2016 Transmission T-SB-0077-16 Shift Feeling Enhancments (PDF)

As of 11/15 there is a new revision to the original transmission TSB which resolves the shift flare you experienced. No need for regional tech, just get it reflashed again with the latest version and those of us who've done the latest update have all confirmed our flaring is gone.

 

Okay great, will that resolve the holding of gears and constant hunting as well? I only ask because I remember the other Flash being touted as the fix-all for the issues had that done and 2 months later here we are.

Thanks for the help!

 

In Drive, it will naturally try to upshift early as drive is programmed to be "eco" oriented. Think of Drive alone as ECO mode. Use ECT PWR and after the update, it drives fantastic, IMO. Shift points are perfect, throttle response is crisp and fast, it holds a gear even when you let off the throttle so you get instant response when you get back on it.

This one still isn't perfect (reports are coming out they are working on another one already), but I'm extremely happy with the newest version. Well, well worth the hour it takes to have it performed and I've put on 300 miles or so since the update with it still driving the same, if not a little better.

 

I guess the last question is do I even bother having the regional rep look at the truck? My fear is the TSB will be temporary like the last one and we will be back at square one with the trucks a few months down the road. Not being pessimistic, just curious if it's worth having the rep look at the truck as he is going to be down here for other vehicle related issues.

 

I wouldn't...get the reflash first, see if that resolves it. If it doesn't then get them involved.

I've got 300 miles on the update and while it's still relatively low miles to make a determination, I believe it's fixed beyond any learning.

 

Side note question - are you guys using ECT Power all the time? Can you turn it on and leave it even if you are driving on the highway? I've never used it before and do not want to leave it on and find out it's causing wear and tear on the truck? Sorry if its a stupid question

 

I hit the start button and immediately go for the ECT button. There's a documented "always on" mod here, but I haven't gotten that serious about it yet.

Yes you can keep ECT on all the time, it's just changing throttle mapping to make it more responsive, and changing shift points/characteristics. No additional wear and tear. (or at least highly doubtful)

 

Went out to the mountains this weekend and hit 4,000 rpms going up a hill, sounded like it was going to pop. Is this normal? My Tundra never did this in the same spot.

 

Your Tundra was a V8. By the very nature it is going to be different.

 

I get that, and had it in the back of my mind, but when you move into the slow lane from the fast and see a few moms drive by looking at you in their 2006 cars it makes you think a little.

 

Been there bro, truck is nice but I'm not too hopeful on Toyota's fix of the problem. Corporate has been really helpful on the phone, I guess I will let it run its course over the next few weeks and months. If it ends up not rectifying the problems then I guess I'll explore getting a few year old Tundra.

Not taking my ball and going home, just would like to get something that has a tried and true trans and engine combo. I don't particularly enjoy spending hours on end sitting at the dealership...

 

I use ECT up to cruising speeds and, just that fraction of operation, it puts quite a dent in my mpg. Without ECT I get nearly 20 mpg in mostly, 90%, city driving. The ECT has cut that down to 17'ish and it is a pain switching it on and off. That button should have been on the side of the shifter IMO. I will admit the power and performance gain, using this method, far far outweighs the loss of mpg. Even at that it is still a solid 4 mpg better than my 2014 V8 F150 Supercab got going downhill with the wind on my back in the same commute. On the highway ECT has become second nature when I need passing power. It also helps with the K&N cai. I can only imagine how much it would hurt overall mpg if left on for all commuting.
Adding to JCA's post I am personally tired of looking at this thread every day waiting for the newest new fix. I am playing the waiting game and am holding out hope a complete cure comes out soon.

 

I think you may need some right foot discipline if ect drops your mileage that bad. I average 20 mpg most tanks with ect and while I rarely drive without it, I see no difference when I do.

 

just picked my 2017 TRD OR from the service dept. had the latest reflash done, it does shift somewhat better but i get the feeling its in that learning mode again. my hope is that the dang thing don't go back to doing the same issues again. I will advise after i drive it a while. This is my 2nd and last time bringing it in. Next time it will stay there and i will go home in a tundra. i had 3 tundras and no issues, the gave me one to drive today for a loaner and it was sweet to drive and so smooth.

 

Well I certainly can't argue that theory but my shift points tach up much higher in ECT and, without ECT ,I am in 4th at 20 mph, and with ECT I don't hit 3rd until I am near or over 30 mph in normal driving. That is where I lose some of my mpg. There seems to be no balance in shift points either way. Either I am slugging in 4th and 5th or high revving in 2nd and 3rd at the same speeds. Mr bigfoot does like to play more with ECT on so you are correct there. Generally I drive without it but when traffic dictates I turn on ECT. We are talking city driving with traffic lights every 1/2 mile in my area. I am certainly not complaining about mpg. I just don't get the same in both modes. Maybe I will test a tank each way. I have only noticed this recently. Not sure if the switch has been made yet but I always get worse mpg with winter grade gas in every vehicle. That happens every year around here for 4-5 years now.

 

If you heard my rear diff howling EVER. SINGLE. F#@$ING. TIME. I drive it, then you might not think it was "so minor".

It's getting worse. I can hear it from 45-75 now. Whereas, when it first started, was right in between 55-60mph.

 

Let me know when it becomes more than a noise.

 

Got my truck back today. They said the fluid was maybe a 1/4 quart low. They were unable to re-create any of my concerns. I just realized that there was a TSB revision and should've mentioned it to them, just in case they didn't check. I had the original TSB done, fixed the delay to park/reverse but still shifted like crap and drivability sucks. I will know in about 7 minutes if the 3-4 flare is still present. That should let me know if they did in fact do it today. Fingers crossed.

 

Bravo, great post

Bravo ! Well said!

 

How many miles do you have on your truck? Just curious because mine started to shit the bed and make all sorts of odd noises around 2k. I can understand that there are trucks that roll off the line with ZERO problems, and I also can see that folks (myself included) are rather upset when a 35-40K truck doesn't shift or drive properly a few months after purchase.

When people tell me that my driving style is to blame, I have to push another button or "deal with it" isn't really what I want to hear, as I'm sure most others don't want to either. I spoke with toyota in CA yesterday, she was more than helpful and told me that if my dealer is not able to get me a suitable answer in the next 24-48 hours they will be taking the control of the repairs from their end.

Know this, I am not bitching or saying this truck is a piece of junk. It's festivus and now it's time to air our grievances, I believe that we are allowed to be frustrated, and only after all of toyota and my efforts have been exhausted will I then complain if there has been no resolution.