Torque Converter Shudder 2013 4.0L 4X4 Transmission

The transmission on my 2013 4 liter 4 by 4 automatic is having a few problems when shifting, especially at lower RPM's and on and off throttle transitions. There is what seems like a slip or slight clunk when shifting that is most noticeable when shifting between first and second gear.
The tranny is totally functional but the problems it is having are annoying and could just get worse as time goes on.

My local auto service tech (not a Toyota tech) has seen this problem in other Tacoma's.
I tried searching for a technical service bulletin on Toyota.com for my Vin# and it comes up with nothing but, there are similar problems for the 3rd Gen Models that have TSB's.
These describe the fix as some sort of software upgrade to the CPU.

Has anyone else had similar problems?

What was needed to fix it?

I know I can just call a Toyota dealer and make an appointment but I was hoping to learn more about what may be involved in fixing the problem and how expensive it is likely to be.

Thanks for any information that you may provide.

 

Bad carrier bearing.

How many miles on it by the way?

 

Not many. Only 62,000 Miles.

Thanks for the carrier bearing suggestion. It does seem like there may be some play in the drive train assembly.

I saw this post where the problem turned out to be a u-joint.

Possible bad carrier bearing?
Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by rondog, Oct 30, 2015.

 

The carrier is the more common to fail at that mileage, however, U joints can and have failed before. They are all linked to the driveshaft, however, so if either one is bad, the shaft has to come off regardless.

Check your bearing, grab both sides of the shaft and push up and pull down on the shaft. If there is excessive movement on it the carrier bearing is bad.

Mine was bad at around the same mileage and it was actually bad much sooner than that but I put it off for so long because I didn't know it was that. Subsequently, I replaced it with a polyurethane unit made bt Inland Empire Driveline Service and the vibration and thumping sensation I had in various and random situations went away. It was an accidental fix which has had amazing long term results.

 

I has a similar problems like you described with the same year truck. Mine was determined to be the slip yoke binding and the whole driveshaft was replaced under some TSB that was out there for it at that time.

 

Thanks for your help. Good to know that Randy had a similar problem with a 2013.

 

Your welcome