2017 auto transmission quirks

As boynoyce said, it really depends on your driving style, and your expectations. jsinnard had some good suggestions too.

All engines and trannys nowadays are designed for emissions and/or gas mileage, and it's changed everything. I like the 'older' transmissions. They were more predictive. 6th gear on these new ones is a little like Overdrive for the Overdrive, but you can make it work for you as suggested above.

Think of the 6 spd auto as a women.. it responds well to being gentle, but responds poorly when you get aggressive. But every now and then, if you wanna little more uummpphh, you hit the right button (ECT) and she'll like it.

 

My main complaint with this transmission is its shift characteristics while on CC. I have driven for a living for 30 yrs and I use CC extensively. My '08 Taco and now this '17 Taco are the only vehicles I've ever driven that shift in such a pattern as these.
I honestly think my "expectations" of a certain performance may be a large part of my issue with this tranny. It's not a deal breaker for me and I'm sure I can adapt to it. I have yet to put 1000 miles on it yet so we have time to work it out.

 

How many trucks / cars have you driven with a double overdrive? Your 08 only had a single OD so it will act differently especially with cruise.

 

Same boat I am in- I went from a 2011 to 2017. I love the truck but hate the drivetrain. It does not have enough midrange torque so therefore the engine jumps gear and often two to climb a small hill that my 2011 never shifted once on. It also shudders between 30 and 50 and I think it is maybe toque convertor or 5 and 6 jumping in and out. If your is a 2017 it probably already has the latest ECU update as I wasted a trip to the dealership and half a day to find out. My dealer and Toyota's only answer to the problem is wait till my 10000 mile checkup and maybe there will be a newer ECU update then. I am greatly considering trading it for a F150. This is my fourth Tacoma in a row and I hate that they did this to this truck.

 

you can post anytime you want contrary to some opinions....

 

I wish my taco drove like my pathfinder

 

Only 3. And I must admit I didn't realize this Tacoma had dble O.D. until I had already bought it. I probably would have chosen a manual shift if I had known before.
And no, I didn't do much research on my choice beforehand. I was relying on Toyota's reputation for quality. I could spend 3 days and a couple cases of beer explaining why but I won't waste the time ... or the beer.

 

All good points. Just understanding what I'm dealing with is encouraging. I'm sure I'll be able to get it to work for me.
I like your illustration. Ha

 

I think a lot of people have been driving automatics all their life and playing with the phones. After driving a stick for ten years, I 'm finding this trans. is something you can work with minus the clutch.

 

There are more complaints about the 3rd Gen tranny than you can shake a stick at- it is a well known problem on here and at the dealer.

 

I guess we can't stay out of transmission threads! My tahoe has a 6 speed transmission with double overdrive. Cruises amazing on the highway with and without cruise control on. It is night and day difference on the highway compared to the Tacoma.

 

Your Tahoe also has torque. That's the difference.

 

Very true. It is the only other double overdrive transmission I have owned to compare against. With cylinder deactivation it usually gets better gas mileage on the freeway too. In town though the mileage is horrible compared to the tacoma.

 

Me too.