3rd gen torque converter shudder

mine runs like shit with 87 but people get really angry when i mention that.

 

so I ended up taking to the dealer, they said the transmission fluid was overfilled & had moisture in the fluid. He asked me if anyone has opened it up and they definitely had not. I bought it with 1300 miles on it & nobody would have had a reason to. They replaced the fluid, & it’s been good ever since.

 

do you live somewhere with high humidity?

 

No not really. Austin TX. It’s generally not very humid.

 

getting tired of this. seems to be getting worse as i rack up more miles. going to make an appointment at the dealership. maybe they will replace the fluid or magically fix the issue. or not.

 

My shudder and herks/jerks seem to be getting worse as well. Shifting is rough enough it moves me in my seat. Downshift clunk worse than ever. Used to only happen when cold. Only a few months warranty left so one last shot. Appointment made at dealer again so they can tell me it’s normal and charge me just over 100 bucks, but at least it’s documented.

 

Ok so I guess it’s my turn. 2018 TRD Pro. 135k miles. 2nd owner-Owned for almost 4 years now. Last winter I noticed an occasional shudder while giving light throttle around 1500rpms and in the 25-30mph range. Only happened on one certain section of road that I drove in several times that month. Havent been back on that road since. Fast forward to this past week and the shudder is back. I can duplicate it at will taking off from stopping and lightly accelerating through the gears at 1500 rpm right around 30mph. This all been on the same tank of gas (87). Filled up with 89 today hoping it helps as I see some here say. Thinking it is the TC issue everyone here has had to deal with. Any advice? Price to fix if I need to replace the TC?

 

I went into get a transmission oil service done today and the tech told me that I've got to sign a waiver, I asked by and advised about the shutter. I've never felt a shutter in my torque converter. Transmission isn't slipping by any means. Just wanted theoil changed and felt like he didn't want to take responsibility if it started to do it afterwards. What is everyone's thoughts concerning this. I've pulled trailers that are loaded down and pulled my camper without any issues

 

I got a 21 SR in October 2023 w/25k miles on it, and from day one it’s had what I’d describe as some sort of cyclical chugging most noticeable between 30-35mph with just enough throttle to maintain the speed.

I had hoped an OTT tune would eliminate it. Nope.

Since the tune, I’ve thought the most likely suspect is the CVs binding due to the spacer lift that was on it when I bought it.

I plan to replace the spacer lift with the Eibach stage 2R kit and pro adjustable control arms, and reduce the amount of overall lift.

Now I’m wondering if I should delete the spacer lift immediately just to eliminate CV bind as the cause of the chugging.

I’ve put many miles on many different trucks and I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced torque converter shudder- but based on descriptions here, this might be what I have. I typically don’t drive around in ECT mode because it’s the OTT Spicy level. Pepsi Challenge time.

 

Ok so here i am after my 10k mile oil change and mine is still doing it.(2022 2.7 2wd)Mine does it right after it goes into 3rd gear the rpms drop (TC locking up )very easy to replicate.It does it way worse with the A/C on(as it did that hot july day i bought it but i didnt think alot about it as i had read they have to"learn"your driving style before they smooth out.)With the AC off it dont do it nearly as bad sometimes not even at all .Any thoughts to this ?It almost feels like a missfire but i watch the rpms at idle and it stays smooth no hiccups.Tapping the brake will straighten it out (unlock TC giving me a higher revv).
Things i have done: Checked ATf level and ,by my estimates it was 3/4 qt low from the factory.Got it to proper leval and added 2 tubes of shudderfix to no avail.
If i escalate this to dealer ,what will they say about me doing those things ?Any insights would be appreciated.

 

Just take it in and don't mention that you did anything. The level check is definitely not an issue if you followed the procedure using toyota ws fluid. I wouldn't mention the shutterfix to them.
It's likely that they'll drive it and tell you that it's a characteristic of the Tacoma being geared for epa gas mileage.

 

are you still putting up with yours?(i think you had the same issue)

 

This!

I had some suspicions similar to what you’re saying and come to find out my fluid was low in my transmission. Works perfect now.

 

Torque converter shudder is a software issues that leads to issue with a converter. In your case you may end up with a converter replacement. The fluid level has nothing with the issue. Google 2012 camry Torque converter tsb.

 

I think it's either gotten a little better over the years, or I've just gotten more used to it.
Definitely still does it somewhat, but I don't let it bother me.

Mine only really did it in the 40-50mph range with rpm below 1500.
I used to drive in S5 to keep the rpm out of that range, but I don't even worry about it anymore.

 

That doesn't make sense for a 2.7, especially if you're not in high altitude

Have you gotten your truck looked at??

 

My Tacoma just started with the shudder while going between 20-30 mph last week. Just took it to the dealership. Hopefully they will be able take care of the problem. Only 40k miles on it.

Edit...Toyota dealership confirmed it was the Torque Converter and Toyota agreed to replace the TC and the transmission since it is still under the 60k mile powertrain warranty.

 

Shudder started for me at 140k miles it wasn’t subtle or normal characteristic of the vehicle it was bad enough that I couldn’t drive the vehicle. Dealership said that’s normal it’s a torque converter and recommend replacing the transmission as well. At 7k bill I was pretty pissed, I took good care of the truck and last transmission flush I did at 75k. I told them to screw off and took it to a local mechanic he drained and filled the transmission fluid, which took care of the issue for now! He said he has seen this issue before and recommended not to go over 60k without drain and fill.