Shutter at 15mph for 3sec. Leave it or?

2011 Toyota Tacoma V6 4.0
156k

Just drive my daughter's truck to see what's going on with it and I noticed that there is a slight shutter for only a few seconds at about 15 mph. If I had to guess it's from 1st to 2nd maybe...

Doing some research I see that this is super common with Toyota Tacomas. Lots of information for people saying it's the torque converter, VVTI, old fluid, etc...

Unfortunately I don't have money to just throw at it, at the moment... the shutter is so slight I'm wondering if I should just leave it be, unless someone could pinpoint the issue.

Thinking it wouldn't hurt to at least replace the transmission fluid since I'm here visiting from across the country.

Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated! I only plan on being here for the next couple of days before I got to head back home

 

Do a drain and fill then check the fluid level. The method for checking is on a thread here. When you fill the fluid add about 1/2 litre extra so when you check it you don’t have to go through the process more than once.

 

If it feels like rumble strips for brief moment then yes thats torque converter shutter.

To know for sure, you would look at a scan tool and watch the torque converter slip rate when you feel it. It would spike at that time.

Ya I would change the transmission fluid. Sometimes you have to change it twice and drive a couple tanks of gas in between changes for it to be fully gone but unless its bad enough that the torque converter is damaged, It's always worked for me

 

Maybe put some lube guard in it?

 

Add another vote to a drain/refill. It should be done every 30-40K anyways, or flush every 60K, per Toyota’s severe duty schedule, which they call special operating conditions. And if you are not familiar with working on transmissions with no dipsticks, best to take to a mechanic.