1st Gen (2001 Tacoma) - Automatic Transmission Issue

OP,
You have a solenoid issue. Been there, done that.
Get it into the shop for a diagnosis when you can.
There are not many ‘moving’ parts as there is fluid movement directed by the solenoids.
Do yourself a favor and go with a shift kit while you’re at it.
I did this and trans temps dropped during shifting. No more slipping while shifting.

 

^this...shift kit for sure.

When mine goes I’ll definitely do a shift kit. The smoother the shifts the more it slips and builds heat. I’d prefer a firmer shift over heat soak any day. I’ve just rolled 200k and no major issues so far. Keep waiting for something major....and waiting....and waiting.

 

Currently having a similar issue with my 01. Did you ever get it figured out, @jjbbing?

 

did any figure this out i just bought a 2001 and its doing the exact thing

 

You're not crazy. Higher idle for the first minute or so on cold start and yes, it holds second gear a little longer to heat up the coolant and trans fluid to operating temp as someone else mentioned. It's normal. Upon cold start if you drive the truck immediately you will notice that second gear holds much higher into the rpm range before it shifts into 3 and then ultimately if you have your OD on into electronic 4th. We have to remember our trans is a 3 speed with electronic OD (4th).

I'm also leaning towards shift solenoid/valve body. I have 293,000 on an original trans and I'm starting to experience this hard "thud" shift upon start up from out of P to D or R. Once the tranny warms up past usually 135 to 140 and anything above the hard shift goes away when going out of P into D or R... I just replaced tranny filter for the first time in the 12 years I've owned the truck and embarrassing to say, IT WAS DESTROYED! Just a gunked up MESS! I suspected diminished fluid flow through the shift solenoids or valve body which is why I finally decided to change the filter and put new fluid in. I almost wish I would have done the AMAZON kit that came with the shift solenoids while I was in there. They are behind the filter and there are 3. I'm thinking this also might still be my issue as well...

I think you are experiencing something similar. It kind of makes sense that our problems are going away when the fluid is warm. It has better fluid dynamics when warm. Meaning IMHO it's flowing through the filter and solenoids better when warm. I will say one last thing. Unlike you, I have never experienced any kind of shifting problem or concern with my vehicle. Just the cold hard shift out of P into D or R. Because auto trans are so complex you're either going to have to read and research more or take it to someone that has a better understanding. If money isn't a problem for you and you don't mind getting dirty you could drop the pan, replace the filter and 3 solenoids, new fluid and report back to see if this alleviated any of your issues.

GOOD LUCK!

 

Damn, I hate that! I just replied to a 2 year old thread before I looked.... Because someone erected this thread from the dead!!! FML