Engine misfiring or transmission hunting for gear?

I've noticed that when gently accelerating around the 40mph area, it seems to be a bit jumpy. Reason I ask is my wife's 2002 ES300 had same issue, thought it was misfiring, but upon browsing the ES300 forums found out the transmission has a bad hunt around that area. There is a transmission firmware update for the ES300, but I read it caused other unwanted issues (seems they all do that!). So has anyone else experienced this?

 

So - no comments? It seems a gentle acceleration between 20-40 and the engine feels like it is missing or shuddering. No CEL, no pending codes. Could this be a cam or crankshaft position sensor issue? Thanx for any comments.

 

I would take it to the dealership. Get with the SA and go for a ride. Show them what you are experiencing. May be a warranty item.

 

Yea. I think it’s a hunt. I see it less since since the transmission TSB.

 

So took truck in today for this, they say there is NO TSB for the transmission shifting - here is their explanation: “just a characteristic of that truck”!!

 

yeah the trannys are the only thing i dis like about these trucks, wish they had a more modern 8 speed or a simple 5 speed auto

 

did you try it in ECT mode...??

 

Put it in s3 or s4. Does it still happen?