Transmission: Going from reverse to drive when cold. Truck surges forward...?

I just took my 2016 Tacoma TRD Double Cab auto trans w/ tow package to Ganley Toyota where I bought it. When the truck is cold, you put it in reverse, back down the driveway (slight incline), stop, and put it into drive (foot on the brake), it takes longer than usual to go to drive, and when it does, even though your foot is hard on the brake, the truck pushes forward. This only happens when it's cold. Basically it's very sloppy when going from reverse to drive when it's cold. I have a TRD OffRoad with the tow package, as mentioned earlier. I told them about all the complaints on this forum. They're going to keep it overnight, allow the fluid to cool down, and check it in the morning (under warranty). I've read that many with the tow package have found that the truck has come from the factory with a low level of tranny fluid. Any feedback? Just curious...once they look at mine, I'll post an update.

 

i take mine in april for the 6 month sunshine treatment and will request they check the tranny fluid. i know they will hassle me and say it is not on the schedule for the 6 month to do nothing list.

 

Is it possible on the cold start, that you are not waiting long enough for it to warm up and idle down?

 

Actually part of the 6 month service is check and top off fluids, so it shouldn't be a problem.

 

No. I've owned lots of new cars. This definitely is not normal. You shouldn't have to wait 15 minutes to put it in gear.

 

Toyotas due this, they have a higher rev at idle when it's cold when the transmission engages it's similar to dropping a clutch with a bit of a rev, the vehicle lurchs forward a bit

 

Interesting. I could probably get mine to do it, Ive had it happen multiple times but its always when I dont let it run for a few minutes. Its like the valve body is bleeding out pressure. Reverse is fine so you could rule out the torque converter bleeding back. I checked the fluid the first week I had it, only .5qts low. Being a tech I have my own techstream so maybe Ill take it home some night and snap shot it in the morning and call tech assist to see what they say.

 

I have the same symptoms too smh

 

Don't hold your breathe on that, I'm sure that's not something they normally check.

 

Toyota only pays the dealer .3/hr for a 5k mile service. They are not going to check trans fluid level.

 

Nothing to do with Toyota. The dealer is the one offering the service and that's what they pay the technician to change the oil. If they write a line for a customer concern Toyota will pay warranty time for the job being completed. But if it's not properly written up as a concern then Toyota can reject the claim

 

Toyotacare is payed by Toyota as warranty, not the dealer. Toyota pays the dealer .3 for a 5k mile service with no oil change. If you went in for just a service trans fluid would not be checked. If you went in complaining of an issue and wanted it checked that's different. You would have to say something, not just expect it at the 5k service

 

Agreed, I don't think you can just go in with a concern that your fluid is low without any drivability issues. The most you would probably get is a test drive and they'll tell you it's fine.

 

I forgot about Toyota care, so now I see what your saying, if you go in and tell them you have a concern with the transmission shifting hard and jumping into gear and request the fluid level be checked, they should check the level, however doesn't mean the will, if they may pull the level from The tech stream if the sensor displays it. But full to the sensor and full to the overflow could be two different parameters

 

Here is my suggestion to anyone having transmission issues. If you don´t have it already, get a copy of the PDI checklist the dealer completed when you bought the truck. You have 2 years free maintenance, use that at the recommended intervals and keep copies of your service tickets. If after two years are up and the fluid was never checked/adjusted as it states in the manual and the Toyota Care documents, then you have proof that your dealer/service center did not do their job. If you continue to have transmission problems you can use this information to your benefit, whether it is a free extended warranty, or even a new tranny at no cost even after warranty is up. Each time you take it in with a shifting complaint and the dealer says no problem found, get a copy of that service ticket. Documentation is key.

 

Or if you're truly concerned you can get the Toyota procedure PDF located in this forum and do it yourself.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...be-low-on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/

I did my own after taking it the dealer with a "concern" in which they did nothing but hook it to the computer which is not the correct way to accurately check the fluid level. Mine was 3/4 qt low and my trans feels completely different now that it's filled to the appropriate level. Do yourself a favor and do it yourself, don't trust the dealer to take care of it. It takes about 15 mins and maybe $30 give or take in fluid and a pump if you need it. I'd much rather have the piece of mind knowing it's correct than fighting with the dealer over the issue.

 

Thanks for sharing the information. I too am experiencing the same issue you mentioned, but am unable to take it to the dealer at this time. You mentioned that Toyota is installing the NEW transmissions this week. I just hope that they will issue a TSB to fix the problematic automatic transmissions in the near future.

Please keep us updated. Thanks again.

 

What did they find with this OP?

 

I have an appointment with my dealer set on March 19th.

How can I get these phucks to check it correctly?

I was telling the person on the phone about this and the response I feel that I am getting is..."uh huh...."

 

Another thread that makes me thank myself for purchasing a manual transmission. Hate to hear you have these issues. With so much hate on the A/T I am sure Toyota will have a new map in the not too distant future. One can hope.