Transmission shutter ~40mph

2014 Prerunner Double Cab Limited w/tow package and ~98000.

This is my first Taco. Acquired in September. When in “D” and accelerating normal, tends to have tranny shutter around 35-40 mph. Same conditions, but in “4”, everything smooth.

My thinking is tranny is trying to get into overdrive as a soon as possible, causing some lugging, hence the shutter.

Any ideas to the contrary?

 

Try the brake tap test outlined in this thread and get back to us
When was the last tune up ? spark plugs etc etc
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/

 

Will do. Did the trans flush/fill, plugs, oil, filter, etc., soon after buying truck. Thanks for the link, lot of technical info, but all makes sense. I don’t think I’m dealing with a misfire. I’ll most likely go the route of additive.

 

Very common problem. Google up "transmission shudder" on the 4runner and Taco forums.

 

Okay, so an annoyance, but nothing to get too worked up about. Thanks.

 

Yes it is annoying .
I wouldnt take the chance of allowing the problem to continue .
It needs to be diagnosed ofcourse but if you continue to drive it this way , further damage will result .
At least if you drive in 4th , the problem doesnt occur

 

Yeah, consensus seems to be a converter lockup issue. The most commonly used "fix" is to do a complete fluid change and add a tube of Shudder Fix.

To Gearcruncher - what do you think is going to get damaged? I do not claim to know jack about our transmission, so I am truly curious. It has been widely reported on the T4R forums and there's never been a more serious problem associated with the shudder as it appears to be the lockup function hunting around. The fluid change and Shudder Fix (friction modifier) has been used for nearly 8 years on the T4R's and most often completely cures the problem. I'd link you to the threads but I don't believe this forum will allow me to do that.

Edit - let's see if this works. It's worth the read:

 

The chattering of the converter clutch is what causes the damage .
Its like the clutch in a manual transmission . If somebody is always riding the clutch , eventually the clutch lining will fail.
Restoring the friction modifiers with new fluid and shudder fix is only 1 fix and unfortunately it doesnt always work .
Many members here at Tacoma World have had their torque converters as well as transmissions replaced because of the chatter .
When the converter clutch lining comes apart , it contaminates the rest of the transmission .
Our goal here is to try and catch the issue before further damage can occur and many times , the valve body has to be modified with upgraded valving to fix the chatter
Have a peek at my write up . A lot of the information on the first page deals with the converter clutch
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/

I have read that link in the past ..some good info

 

Thanks for the info GC. I've read your thread many times and it's great - thanks for all that info. I think, however, that for the vast majority of people who experience this problem, going the "full monty" route is simply too much and too expensive. Many people have found that the full fluid change and friction modifier lasts for the life of the truck. I realize it's not the *best* way to address it, but it works.

We're lucky to have someone with your background/knowledge on this board. Thanks for all you do.