed if the shudder is more noticeable when the truck is colder or warmer ?
Whats the mileage ?
Do you tow anything ?

Toyota is screwing 99% of the Tacoma owners who bring their truck in for this complaint . If you continue to drive with this issue , it will destroy the converter clutch and transmission .

 

Cold or warm doesn't matter. Seems worse when cold but I can't say 100%
No I'm not towing anything.
Truck just turned 7545 miles

And as for fluid I haven't checked it cause I can't find the damn transmission dip stick. Which is embarrassing. I am very mechanically inclined and have never once had a vehicle that didn't have a trans dip stick that was an automatic. And there is no reference to it in the owners manual.

 

Read the two links I posted when you have time

 

Sucks that so many here are having this trouble. All the Tacoma's that I get in the shop with this condition either have old fluid, or low fluid level. A fluid change, and/or fluid level correction have eliminated them.

All manufacturers have been using the TCC lockup and a TCC PWM solenoid system to regulate TCs for over 2 decades. With the tighter tolerances and more computer control they have these days, some vehicles seem to have this type of issue with the fluid level or condition being even a LITTLE off. For instance Dodge and Ford will have a HORRIBLE shudder if you do not use the correct transmission fluid. I am sure Toyota is just the same.

My suggestion is to check the fluid level, and fluid condition to see if the majority of the problem lies there.

 

Thank. Just read your posts. Thank you for that. I have an appointment at the dealer tomorrow and will check when I get back if they don't fix it.

Edit: hopping to use my ultragauge to check the temp. Do you out know if that's possible?

 

I do not beleive the Ultra guage has the capability of checking trans temp . There are a few posts at TW about this . The Scan guage does but double the cash

I will be following your thread for updates to see what the dealer does to fix the issue .
Please post results

 

Yeah. We rarely had problems with TCC chatter with GM that wasn't fixed with a simple software update. Toyota could fix theirs just as easily if they tried. It's all in how the PWM is pulsated. Of course the fluid condition/level does affect it a lot!

 

Honestly it isn't a problem to engage it at the lower speeds. It is HOW it engages. If there is a shudder, then I would recommend a slightly slower PWM signal under a heavier load, when most TCC shudder would occur (It's just like shifting into 5th too early in a manual trans)