CONFUSED ABOUT MY 3RD GEN PROBLEMS

Yes, I have posted to this forum several times before about the problems that I experience with my truck. I am sorry if any of you are bothered about my constant posting. However, I am still in need of answers. I have my 5k service tomorrow, and I need some information to "bring with me". I really don't know too much about anything with vehicle mechanics, but I believe I am slowly getting there. This is only my second vehicle as I am only 20 years old, so please work with me.

I have a 2017 TRD Sport. The truck excels in just about everything, besides driving quality. Which for me, is one of the most important aspects.

When I first got my truck, I couldn't stop driving it. Well... that was until I started noticing constant transmission hesitation and flaring. So, I took to my local Toyota and they performed the TSB. Basically fixed the flaring and hesitation (I do still experience it from time to time). What the TSB did not fix was another issue I was battling, which is a hard to explain "behavior" of my truck.

The best way for me to describe my truck "behavior" is a clunk/ jerking forward and backward motion. Sometimes it feels as if I'm harshly hitting the brakes, but I can assure you, this happens even when Im not using the brake. It kind of feels like the body of the truck is not attached to the frame, if that even makes sense. I experience this sometimes with shifting from park to drive and vice versa. But the bulk of this behavior comes with acceleration and deceleration, especially from 2nd gear to 1st gear.

I have no clue what could be wrong with my truck, I can't imagine this is "normal" for the Tacoma. I used to believe that this was a transmission problem of some sort, low transmission fluid? Also, saw it may be something with lose u-joint bolts? One person mentioned something about a dry I have also read that this is normal behavior, but like I mentioned before... I don't think thats the case. Most recently, I have read and that part of the problem could be something to do with the brakes on the Tacoma. But that can't be the whole problem, due to the fact that this happens when I do not apply the brakes. Someone also mentioned something about a part under lubricated, can't remember what part.

I have my 5k mile service appointment tomorrow. Need to know, what to tell them... so I don't sound like an idiot and they take me seriously. I need some ideas of what the problem may be so I can inform them. Possibly, some potential solutions. Thanks in advance to anyone who helps,

 

I would recommend the following:

1) tell your service advisor you want to test drive a truck from their new lot. See if it exhibits the same problem yours have

2) take service advisor or tech in your car. When the clunk problem happens point it out in real time so they know what you are talking about

 

Sell it, boys.

 

Me either...

 

I would, but I'm in a lease... going to talk to the dealership about maybe switching lease to Tundra.

 

Good plan.

 

You are approaching this the right way. I'm like you, I don't know a lot of technical jargon but like to learn so I can talk to mechanics on a level where there is no misunderstanding.

With dealerships, they could play games if they sense someone doesn't know much about cars and they can take advantage of that. I like knowing at least just enough to let them know to not mess around with me.

 

While you are waiting for some responses, definantly do some searches on this and write down all the things that people mentioned in the past.

Just off the top of my head from reading TW for the past couple of months:
1. Transmission fluid level for sure.

2. Differential fluid level.

3. Ask them if you have grease zerks, if you do make sure they grease those. 2017's may not have these.

If I can think of anything else I will post more. Maybe someone out there can think of other things. Make a list like you're going to the grocery store. It'll show them you know about the issues. Then make sure all of the stuff you want them to check is somehow documented on your service sheet.

 

U bolts along with differential and ATF
I would also have them do a check on the Trac contol, auto slip differential and vehicle sway control system as these also control braking at certain points. Maybe check the leaf springs for lubrication.
Hope this helps.

 

Take it in for service and explain yourself until they understand. Take 15 minutes of the advisors time if you need to. YOU are the customer and they are in a CUSTOMER SERVICE job. See what the service dept. has to say. If they fix it then awesome but if they blow you off THEN trade it in.

 

Mine bucks/rocks if i release off the gas pedal too quickly or apply the gas too quickly, especially in 2nd gear lower RPM's. I think it is normal for the truck , other members have said theirs do the same.

And i have a manual trans, so no shifting is involved when this happens.

 

mine does the aggressive pop from 2nd to 1st in a down shift essp when its cold.... every morning until its at a normal op temps I feel that freaken pop... I hate is and its def not normal

 

Slip yoke...Grease it

/Thread

 

Get rid of it

 

I'm on t4r forum and have no issues. You could get a vehicle without defects too...there's always that option

 

Ask for the service advisor to take a test drive with you. Its hard to brush off a problem if the truck is kicking you both in the but at the same time. Make sure they note the problem in the service write up. The latest transmission update does help allot from the shifting condition the truck came with. Except with the cold 2nd to 1st down shift clunk.

 

Man if I didnt need the truck bed I would so be in a Japanese built 4runner.

 

Sounds like low atf is causing your clunks. If you have the tow package I can almost guarantee your close to a quart low and this will fix that issue. While your there make sure they check your rear diff fluid and make sure those bolts aren't loose. Good luck!