Strange shiffting issues

I have a 09 4X4 Double cab with a v6 I purchased with 40k on it and have driven it the last 30 k with no issues. I really like the truck and plan on keeping for many years to come. I have the toyota pre owned warranty on the truck until 100k. I brought it to the dealer yesterday because about a week ago on my home from upnorth I noticed some strange shifting going on. I pin pointed it to lower speed shifts typically occuring at 30 mph and an 45-50 mph when I had less throttle input then what I would consider normal driving. At the point I noticed it was when I was stuck in traffic. This kept going on through out the week. The experience i was getting was what i would explain is a shuttering for the shifting. It was not crisp at all almost a jerking.

When i went to the dealer we did a drive along and the tech did experience what I was talking about. after scanning the car and checking everything underneath he felt it was the fact that the drive shaft had not been greased (my fault) and that the spark plugs were still original (my fault) had no idea they needed to be replaced every 30 k. I brought the truck home and changed the spark plug with new denso's from the dealer. the shifting issue seams better but it is still there. The dealer told me there where no TSB's for the 6cylinder trucks only 4cyl models??

I am almost wondering if it could be bad gas? or it really is a tranny issue. any thoughts?

 

1. Transmission fluid could be at the wrong level or have degraded. Fluid should be changed at 60K. Do it either at the dealer or follow this guide http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/63851-how-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.html for DIY. There's a unique temperature check procedure. Do not go to an independent shop unless they specialize in Toyota trucks.

2. Did your truck get the gas pedal-chop recall done? Part of the recall was an ECM flash to enable the brake override function. The ECM flash also loads the latest transmission control software that fixes a few issues.

 

Brake override? does that cancel the throttle if you should press the brake and gas a the same time?

 

If you hit the brake *after* already stepping on the gas, above 5 mph. There's a lot of misinformation out there. Read Toyota's guide for the facts on how the logic works:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/attachments/2nd-gen-tacomas/99622d1304608515-newly-designed-brake-over-ride-system-toyota_brakeoverridesystem.pdf

 

I have a couple issues posted here : may be worth reading
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...ft-recalibration-kit-2nd-gen.html#post7717007

 

I had no record of the trans fluid ever being touched in mine and I bought it with 122k on it. So I did a "spill and fill" with Toyota WS fluid and found it was almost a quart low when I refilled it. I can't believe how much better it shifts and I only added 4 quarts of fluid. Of course it's now at the correct level too. Need to do it a few more times in the spring to get more new fluid in it.

 

Funny dealer told me trans fluid never ever needs to be changed it is lifetime fluid. What is that all about?

 

The dealer is giving you the wrong spin. Of course there's no such thing as a "lifetime" fluid.

In the US, Toyota's maintenance guide says to inspect the fluid at every oil change. i.e. replace trans fluid if it is deemed degraded by the oil change apprentice mechanic. Of course, there's no trans dipstick... Fluid replacement is called at 60k if you frequently tow.

In Canada, the booklet simply says to replace the fluid every 72 mo. or 96k km (60k miles).

Anyway, you are reporting a condition that may be caused by fluid at the wrong level or degraded. Replace the fluid and you'll be good for at least another 60k miles.

 

Hmm I will call them. . Will that be covered under warranty?

 

Lifetime fluid means the length of warranty. That's all they care about.

 

No. Trans fluid replacement is a maintenance item, so not covered under warranty. Going price is ~$100 depending on your local labor rates for car repair.

 

does it feel like driving over a rumble strip? If so its your torque converter. Mine is at the dealer right now waiting aproval from the extended warranty company..

 

Is it downshifting or hunting for gears around 30mph when you're driving without much throttle? Mine does that. I have to get into the throttle a little bit or get above 35mph and it stays in one gear. I have the re-flash and had the dealer due a drain a fill on the tranny not too long ago.

 

Yes exactly. I also notice if i put it in 4th problem goes away. . So it only happens in drive.

I also tow a bunch should i not be in drive?

 

yes if you put in in 4 you change some characteristics of TC lockup. If you tow you generally don't want it in overdrive so it wont be hunting for gears.. all depends on what you are towing. IF you under warranty go to the dealer.. tell them your torque converter is broke. They drove around with a laptop in my truck and saw the problem right away.

 

Yup still have warranty. I hope they don't drag out the diagnosis. I am also curious what long term damage this will do to the tranny?

 

Ok so this gets even stranger. I drove around for a day in 4th and now the problem seems to have gone away. I alos had to fill up the gas tank. Is it possible I had some bad gas causing a stuttering during shifts?

 

IF you put in in 4 you are changing some characteristics for the TQ.. does the problem occur again once you have it in D?
FYI I just had my TQ replaced.. problem all fixed.. and trans still feels smooth and crisp shifts.

 

once I put it back in drive it has no problem whatsoever its like it never happened I also grease the drive shaft for the first time since I've owned it and think that may have something to do with it so does Toyota. the other possibility is just bad gas. I'll continue driving let you guys know what I find out. now I guess with no problem to start looking for some decent wheels for this thing