Mysterious transmission lag in '11 DCSB

I've owned my Tacoma for 1 year and 4 months. Bought it at 44k miles from a Subaru dealership. However it was a certified pre-owned at a Toyota dealership at around 33k miles.

Pretty much from the beginning (can't remember if it has been since day one or not) there has been a lag in power transfer when either starting from a dead stop at a stop sign/light, or after putting the transmission into (drive) after having it in reverse.

Basically what happens is I step on the throttle, and the engine revs up but there is very little power transfer to the wheels for about 1 second or less. Then, like clock work the power actually "surges" and is quite noticeable when it finally engages. If I really step on the gas it's not as noticeable.

Not extremely knowledgeable when it comes to transmissions but my first thought is maybe a bad torque converter? There are no grind, clank or ticking sounds when this happens.

It doesn't really affect my driving and doesn't happen all of the time, however it is definitely noticeable. I've owned a few automatic vehicles in the past and have never experienced this. To the untrained foot, many people may not even notice it most of the time.

Another thing I experience (not sure if the two are in relation), is when I start moving from a dead stop, there's a weird vibration in the drive train. The best way I can describe it is to me it feels as if the drive-line is out of balance. But I can only feel it for a split second after moving from a dead stop and I don't notice it at all once I'm over about 3mph.

 

Check the fluid level it sounds like it's sliping.

 

How many miles now?

First thing to determine is if it's low on fluid. Which isn't impossible, but it's not easy (no dipstick) either.

2nd, if the mileage is right, you certainly wouldn't hurt a thing to do a drain and fill. That way you have a high % of fresh fluid/additives and you know it's full. Then see what happens.

And you might search for threads from @gearcruncher He may have some links to similar issues.

#savethedipsticks #dipsticksmatter

 

Thanks Bill
It sure sounds low on fluid as mentioned above and Bill is correct regarding the transmission service . If it hasnt been performed yet , you are due for a service .

Start here
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...be-low-on-fluid-directly-from-factory.312718/

Then here
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/

I see you have a lift kit . Were your drive line angels cancelled when the lift was installed ?
CANCEL DRIVELINE ANGLES http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...tion-free.html