Dealer says the solution to my stuttering at low rpm accel is a new tranny... Really? Need guidance

And that’s said to be 100k

 

This exact issue was common with the FJ transmissions. The fix, for MANY owners, has been a trans fluid REPLACEMENT.

I did mine at 70k. I had no issues but many were getting the shutter close to 100k. I have 115k and I’m still good, going to drain/fill again very soon. I only use Toyota fluid, not Toyota compatible from parts store.

It is a bit of a process but not difficult. The trans temp needs to be warmed to to a specified range. At which time, the fluid level is adjusted with the overflow drain plug on the pan.

I went one extra step and dropped and cleaned the pan before setting the correct fluid level.

 

Everyone’s answer to any drivability concerns with this truck is to “get a tune, it fixes everything.”

That’s what they said about 2.0, and it did nothing to address the concerns I have. Around $2000 and three years later- I’m running stock Toyota ECU firmware again. Don’t believe the hype. All I wanted was my truck to not bog down accelerating out of a turn.

 

"Learn" is a loose term. Selection of preset/preprogrammed routines based on sensor inputs is more proper. My bad. It's like saying AI with all these self-driving cars, ChatGPT, etc. (artificial intelligence). Give me a break, it's all still essentially machine logic/learning with neural networking to reduce the time to find the corresponding matching pattern. "Optimized lookup tables" is what I like to tell the software engineers that I work with. They hate when I describe their work as that. But, that's only when they blame my hardware incorrectly and get stubborn about it. HAHAHA

 

If you don't drop the pan, the dilution can be significant from what I was told. Again, likely ok to do so at 50k with normal driving, then drop pan at 100k. But, no thanks to Toyota for advising to do so!

 

Not really.
The process that can be used actually ends up cycling all the new fluid through the trans. It effectively pushes out nearly all of the old fluid, but the new fluid does intermix to a degree with the old. I would remove the pan to clean the accumulated debris from it and it’s relatively easy to do.

Without dropping the pan, about 4 qts would be retained. Complete empty trans will take about 11 qts, so yes it’s a good idea to drop the pan.

You really need to speak with a different service advisor or speak with the service manager. You are getting poor info from whomever you are talking with at the dealer

 

you can also use free Car Scanner app. works great.

 

Do you see all toyota specific PIDs? SAE PIDs don't have tranny PIDs

 

yea, i have the transmission PIDs

 

Dont do octane booster just buy premium. Octane boost leaves residue in your valve and spark plug.

 

Was speaking to both the Service Director and his Service Manager. Title doesn't mean good information.

 

If you haven't already done a drain, fill, and new filter you're absolutely due. I had this exact issue on my 2018 with 70k miles and it fixed it. The fluid breaks down faster if you run bigger tires, armor, tow, etc. I'm seeing this issue crop up more and more on the forums because toyotas recommended maintenance is for a bone stock truck and people are waiting too long to change their ATF.

 

Sorry but thats a crock of sh!t. All fluids break down. Period. They need to be changed. See my other comment.

 

Exactly I've been pretty much saying the same . My intervals are before severe conditions. My truck weight is a constant 5400lbs . Throw some camping trips in over the coarse of a year with all that camping gear . Large tires and stock gears . I knew what I was getting myself into. I knew maintenance would be more frequent. Unlike many new Toyota owners that , but the manual says , or wait but the dealer said . These newbies to the Toyota are messing up the used truck market for the Tacoma . Just imagine all these Tacomas that do have or has had neglected maintenance. People are gonna hate used Tacomas for part of this reason . I'll keep doing me and if I want to maintenance my truck sooner than later I'm happy I don't care what others think if I'm wasting my excuse me mhhmmm MY MONEY!

 

It often means more experience.

Find a new dealer.

 

The Service Director at my dealer has 37 years experience at that shop. I've been dealing with him in the 23 years I've owned various Toyotas. The Service Manager I had a concern with has been there seven months. Once I explained my concern the Service Director reversed the charge I had called about.

I don't know if that's how it works where faswrenchbnder was talking about, but Service Managers seem to be fairly transient at some dealers.

 

Yes, service directors are more experienced than service managers. Just as service managers are more experienced than service agents.

Just trying to help the OP out and offer suggestions. Doesn’t sound as if he is getting much experience from anyone.

 

I agree.

 

Unfortunately, your tyranny was probably low on fluid, and this is the result. Mine was underfilled from the factory, and the conditions you describe are near identical. Only difference being I also had a stumble while stopped in gear when warmed up.

 

Sounds like a lot of good recommendations in this thread.

1) Try 91/93 octane from somewhere other than Costco.
2) Change spark plugs.
3) Drain and fill transmission, ensuring that it reaches proper fill amount.
4) Get aftermarket tune for transmission.