Firm shift from 1st to 2nd with auto trans

I recently bought a 2011 TRD OR 4x4 with 60k miles on it. I have been noticing that the transmission shifts very firmly and very noticeably from 1st to 2nd. It doesn't feel exactly "rough", but it is noticeable to me. I notice it mostly when on surface streets where I accelerate with a little more gas. It is smooth when driving at slower accelerations like if I were driving through a parking lot. I've read other threads where guys said they had similar experiences. Any thoughts?

 

Normal.....Mine shifts the same way, a transmission specialist told me it is throttle position sensor dependent. My Highlander shifts the same way.

 

Thank you for the response. Is it worth getting flushed? I bought the truck 7,000 miles ago from carmax. I have scheduled a flush at a transmission specialist for Thursday. Is it worth the $180?

 

Yes, sounds normal. Especially on first start and cold mornings.
Mine is more noticeable 4th-5th.

I had my Trans Fluid changed at 100k.
I did not do a Full Flush, just Drain and Fill.
I didn’t notice much change in shift function.

I’d highly recommend that you NOT wait until 100k to change the fluid.
60k is the absolute longest I’d advise. Some people do it every 30k.

Let me say it again.
Do not wait to 100k. I did, others should not.

 

Im assuming the techs at carmax did a flush or atleast drain and fill before they sold me the truck?

 

The techs at carmax probably did donuts in the back parking lot with it, much less a full flush.

 

I wouldn’t assume anything.
Can you call and ask them?

Don’t listen to any thing about Lifetime Fluid.
I’m not going to get into the Lifetime Fluid thing.
Just search for it here on the site if you want to know more about it.

 

I'll call them and ask them. Thank you so much for the response and advice. This is my first tacoma and i find this site very helpful because of people like you!

 

Glad to hear I'm not the only one

 

No problem.
If they didn’t do the service, and you are DIY type person.
Here is a link to a DIY - Drain and Fill
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/


And here is a link to a bunch of other stuff on our trucks for DIY
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-tips-mods-more.7174/

 

Awesome, some of those look interesting!

 

Tnshooter, why do tacomas shift like this?

 

Lots of opinions on the trans flush and you can read tons of posts.
Had the dealer do full exchange/flush on my 09 at 100k and it shifted better and the converter lock up was firmer too.