2011 Tacoma / 5 speed / 4x4 / 4 cyl -Acceleration Issues

Hello everyone! First time posting to the forums (I wish it wasn't under these circumstances)

I own a 2011 Tacoma (4x4, 4 cyl, 5 speed) with approximately 56,000 miles. Approximately 3 days ago, I noticed acceleration / RPM issues. My initial assumption was the clutch but after reading the various posts I am unsure. Many of the classic clutch tests don't seem to illustrate that it is the problem.

I have driven standard transmission for close to 20 years and never abused or damaged a clutch in the past.

The truck starts moving with no issues. It down shifts and up shifts with no problem. The issue is when you are cruising around, maybe in 4th, just feathering the throttle causes the RPM to jump but the speed does not increase. This happens in other gears but mostly 3rd and 4th. It seems to be present when accelerating outside of normal driving like when going to pass.

I have tested going down the highway in 4th or 5th gear at 55mph and flooring it. The truck does not accelerate (which it never really has, I mean it isn't very fast lol) but the RPMs fluctuate erratically. The rpms go up 500 then drop 500 then go up 500 and so on. At the same time, the truck really isn't accelerating as it should.

I don't put the truck into 4x4 unless there is snow. There was some snow this past week which I used 4x4 but there didn't seem to be an issue then.

I took it to an auto parts store to run the codes. No codes came up. There is also no engine light.

Any ideas? Thoughts? I don't really want to deal with paying a dealership for a clutch replacement when it is something like a faulty MAF sensor or a recall.

This may be an unhelpful addition but I have noticed that the gas mileage has seemed to drop. I used to be able to get @300 miles per 3/4 of a tank. Now it is considerably less, maybe 250 per 3/4 tank. Does that mean it is a MAF?

Thank you for the help!

 

Sounds like the clutch is going. You might have gotten a the crappy clutch installed by factory (they used 2 different kinds, seems random who gets the good and who gets the bad). Check out this thread, some people report the same slipping in 3rd and 4th.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/4-cylinder/254190-2012-clutch-problems-2.html#post6247628

Losing mpg is normal when it gets cold. I'm over 300 per fillup in summer and drop down to more like 260-270 in winter.

 

Either your clutch is slipping or your spinning your wheels on slippery surfaces. More likely clutch, but your note that you didn't notice the issue in 4wd makes me wonder. Does the speedometer hold steady while the engine RPM fluctuates?

A MAF issue won't allow a change between engine speed and road speed like you describe, that is completely mechanical. And yes, a slipping clutch will affect fuel economy, it's wasting energy to slip the clutch.

Do some research on the issue before forking over for a new clutch, and be sure you get an Aisin clutch, not another LUK.

 

Thanks for the response. I was afraid it was the clutch. Any idea to the cost / time for replacing a clutch at a dealership?

The thread you link mentions "TSB". Could that mean my replacement is covered by the dealership?

 

Probably not happening at your mileage, but it won't hurt to try, they know there's issues, thus the TSB (technical service bulletin). It's not a recall though.

 

The ground is not slippery.

To your second question: Normal driving conditions are pretty standard except when you accelerate. When you push the throttle, the engine revs (RPM and Sound). The speedo doesn't really jump at the same rate. Eventually, the speed matches. Sorry, it is difficult to explain it.

How long can i drive on my clutch like it is? If i drive gingerly could i get weeks / months out of it?

 

If you are just tipping in the throttle and the tach is jumping I wouldn't think it's the clutch. I'm thinking cam sensor or crank sensor but I could be wrong. Now might be a good time to buy that app for your smart phone (sorry can't remember the name-hopefully someone will chime in) it could be the best $20 you'll ever spend.

 

Clutch

 

Definitely a slipping clutch from that description. You might get by for a bit if you don't have a lot of hills to deal with, and downshift earlier when more power is needed. The risk at this point is overheating your flywheel beyond what can be machined off when it is resurfaced for the clutch replacement, since replacing the flywheel will add to the cost of the repair.

 

Thanks for the responses. I have an appointment with my local Toyota stealership to assess my truck. I have been driving gingerly in an attempt to not make anything worse.

I have no idea what to expect in cost or time to repair. Any idea?

 

If it's not warranty / TSB and you can't do it yourself (I certainly couldn't) I would be farming it out to a reputable local shop, would certainly be cheaper than the dealer... and you could spec non-OEM parts which given the history of OEM clutch issues might actually be better.

 

I am relatively new to my area and I don't know a reliable mechanic. I will let them assess the issues and make my choice based off the recommendation. I am still hoping it's something else but I am not holding my breath.

 

For sure try the dealer first. If you play your cards right, you might get at least a partial reimbursement since they know the LUK clutches are faulty. A clutch kit is around $300 give or take, and 6-7 hours to replace, plus maybe $50 for flywheel resurfacing. Ballpark $1000, depending on labour rates.