How do you shift your auto?

This is the answer. When the truck makes the decision to shift it’s smoother because it’s making the decision. If you shift it yourself it can’t anticipate and so it’s a little lumpy. It’s not harming anything but probably better to shift under light throttle.

 

I appreciate being able to have have an intelligent conversation about this, despite how “simple” and controversial such an inquiry may be. I have an email in with Toyota to see their thoughts. I’m too inquisitive and have a tendency of over thinking something but nothing ventured is nothing gained. Not sure how long it will take for a response from Toyota but will check back with findings. I won’t be surprised if it correlates with much that been said here.

 

I am gonna jump in on this .

When shifting from 4th to 5th , keep your foot steady on the gas pedal .
Removing your foot from the fuel turns the injectors off creating additional wear on the coast side of your rear differential crown and pinion .
Does leaving your foot on the fuel create wear inside the transmission ? Negative . Transmissions are designed to upshift under load .

With the above mentioned , when its 40 below zero and your transmission is cold as hell , I highly recommend removing your foot from the gas pedal as the transmission upshifts to 5th . Not only are you helping the freezing cold transmission sort out a very busy hydraulic circuit , but you are also eliminating the dreaded clunk feature thats built into this transmission on the first upshift into 5th in the morning .
More info for you here
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/

 

He did answer the question...

For me, pretty much the same thing. I will however downshift as needed depending on the road.

The automatic, from what I've read, wants to get into the highest gear, period. Sometimes putting the rpms on the low side, if not below the power band. Under 40; if you tap the brakes, it'll downshift automatically.

Honestly though, drain the transmission pan then take it down and clean it as well as the magnets. Reassemble it and replace the missing fluid. Add an extra 16 oz compared to what was drained out.

Lube gard! Get some and some Valvoline WS standard tranny fluid from Walter world. And, replace the gaskets. Don't reuse the the drain and level check bolt washers. They will leak...

Once the fluid is replaced, and lube gard added start her up and check the tranny fluid level as described in several threads here. This is important as there is no dipstick.

Take it for a ride and enjoy how the tranny shifts like a puck slides on ice. Pat self on head whilst rubbing your now rumbling belly for a job well done.

More tedious and dirty than difficult.

 

Thank you for taking the time to point me in the right direction. This is great and useful info I’ll be referring to in the upcoming warmer days. Apologies for any smugness towards folk who tend to come off as trolling, stating the obvious response pertaining to the thread’s title. I’ve never done a transmission fluid refill but there’s a first for most!

 

I've found this place to be full of nut crackers as it were. I f'n love it! Take it all with a grain of salt.

 

I just give 'er the D.

 

Glad to have assisted.

 

No kidding on the “clunk” from 4-5 on cold morning.
I’ve usually forget every winter, and it hits me hard. Lol
Now, I usually leave it in 4th for a little bit and do just as you said, let off the gas.

I’ll ad it, 90% in warm weather I do lift of the throttle.
I figured, since it’s what I did on my manual trans, I would “keep it the same” since it worked.

The main thing I have learned from all this is; - if you drive the truck enough, it will eventually wear out.

 

I don't think even one person Read your Post. Your in 4th for a reason either towing or a long downhill and you want to go back to D for normal driving. You asked what RPM is best for the move back to D and possible OD, don't have a clue but I would look at the owners manual. My guessing is I would lower the RPM slightly or do some trial and error to see what method has the least...clunk.

 

This is the only material referencing shifting and makes no indication whether applying gas in any way amount may be harmful to a transmission. Needless to say, I have reached out to Toyota for particulars and will report back with what I learn. I would like to see something in writing.

 

@gearcrucncher answered his question.
The question was

The best answer is

As for RPM?
I’ve shifted mine well into the 3k rpm range under certain circumstances.

 

Not sure how I missed your post but thank you very much for your response! Down the rabbit hole I go...

Thank you @TnShooter as well!

 

@verynearlypure please do let us know what they say.

I am going to guess they say,

“Leave it in 4th while towing”
“Leave it in 5th (D) under normal driving”

My manual says not to exceed 45mph while towing?
And it has a whole section on fuel mileage.

Im curious to Toyota’s answer.

 

You need to re-read my post, it was NOT about your posting it was about the answers that were posted that had Zero to do with your question. I am Sorry you misinterpreted what I said. I was on Your side.

 

Most certainly will do. I hope they are a tad bit more descriptive than that but we all know corporate accountability (or lack there of) sometimes all too well! Gearcruncher’s response was reassuring and if I could get something like that from Toyota I would be delighted.

The max towing speed recommended for my Tacoma is 65mph per manual. The manual does have some great towing info though.

Oh man I’m sorry. Tired eyes and this thread started a little more difficult than originally anticipated. I took it in a derogatory manor and do apologize. It’s difficult for me to interpret demeanor through text at times. Thank you for the explanation and being understanding.

@wmgeorge

 

I haven’t read my manual completely.
And this is the first time I’ve seen it mention.
I was honestly looking into your question.

As for the 45mph......yeah well...... That ain’t happening on the interstate.

 

In town I drive in 3 and 4 almost exclusively, most of our speed limits are under 35. I downshift to 3 to help slow down smooth at stop signs then go back to 4 when I get up to speed. It helps keep me from speeding and is easier to hold a set speed.

In the winter, I'll use 2 when its slick, but pretty much only use L out on the farm. I do the same thing in the Rav4, and always back off the gas to go into D.

 

Anyway thanks for posting that question, I am going to be towing in the next few weeks and its nice to know. So I will be following for any additional add on suggestions.

My big decision right now... once again my knee is acting up and I want to get a partial knee replacement and the concern is recovery in time for Camping season.

 

Thanks for being part of the discussion. See a few posts above if you haven’t already. My apologies for the misunderstanding. I’ll bump this post if and when Toyota responds with anything to chew on.

I’m glad other folks find it curious as I was beginning to think I need to find the delete button.

I have mild anxiety just thinking about 45mph on the interstate.