Failing Torque Converter

UPDATE:

Toyota called me back today (three days later) and told me they are replacing the entire transmission with a brand new transmission free of charge even with my truck being over 10,000 miles outside of warranty.

The past two days my 16 OR has been shuddering at low rpm right before shifting. I took it to Toyota today to have it diagnosed and they told me the torque converter is locking up and beginning to fail and needs to be replaced.

They say I can replace the torque converter, but in 10000 miles it could fail again if it’s because of the transmission and they recommend replacing the entire transmission. I have 70,000 miles on the truck and it’s 10,000 miles outside of the warranty but they are calling Toyota in the morning to see if they can do anything to help.
Has anyone had any luck being outside of warranty and having Toyota step up to replace a faulty part like this before? I really don’t feel like dropping 8 grand on a new transmission.

 

Trade it in and make it someone else’s problem....out of warranty means your out of luck.

 

Honestly, that’s the worst explanation of whatever is going on they could have given you. Transmissions don’t eat torque converters, it’s the other way around. But I’d replace the torque converter, replace the transmission filter, and run it.

If you wait and the torque converter vanes start breaking off and go into the pump, it will certainly catastrophically fail.

 

I’ve had a steering rack go out at a little over 30K on a Ford. Just out of the 30K warranty. Paid the 3K repair, sold the van to the nephew for 2k. That was my last domestic vehicle.

 

10K out of the powertrain = it's been on you for a while.
I'd be surprised if they even place the call.

 

I honestly know nothing about engines, but this doesn’t feel good when it drives I’m taking it back tomorrow as soon as they call back and tell me what toyota says. I’m not banking on toyota offering to replace the transmission however I definitely wouldn’t object to it.

So just replace the converter and filter and see how it goes from there? I assume they were trying to up sell with the “replace the whole transmission” pitch.

 

Yeah I’m highly doubting anything will come from toyota regarding replacing it but it’s nice to have hope lol

 

First thing I would do is check the oil level. Very low mileage transmissions go for $1500.

 

If they drop the pan and find metal, the torque converter already came apart. If it’s clean, I’d replace the converter and run it. But that’s me.

 

Shame they can't be more specific...
I'm curious to know if the torque converter clutch is burnt up.

 

Has the trans ever had a fluid and filter service?

I remember back in the day VW pulling the long service interval stuff and a lot of transmissions shitting the bed right out of warranty 096 and 01M

 

Checked the service record on toyota app and it doesn’t appear that it has

 

had a similar issue with a Tundra - the Master Stealer said it was the TC. I took it to a Transmission only shop and they said the TC was fine it was the transmission that shit the bed. Master Stealer did not do any thing as far as diagnosing (removing pan, fluid, filters) just took a wild ass guess and wanted me to approve the repairs so they could then come back and say....oh the transmission needs to be replaced too. Complete rip off tactic by the dealer. The transmission shop did the work and guaranteed it for 36K miles will full services at no additional cost. It was the transmission all along. BTW - when I asked the Master Stealer about trade in - they offered me a stupid low number knowing full well they would do a transmission rebuild/replace and resell for 7500 over what they offered - I know because what they did not know was I knew the Master Tech that does their work. I chewed major ass on the sales guy and then told the service department to pound sand for trying to screw me over.

 

Tag. Mine has been doing the same recently. 85k miles here, no prior issues to date. Imma be pissed if my trans shits the bed.

 

Is 8 grand actually what they quoted you?!

 

The new 3rd Gen Tacoma’s use the WS fluid. Same as my Camry 2012. After 60 to 80 k the transmission would shudder. Toyota told me it was the torque converter. Took it to a friend of mine auto shop and found out it is not the transmission or the torque converter. It just needed to be flushed the WS fluid. So every 60 k I flushed the transmission and all was good. I would at least look into that first before spending a lot of money on the other stuff that may not be necessary. Just my thought.

 

Awhile is relative. I drive 10k miles in less than 6 months.

 

yes 5200 for the trans plus labor.

 

So frustrated I don’t know what to do

 

If Toyota does not offer you a discount I’d take it to an independent transmission shop for diagnosis and repair.