Rough Shift and bumps on a 2012 DCSB SR5 4X4 Automatic

I know... there are a ton of threads on this. I've read them, but I just want to clarify since the search results are muddy.

I have a stock 2012 DCSB SR5 4x4 Automatic with 45k miles. I just purchased it this month and it's in great shape inside and out with detailed maintenance records from Toyota. Must have been a grocery-getter kept in a garage.

1. When I'm going from 1st to 2nd and sometime 2nd to 3rd, I get a not-so-perfect transition between gears. Mostly when the engine is cold. After about 30 minutes of driving, it goes away.

2. At lower speeds (below 55mph) I notice what feels like tiny bumps in the road. Imagine a smooth freeway transition from asphalt to bridge. It's not a big bump, but just a small one that is only apparent for a few miles of driving.

Things I've read in several threads around here regarding this:

"I have a gen 2. It's normal"
"Top off your transmission fluid"
"Replace your drive shaft"
"There's a TSB for that" (There's a TSB for everything under the sun on 2012s)
...etc​

I'm not "bothered" by the small bumps and rough shifts (if this is normal for these trucks), just concerned that it may get worse if I'm not addressing it sooner rather than later.

So what have you done to resolve these issues that has worked? What is the most definitive answer?

 

I’d change the Trans Fluid now. ( https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-get-it-out-of-your-transmission-now.331521/ )

#1. Is normal.

#2. May not be normal. But doesn’t sound “too” concerning.


You might try this.

Here is how you can test for a converter shudder from home .

Allow the truck to warm to operating temp . Your converter will not lock up when its cold .
Place the shifter into the overdrive position and drive until you feel the converter shudder .
Once you begin feeling the shudder , use the " Brake Tap Test " to see if the shuddering goes away .

As soon as you feel the shudder , use your left foot and gently tap the brake pedal about 1/4 inch down but leave your right foot steady on the gas pedal .
The idea here is not actually hitting the brakes but manipulating the brake switch . Manipulating the brake switch tells the computer that you are coming to a stop . Your computer will then command the converter clutch to the off position for a couple of seconds . When the converter turns off , your shudder is going to go away for a brief moment .
Because , you only tapped the brake pedal to manipulate the brake switch and you still have your right foot steady on the gas pedal , the computer in your truck will then command the torque converter to re-apply the locking clutch and your shudder will instantly return .

Great information here.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/

 

I’ll definitely change the transmission fluid. Sounds like the most legitimate solution after reading all of those threads. Thanks for the quick reply!

 

I took it to the stealership to get a proper flush and it’s improved a bit and I’m happy I’ve done the preventative maintenance. I’ll flush it again at 90-100k. My power steering looks a little dark too. So I might get that changed at 50k.

I think the “bumps” issue is that the suspension seems a little stiff , but that’s probably because I’ve never driven on leafs before.

 

I had the torque converter chatter and it feels more like a “rumble strip” vibration. If you drive around in 4th not D the torque converter won’t go into “flex lockup” mode where it engages and disengages lockup rapidly.

Try driving the same piece of road in “D” then “4” and see if there is a difference.