Shuddering down the road

I picked up a used 2015 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 only a few months ago. The other day while driving, it kind of shutter. I was doing normal highway speeds when it did. Later the next day, it did it again, but worse. I was going slower this time too. I did not see a noticeable change in RPM. Where should I start with troubleshooting? Last oil change, oil looked fine. I have not done a transmission flush and refil. I have not been able to recreate the problem again either.

 

I would check to see if it is torque converter shutter.

The following was taken from the link below.
It was written by member of this forum who is a Transmission Specialist.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/


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 .

 

If temps just changed add a bottle of Heat or an injector cleaner with methanol as you could have a little water in the gas.

 

So I went to test the converter, and it even did it as soon as it started up. I put a bottle of the Lucas oil fuel cleaner in and change the oil regularly.

 

Had the same thing on my ‘01, which turned out to be a plug misfire. It would shudder, sometimes on take off, start up, or randomly driving down the road and after testing trans fluid, drain and fill, etc. it stayed and started getting worse. Took a while to figure out the intermittent misfire. I wouldn’t rule out plugs and or wires

 

What wires? 2nd Gen doesn't have traditional spark plug wires or distributor... It has a coil over each spark plug.

Maybe a coil pack

 

Maybe? Was going to see what a spark plug change did. Check out what the plugs look like too.
It may be a little before I get a chance

 

Welp, I was finally able to pull a code. I was driving and it started sputtering really bad and threw a CEL. That said misfiring. Changed out the plugs and now she's running much better. We will see if that holds up.

 

Good deal, that’s relieving I’m sure!