New Engine / Tranny combo sucks

After 5000+ miles on this vehicle and being my 4th tacoma ( one first generation, two second generations) I have come to the conclusion that this powertrain combo is a dog. I wish I had my 09 back. Love the new interior and some of the tech and the outside looks but that does not overcome poor performance. If after warrenty runs out and Toyota has not made some changes/ upgrades/ fixes to this issue (among a few others) I do not think I will buy another one.

 

There is a TSB software update that people on here have been getting to improve the way the transmission shifts. A lot of people have been very happy with the results, you should check it out. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...0077-16-shift-feeling-enhancments-pdf.441262/

 

Have you had the transmission TSB done? Some members claim it feels like a new truck after

 

Thanks people! I will check into that at my local dealer. I have been searching online occasionally for a TBS for had not seen anything.

 

Best thing to do also is to print out the paper with the TSB, the documents to print them out are on that link.

The update is pretty new about 2 weeks so many dealers don't really know about it yet, but most people have had better luck (myself included) when taking a print out since it has the number and information. Makes it easier for you and the dealer.

 

The TSB might help, but it won't make up for a drivetrain combo that is a bit low on low rpm torque.

Honestly, this truck will get up and scoot (for a midsized pickup), but the power is too high in the rpm band for it to be real useful as I don't drive WOT. I do like the truck though, I tend to drive like a paw paw these days. If I want to hot rod, I'll get a hot rod.

 

This. I drive with ECT PWR a lot, and that gives me the pep I was hoping for when I bought it.

 

Research what you buy before you buy it. All Tacomas in every gen were never developed to be a hot rod nor were they developed to be a heavy towing truck. I never considered racing my truck nor towing heavy weight long distances.

 

My experience has been that you really have to take the time to learn to drive it. Don't be afraid to use ECT and S mode. If you are just leaving it in "D" and heading out, you will not be happy compared to the 2nd gens. Government regs are the reason these things have been "dogged-down" and I don't see that changing in any future generations of any vehicle.

G.

 

It's definitely a car engine. It needs revs to move, but if you stick it behind the manual it feels pretty good. The AT just dumps it into low gears for economy purposes and drags the engine down.

 

I agree with what you have to say about the government regulations. I work at a huge used car company and we do everything from body work to mechanic work. Alot of guys there always say these car companies are cheap. I have to always remind them that these companies have no choice but to use cheap materials and tune these vehicles to spec because of the government regulations . And if all of us tacoma owners think the transmission before the TSB update is bad. Go and drive Nissan cars jeep Patriots some Chevy and Dodge vehicles and then you will be very happy with the way tacomas drive.

 

That pedal on the right, use it. Makes plenty of power if you use more than 1/8" of throttle.

 

You probably just need to push the pedal down more, the big "surge" in torque doesn't come until 3k+ RPM. I know, most cars/trucks you are light on the gas, but this Tacoma is just slow in the lower 1-2k RPM ranges that people are used to.

I think it is just the auto transmission keeping the RPM's low, the engine feels powerful enough with a manual transmission.

 

It's a v6, not a big torquey v8. Have to get in that middle rpm range to start making power. I find ECT on to be the cats ass

 

I handed it to the dealer (Beaver Toyota) and he said it doesn't apply to my vehicle. I showed him the numbers on the sheet (mine was on it) and he said that doesn't mean anything to him. I don't think they care anything about the problems people are having.

 

Find a new dealer

 

Been to two and neither one gives a rat's ass...

 

Then open a case with Toyota corporate. Provide them your VIN, symptoms and then explain there is a TSB which directly applies to your vehicle and two dealers have done nothing to resolve.

 

Find a other dealer if the first two said no.

Have them check for the delay in R to D shifting when cold as almost any hesitation will likely qualify.

Drop it off overnight for them to test cold and it will likely be evident.

 

Seems to be the same for me too although I'm still in the new break in period. Mpgs are still better too on the same trips prior to the flash.