Any fix for the ‘cold clunk’?

Now that it’s getting cold again, the Taco is starting to do that transmission clunk when downshifting at stop. Usually it’s just the first stop within the first 2-3 mins of driving.

I’ve seen other folks have the same issue, but has a definitive cause / fix been found?

Thx!

 

Are you sure it isn't dry u-joints or clutches sticking in the diff?
Did this on my 2013 2nd gen for a while,...properly pumped grease into the ujoints,..and changed the diff oil (in both, and transfer case),..and the sound and thung feeling went away.

My description would be kinna like the brakes stuck in the last 5 feet of the stop, and released driving away.

 

I don’t think it’s U joints. They don’t have grease zirks though. I’ve had a vehicle do the drive shaft ‘thunk’ before. It’s like one hard downshift just before stopping and doesn’t do it again. Dealer of course can’t replicate...

 

I’ve had something similar happen to me pretty much every morning on my way to work.

I warm my truck up about 10 minutes before I take off, not sure what it is, but I’ve noticed it doesn’t do it on the first stop sign & light. It only does it on the third one & I don’t get over 20 MPH on the first 2 stops. On the 3rd stop sign I get over 25 MPH, it only does it once “clunk”.

 

have you had all the TSB's done -- mine did this till I had the 062(?) done. That tsb made a world of difference on my truck

 

I haven’t had any TSB’s done. Can you post a link to that specific TSB?

 

That’s pretty much what mine does. In my neighborhood I go slow and it doesn’t do it there. But when I get on the main road over about 50mph.... the next stop sign (a ‘real’ stop)..... *slam*

I’ve had the TSB done about 2 months ago.

 

There's a bunch of other threads with this problem. It's common.

I feel like it's related to how hard I accelerate from the previous stop, not necessarily how fast I'm going before decelerating. And if you anticipate it, you can adjust brake pressure just at the right time and re engage just at the right time and the clunk almost goes away completely.

Seems like the transmission downshifts against the braking and exacerbates the clunck. But only when cold. Weird.

 

I too have learned how to brake to minimize the clunk. I brake hard at the last second and that usually keeps the clunk away. Not the best way to brake but it works ha

My dealer said the 2-1 clunk is their #1 complained about issue. Out of all Toyota models... the engineer that drove my truck for the rear differential howl said it’s normal for the Tacoma to do it. Just like my rear diff howl.

 

According to the dealer, it normal to get herpes too!

 

"Only when cold"..... Sounds like when the tranny fluid is at it's lowest level...… I'd check tranny fluid....you may down a qt like a lot of us..!

 

My 2017, my brother's 2017 and my dad's 2017; all v6 Dbl Cab Sport 2x4's have the cold 2nd to 1st downshift clunk. About a week ago I took mine to the local dealer for its last free oil change and tire rotation. While at the dealer the service writer asked me if I have any other service concerns or needs. It was at the this time a Tech walked up to the service writer to hand off paperwork. As the Tech stood just feet from me I asked about the cold trans downshift clunk. The service writer looked at the Tech and said, "You wanna' take this one?"

The Tech advised that it is strictly his opinion as to the cause of the downshift clunk. His explained that inside the body of the transmission are several "valve bodies" that control the movement of fluid through the transmission and ultimately the shifting. He believes that one of more of the valve bodies is programmed incorrectly and as a result, the transmission gets confused during the warm-up cycle.

I asked about a possible reflash for that confused valve body. The Tech advised when he goes for his training updates in Jacksonville, FL he will ask, as like noted in one of the earlier posted, the transmission clunk is probably the most complained about issue with the Tacomas.

Lastly, I asked if the downshift clunk will cause damage to the transmission. He advised, "No." He further advised those transmissions are tough, it can easily handle years and years of the downshift clunk without issue.

 

Checked at delivery and again at 30k. Not down at all.

 

Well, that's true.

 

Mines does it also. Even more noticeable when coming to a stop on a downhill incline

 

Check your U-bolts and tighten them with a 1/2" torque wrench as specified here on the TW 3rd gen maintenance thread.
Also check the 4 rear U-joint bolts and tighten as specs.

Good luck
Cheers!

 

I doubt they would have done a fluid check on their own... they used the computer and apparently that does not show properly. A "physical" check is what is needed.

I asked them to check mine and they said it'd cost me $130.00.... Thanx... did it myself.

Good luck

 

I watched them check at delivery and I changed the oil at 30k.

Good luck to you too.

 

My 17 was low at purchase. I read it was happening here and took it in with 100 miles and made them check it. Sure enough it was about 3/4 qt low. So don’t think it’s that. I’ll torque the u bolts and u joint tomorrow.....maybe that’s it but after hearing all the others on here it sounds like the transmission.