2017 transmission and other questions

Hi Folks,

New to the forum and first time tacoma owner, also first time brand-new vehicle purchase (midlife crisis I guess).

I own a 2008 4runner and while i think it is a bit underpowered, i have never had any real issue with transmission switch points etc.
I have also had the chance to drive a 2016 4runner while I had my new 2017 ACTRDOR at the dealer to install the paint protection. That vehicle was a dream. I live in an area with terrain and hills, and the 4runner was handling the hill climbs with no issues, I did not have to move the throttle for my set speed, and would downshift and upshift as I would expect, most times no need to downshift at all.
500 mi on the tacoma, and I am still puzzled. I have to almost floor the gas pedal to get it to keep a reasonable speed on any incline. I would expect it would handle the climbs or the exiting back to the flats without having to suggest what I want by depressing and releasing the throttle.
It is actually quite uncomfortable for my leg on longer trips as I am not used to have a lead foot, and have to really push hard to keep the pedal depressed.
1.Question: is this normal?

Starting from a standstill, or even with some momentum, the throttle seems to have quite a bit of travel with no acceleration, no downshifting and just lugging.
2.Again: is this normal? will it get better after break in?
I have driven my buddy's 2016, with 5000 mi, and it felt peppier for sure.

I have read about the TSB for the 2016, my VIN number is the last on the list within the TSB. (BTWid they sell me a 2016 calling it a 2017??) I still have to play with the cruise control, but I have noticed a general delayed upshift with and without cruise control. Mileage is ok, though on the interstate I was hoping to get the advertised 23, but I do not.

I have not called the dealer yet, as again I am not sure what to expect after 500 mi.
Some of my friends tell me it may be a lemon... Do I need to get the TSB done?

3.Finally, how is it possible that there is no cargo light on a long bed truck??? My 94 ranger had it, and I thought this would be an accessory for the ACLB, but it does not appear to be the case !??! Really?

Other than these issues, I love everything else on the truck.

Thanks for your help

 

3.....2....1.....Cue the infantile attacks.

Unfortunately it is quite normal.

 

you will find the ECT button will become your new best friend..........many of us here that have your thoughts drive with the ECT on 95% of the time. oh yea, get the TSB done..

 

Either use ECT or drive it in S4 or S5, changes the driving characteristics quite a bit.

 

ECT on. I also found my truck started getting "peppier" after it had about 2k on it

 

And if it's not too late, try to adhere with the break in instructions in the manual-some say it's not necessary but it is a pretty big investment, and the electronics on this think are a little quirky - a "learning" transmission and all that....
Good luck with the new ride

 

I think a lot of that is the system "learning" our driving habits. I've got about 4K on my 2017 dcsb and it definitely started keeping up with me better between 2-4K miles.

 

That's all just BS the dealers feed people. Auto trans "learn" within 15-20 miles. I reprogram and calibrate them quite often

 

Interesting- without understanding the mechanics, I wold have guessed it wold take longer, highway vs. stop and go traffic and all that. What about the break in described in the manual- necessary?

 

Break in is advisable but not mandatory.

 

No love from Toyota for the access cab - no cargo light, no roof rack, no electric sliding rear window, no JBL upgrade....
Future mods for me since I wouldn't get a double cab.

 

Love my access cab. 2ft shorter than a DC. I can reach back and open the window. Best part is I don't have to run a shuttle service for friends/family

 

Yes to all that!

 

Thanks for the replies guys,

so it sounds like I should call the dealer and ask about TSB, and that the truck may or may not get more responsive after some break in period, and that I should use ECT more often.
I think I am following the general instructions on the break in, but I will read the manual to learn more.
I will report on what I hear from the dealer on the TSB.

 

You should contact Toyota corporate and complain about this dealer. Likely it won't make a difference but you never know, perhaps corporate may take some action. If you get a survey concerning this warranty work that's your chance to slam the dealer.

 

My 2017 didn't need a transmission update.

 

Well, the service director at the dealership is not returning my calls...
not a good start, i'll keep trying

 

I am pretty happy with my power train but I think that is because I've taken the time to learn how to drive it. You definitely want the TSB if it applies though because it will make the cruise control work much better. The engine is designed to rev to make power; so if you need/want power rev it up but that will suck gas. If you can stand to accelerate a little slower and then coast in between stop lights you can get some great gas mileage. If you do 70 on the highway you will like the gas mileage; if you do 75-80+ you will not.

My mileage improved around 1,000 miles but I am not sure if that is the truck learning or me learning or a combination of both. I did take it pretty easy the first 500 miles and didn't drive the same speed/use cruise control/etc.

 

Yo Aussie, from your postings, are you a trans, 15A, tune-up, or heavy line tech? Do they still name the departments for GM service areas are do you guys cover bumper to bumper nowadays? I was a "GM Goodwrench" back in 98-2000.

 

I would get the TSB done. It is helpful. As far as the power response, the default engine management strategy, at lighter throttle, is Atkinson cycle mode (lower dynamic compression), which is much less torquey. After you dip into the throttle a good bit, the engine management switches into Otto cycle mode, which is more torquey. ECT helps with the feel but reduces fuel efficiency. The Atkinson default makes for a nice system, but it takes a little getting used to, as the 3.5L engine in a 4400lb truck lacks the desired torque. I personally would have used a lower gear (higher numerically) ratio in 5th and 6th gear to reduce the nonsensical gear hunting on the highway.