‘16 hard shifts into drive (TRDOR 4x4, AT)

hey folks, I wanted to get some thoughts on transmission performance. I’ve got an April 2016 build truck, a 4x4 off-road with the V6. It’s got 20,000 miles and I got it new. I back it in to my garage each time, and recently there have been a few times when I fire up the truck, shift it into gear pretty much immediately after it starts, and then it takes 3-4 seconds before it slams into drive. Somewhat violently. I know some of the early builds were low on transmission fluid (insufficient fill for trucks with towing package and transmission coolers if memory serves) but after searching for a TSB I didn’t see anything specific. I have not had any work done on the truck either from warranty or aftermarket other than standard maintenance.

I will note, this has happened more now that I have a second car and my truck sits parked for 2-3 days sometimes, but I did have it happen before then a couple times. I imagine that parking the truck for so long is sacrilege to many of those on the forum, but the pull to put miles on the new car is strong.

Is this hard shift to be expected after sitting for a couple days, or could it be related to an issue such as low tranny fluid or other technical concern? I plan on taking it in to check it out on warranty regardless, but want to “lead the witness” so to speak with the service folks at the shop.

 

definitely check the transmission fluid. Many of the trucks were not filled to spec and it causes all kinds of weird issues (even being short a fraction of a quart). Some dealers are good about doing it, others will make a big stink. Its really not that hard to just do yourself. My 16 was 1/2 quart low and it was like a completely different truck after getting it filled to spec. Same thing with my dads 2010 tacoma - the clunk he had coming to a stop went away.

Aside from that, there's a TSB that updates the ECU revision from whatever you are on (probably 04b00 or 04b01) to 04b04. That'll also make a pretty significant difference.

 

Start the truck and wait 15-20 seconds. Don't throw it into gear so quick. Let the RPM's drop. Does it still delay going into drive?

 

I suspect that would help... but it’s pretty intermittent. Hard to know. That’s certainly has not been my habit.

 

As mentioned above , the problem your are explaining to us is highly likely to be a low on fluid symptom .
Have you ever checked it ?
If the truck takes a while to go into gear after sitting for a few days , I would seriously think about having the fluid checked as soon as possible . Many owners are driving around with a low fluid condition and do not know it . Eventually, this will catch up with you $$$$$$$$
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...be-low-on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/

Now , there are other possibilties as well , but start with the basics and go from there.

Are there any lights on the dash ? The SLT solenoid is known to have issues .

 

Definitely sounds like a combination of low fluid causing the delay, and whatever drivetrain slack exists coupled with the high rpm's at warm-up causing the bang in to gear once the fluid catches up. As suggested above, I would definitely look at getting the fluid checked asap at a minimum.

 

Thanks folks. I'll run into the dealer next week. Here's a shot of the truck and my new ride (M2 competition), which I won't be disappointed to run around in while the truck gets checked out.