Clunk in transmission when coming to a stop

Wondering if anyone has experienced this issue. Every morning I remote start my truck and let it warm up for at least 5 minutes before driving. I drive about a quarter of a mile to the end of the street and begin slowing down for the stop sign. Just before coming to a complete stop, the truck downshifts hard (clunks) into first gear. It doesn’t do it every time and it’s much more noticeable if the ambient air temp is low. I still have noticed it a few times in the hotter summer weather though.

I took the truck in to Toyota around 5k miles for an oil change and tire rotation, and asked them to look at it. They found the ATF level to be a little over a quart low from the factory (*slow clap* for Toyota, nice work guys). After filling to the correct level it got marginally better but is has definitely not been eliminated. I took it in again for the 10k mile oil change and tire rotation and again asked them to look at it. They said it was normal for a chain drive transfer case and to not worry about it. I’m convinced they’re feeding me bull shit so I wanted to find out if anyone else has, or is, experiencing this. Thanks for your time.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/search/8600666/?q=Clunk+stop&t=post&o=date&c[title_only]=1&c[node]=186

 

I know how to search, there’s only one thread on it (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/loud-clunk-when-approaching-a-stop.594213/) and it has no solution. Several people stating they have the same problem and still no solution.

 

This is happening to me on my 2017 3.5L Auto. Never happened on my 2015 Manual. It's definitely from going from 2nd to 1st gear. I have zero lift, and haven't done anything mod wise to the truck.

 

Could be the trans axle joint?

 

Try it in S3 and report back.

 

This is the story I received on at least 3 separate visits to the local dealer for oil changes and tire rotations.

Normal condition, related to pressures in the transmission leveling out during the warm up cycle.

My dad, brother and I (2017's 3.5L) all have the same issue during the warm up cycle.

 

Mine does it also. It's done it so hard I thought I got rear ended by the car behind me. Documented at dealership & no fix from Toyota at this time

 

Leave it in S3 while coming to a stop? What is supposed to happen?

 

Neither do I. Makes me a little concerned for what might happen if I do decide to lift it because then it will be out of warranty!

 

Don't put it in D at all. Start your trip down to the stop sign in S3.
S3 eliminates all torque converter lockup.
Braking cancels full lockup in D, but does not cancel flex lockup.
One job of flex lock is to smooth the shifts; but if the flex lock program or parts are making the clutch grab and release when it's not supposed to...

 

My dealers #1 complaint for any Toyota vehicle. It’s known and acknowledged by Toyota, but no fix. I’ve learned to brake differently to avoid it. Just like I’ve learned to not hover around 56-61mph to avoid the rear diff howl ha

 

I throw the truck in neutral as I approach a red light during warm up cycle. It avoids the jolt. Then when the temp needle is full operating temp It doesnt do it anymore.

 

Unfortunately mine does it when it’s fully warmed up as well. Kind of has a mind of its own.

 

Did you make sure you got TSB-0062-18?

Also make sure your tranny level is at the correct level. I just learned to live with it.

 

mine does it just once in a while. like there is slack then it catches up,clunk.

 

Yup, I have the latest TSB. It’s not for the clunk though so it didn’t change it any. Haven’t personally checked the fluid yet. But I finally got the fluid for it so that’s next.

 

Haha mine does that howl too! I asked them to look at that too and they said they couldn’t reproduce the problem!

 

Guys, this ain't a problem.

 

It may not be a problem, but it’s a bit annoying that if I ride in a POS Colorado it doesn’t do it, yet my $40k Tacoma does.