2020 Tacoma, improved auto transmission?

I’m at the dealer now getting my sensor recall done. I told them my concerns about the constant shifting and dead spots. They said it couldn’t be updated to 2019-2020 specs and the only fix was to buy a new truck or get an aftermarket kit that would possibly void my warranty.

They did test drive it and of course said it drove normal.

 

Im looking to get a 3rd gen within a year.

Test drove a 2018 OR AT and loved it. The price was great but timing is not.

I really didnt notice the gear hunting but maybe i didnt put it through the paces.

Im just asking if i should stick to 2018+ when it comes time to buy.
(Probly wont be able to swing a 2020)and my kids need a larger back seat so waiting any longer is not really something i want to do.

 

The only way a mod can void a warranty is if it is directly related to the problem. There is supposed to be factory reflash available for the tranny issues in the earlier 3rd gens. Your dealer sucks...

 

Test drove a couple of the 2019 Off Road models and they both shifted the same. Driving down a flat section of road at around 30mph. Press on the gas... nothing, press down some more... nothing, finally getting the pedal almost at the floor, and then finally the engine races like you have floored it. This is crap transmission programming. I have since test driven a couple of the 2020 models and the shifting has improved ever so slightly. You are still pressing down the gas pedal with almost nothing happening. The downshift happens a little sooner, but it still leaves you wanting for some response.
I find this unacceptable given that even the 1970's cave man technology of a kickdown linkage knew when you were asking for more out of the engine, and would downshift accordingly. Fast forward to all the information coming into the modern computer. You have throttle position, vacuum signal, timing, speed, and every other indication that you are calling for power, and Toyota decided to limit the downshift until you almost floor it. This is crappy programming, and I have to laugh at people here defending this substandard baloney.I'm a fan of Toyotas, but this is a deal breaker for me on a $40K truck.
I pondered the idea of regearing because this bypasses the horrible transmission, but then logic sets in - why should I have to drop $3K more to get a brand new Tacoma to drive correctly?

 

I had countless problems with the transmission in my 19 offroad. I want to love the truck so bad but there's always something happening in my truck in regard to shifting or shudder.

 

They said the only fix was to buy a new truck...ridiculous.

The 2020 tune is just an updated ECM/PCM file. And since it is the exact same power train, it is most definitely compatible. 2018/2019's run 04A6000/6100 or 04A7000/7100.

Anybody with a 2020 and a scan tool looked at their tune file? What's yours say?

 

I bought a 2019 v6 in September and I haven't noticed constant shifting.

 

psshh.... and yall called me crazy when i said the 2020s shifted better. " But OVtune didnt say anything about a new transmission so your wrong"...... smh. hope they have a tsb or an update for the earier modles, thatd be nice.

 

Engine cal: 8966304B8000
Trans cal: 896650410000

 

Same here. I have no complaints with the transmission. Sure it shifts on slight inclines or accelerations, but after coming from a Ram 1500 with 8-speed which shifted all the time, I guess I am just used to it. I am not hearing of transmissions actually failing or shifting erratically at inappropriate times which would be a problem, and maybe the earlier 3rd gens experienced. But frequent shifting on modern transmissions just seems to be the norm to achieve max mpg, especially on vehicles that don't typically get that great to begin with.

 

Just out of curiosity, what tool are you using? I wonder if those with Techstream will have access to the latest calibrations...

 

I didn’t notice any shifting problems on the stock 2020. I did begin to notice some shifting issues when I installed a lift and 33s. I’m getting the ovtune in hopes that it improves shifting/performance, it’s a dog atm.

 

The random guy who said 2020s were different in that video, should get a bonus. Same truck, same transmission, same gear ratios, same available power (or lack there of) but the placebo injector is fuckin huge on the 2020s.

 

Having the Same hardware doesn’t mean it hasn’t been improved. Just go drive one for yourself.

 

Oh yes, most certainly, but we’ve all heard this story a few times too often here. A few guys say it’s different, a few guys say it’s better, and a few guys say it’s worse. Then a few guys say it got better, but then got worse. Then few guys say “learning is almost complete”, then a few guys start saying “OVTune saved my life”, then a few guys say “thanks for the help, moving to a Tundra”.

If the 2020 is one iota different in this regard, I’ll be very surprised, but yes, it could be different, but I wouldn’t base that hope on some random dude at a trade show. Those same guys have said the truck had a front locker etc. They rarely know anything about what they are talking about.

my best guess: 2020 will be identical to 2019 and years previous.

 

I was pretty skeptic of all the transmission gripes, but after putting about 1k on my 2019 it definitely has bad programming. The worst is the bad throttle response and bogging nature at like 30-40 around town where it really wants to quickly get you to a high gear, then bogs, and hesitates to shift until you give more and more throttle pressure and it finally aggressively downshifts. Just a bad driving experience around town. My wife's 180 hp CVT Outback loaded with 4 people is loads better int he same situations. So strange.

ECT on really helps in this situation.

 

And that’s just it. Toyota has had 4 years to change this programming, but they haven’t, for either of two reasons:

1 (most likely) - the truck is simply underpowered in comparison to most people’s expectations. It’s one of those gutless, reliable pickups Toyota is famous for.

2 (also likely) - Toyota has an idea about fuel efficiency and performance that results in low RPM running, which is not what most people expect. They are dedicated to this idea, through 4 model years. As the 2020 gets the same efficiency numbers, it’ll be more of the same.

 

I bought my 2019 Offroad in October (it was manufactured in June '19), I haven't noticed constant shifting issues either. Smooth driving.

 

Exactly, but a random guy in a YouTube video said 2020 will be better, so maybe trade up.

 

what number do you like on your SB ?