RIP my 2016 Taco

Like others have mentioned this is what I'd do:

• Second opinion on trans needing rebuilding
• consider a low mile used transmission swap
• consider a factory rebuilt transmission
• consider letting the dealer rebuild the trans, very last choice for me.

 

Wow. Seems like very low miles for any trans issues . Do you tow a lot ? Just doesn’t make sense

 

https://youtu.be/EDoZ8GbCeo0

I happened to stumble across this video today. I would check the rear axle seals to see if they are leaking. And I dont think it would hurt to do a drain and fill on the trans. Some people have reported issues being resolved, as the Trans fluid was too low.

 

Dump that in, and head right to CarMax for a sell offer. This is a seller's market and Tacoma is desirable.

 

^This^

 

Okay, update time.

Picked it up from the dealer today and he stated it's the torque converter that is "on its way out". He showed me the fuel leak issue and has already been in contact w/ the other dealership to make sure my service is scheduled and comped over there. Mechanic stated the truck would be fine for now but that the shuddering would progressively get worse (obviously). He said he'd have no problem taking it out of town though. Interestingly, he did say that my driving habits are likely what made it a noticeable issue. I don't know if there's any truth to this but he said since I tend to drive it pretty easy, then the vehicle takes more time to shift gears and that's what causes the slip. If I drove it a little harder and shifted through 2/3 quicker, the slip wouldn't occur as often. This sounds bizarre but I don't really know enough about transmissions to say otherwise.

I'm scheduled to take it to the first dealership next week for the fuel line service but i'm looking into transmission shops to get an unbiased second opinion before then. The truck shudders still but it's definitely drivable. It's super easy to replicate: I let it get to second gear then let off on the accelerator until it drops to around 1000 RPMs and then boom, it lurches like its misfiring. We've got another vehicle so i'm fortunate enough not to have to continue driving it every day.

I really, truly appreciate all the awesome advice everyone has given. It's nice to always have a strong community to turn to when shit hits the fan.

 

Add this and it will be fine.

$8 Lubegard 19610 Instant Shudder Fix

Amazon.com: Lubegard 19610 Instant Shudder Fixx, 2 oz. : Automotive

 

I had a 5.0 Explorer with a 4R70W trans that would shudder. It started at 50K miles. I added a tube of this and it fixed it instantly. Right after that I changed all 12 qts of fluid and the trans was good again. But every 50K miles like clockwork it would come back and get fixed with new fluid. Sold the car with 200K miles and the trans will still perfect as long as I kept the fluid at 50K miles or less.

 

Glad it all worked out for you.

 

How many hours did they charge diagnosing the transmission?

 

Just the $70 shop charge. Sounds like they never investigated past using the scanner though. Hopefully a transmission repair shop can give more insight.

 

What a surprise...
Current on TSBs?
Mileage?
ATF ever been serviced?
ATF level ever been properly checked?

 

Yes I’ve been aggressive about TSB’s
57000
ATF has never been serviced or checked as long as I’ve owned it.

 

For what it's worth, I had a 2012 Camry with a 6 speed auto that had a shudder issue between gears (thinking 3rd and 4th) when you went light on the throttle at low RPMs. Luckily, there was a recall / TSB on the torque converter, and they replaced it free of charge. I know they're two different vehicles, but Toyota has obviously had this issue before. I drove with that shudder for over a year before I found the bulletin.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10146516-9999.pdf

 

My 2019 has it in certain situations. I can make it happen at will when at certain speeds I notice it less often after getting the KDMax tune installed.

Have they issued a tsb for the tacomas yet, I wonder?

 

1/2hr of pulling it in to scan it, claim full trans rebuild needed without actually knowing the true cause.

Sounds about dealership.

 

Exactly. It's going to the tranny shop first thing tomorrow morning because of this.

 

It's inherent to the system...
It's the flex lock-up(aka partial lockup, slip control, etc). It's supposed to slip, to reduce shift shock and increase fuel economy. Toyota is very agressive with it's application. AFAIK, it's cancelled in S3 and below. That's where I think the Shift Sense shines. By the time you're out of S3, the speed is high enough, it doesn't slip as much.

 

Alright for anyone still following, update #2...

Took it to a pretty reputable transmission shop this morning and they called about 6 hours later and said they were unable to replicate the shuddering. Mechanic stated they drove it for about 12 miles with no issues (up hills, low RPM's, under load, everything). They checked the fluid and stated that, while it was a little dirty, it seemed fine (no shavings, particulates, etc.). All in all, the shop seemed to think there was no issue with the transmission, however, he did confirm the cost from the dealership for a new one since apparently you have to get them directly from toyota (does this sound right?) He quoted around $300 to do a full flush of ATF and since i'm getting close to 60k I figured i'd have that done when I get the fuel leak fixed. So now that i'm becoming convinced it's not a trans issue i've started thinking about other things...

1) Would aftermarket suspension parts cause shuddering? I have an AAL kit installed and think maybe it could be loose. I plan to check when it gets home.

2) I've been using 85 grade fuel to save cash lately since i'm in school and have been absolutely stacking on the miles. Could that combined with the fuel leak cause shuddering?

3) My mileage has been awful lately for no apparent reason (from about 19-20 hwy to 16). Could I be looking at spark plugs? Engine air filter is a K&N that was just cleaned a week ago and oil change is coming up next week.

Seriously, thanks again everyone for the discussion and advice. Hopefully I can get this figured out.

 

What’s your elevation? 85 octane is a suitable substitute for high elevation locations.