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Noticeable downshifting in a V6 Automatic?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by cpanther1995, Mar 28, 2014.

  1. Mar 28, 2014 at 4:12 AM
    #1
    cpanther1995

    cpanther1995 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I had a brand new transmission installed by the dealer just 16 days ago, and I've noticed minor shifting issues. On certain roads when I'm slowing down I can feel the truck downshift. Not used to that and it does not do this every time. Yesterday as I applied breaks to slow down I felt it down shift twice. It was not a hard down shift, it was smooth but noticeable.

    Also twice since the transmission was replaced, I've felt a very slight delay going forward. Not necessarily a slip like when the original transmission slipped, but it hesitates for a second and then runs fine.

    I'm new to the Tacoma, and I've only had this truck 1 month. Are things like this normal, or is there a chance this new transmission could be low on fluid like the original one was? The truck had 5700 miles on it when I got it, 7900 on it when the transmission was replaced and the new trans only has 1100 miles on it.
     
  2. Mar 28, 2014 at 4:25 AM
    #2
    Gregman

    Gregman Well-Known Member

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    Maybe try checking the fluid level? Weird that the transmission needed replaced with only 7900 on it. What was wrong with the original? I would ask that question to the guys that replaced it?
     
  3. Mar 28, 2014 at 4:38 AM
    #3
    Sparrow0914

    Sparrow0914 New Member

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    On my 2010 dcb sport there is a noticeable downshift going from 4th to 3rd. I notice it even more on hills, but it's never hard and there is never tire chirp.Pretty sure this is a normal thing with the tacos and you just have to get used to it. I don't think it's hurting your truck. If anything it's helping to save your brake pads over time.
     
  4. Mar 28, 2014 at 4:40 AM
    #4
    gearcruncher

    gearcruncher Well-Known Member

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    TRD Sport Rally -5 speed automatic Limited ,Factory heated leather seats ,chrome package,Super white with front windows tinted to 35 % Dick Cepek DC-2 wheels Summer tires - Good year silent armor P265/65R17 Winter tires - Good year P265/65R17 Ultra Ice studded Illuminated 4x4 switch TRD 3rd brake light cover ($20) TRD seat belt shoulder protectors (5). ($50) TRD ...B pillar emblems ($20) TRD rear slider sticker with devil horns ( $6) TRD summer floor matts ($60) TRD steering wheel emblem ($20) TRD floor pedals .($95) TRD shorty antenna ($14) TRD front Windshield emblems ($17) TRD head pillows .($60) TRD head rest protectors TRD door scuff protection $20 TRD floor matt emblems ($40) TRD tow plug emblem . ($40) TRD cigarette lighter with LED.($35) TRD tissue dispenser ($12) TRD front bezel emblems ($9) TRD door emblems ($6) TRD lanyards($9) TRD lisence plates with TRD bolts($50) TRD fender emblems TRD center caps Part Number:PT904-35070-CC ($80) TRD cd
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2014
  5. Mar 28, 2014 at 4:57 AM
    #5
    357sig

    357sig Donut king

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    The dealer can recalibrate the Trans to shift differently. Should try that first.
     
  6. Mar 28, 2014 at 5:10 AM
    #6
    jake72

    jake72 Well-Known Member

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    trannys relearning again.
     
  7. Mar 28, 2014 at 5:10 AM
    #7
    cpanther1995

    cpanther1995 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I got it at 5700, and then one day at around 7900 the transmission slipped. Took it back to CarMax who sent it to a local Toyota dealer. They noticed the fluid level was low and they got error codes showing damage. That's why they replaced the transmission.

    I was honestly wondering if they didn't put enough in the new transmission. Now I see the downshifting is not a bad thing.
     
  8. Mar 28, 2014 at 5:12 AM
    #8
    cpanther1995

    cpanther1995 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The injectors could be responsible for the delay. It is very minor and nothing at all like it acted when it slipped with the original transmission, and it's only happened twice. I'm still going to have them check it again.
     
  9. Mar 28, 2014 at 5:12 AM
    #9
    cpanther1995

    cpanther1995 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    They relearn? Would explain it possibly,
     
  10. Mar 28, 2014 at 5:22 AM
    #10
    gearcruncher

    gearcruncher Well-Known Member

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    I agree with jake here . Not sure of how many drive cycles it takes to be fully programmed to the driver of the vehicle (learning ),but could be the reason it shifts a little different when comparing it to the original trans .
    The delay to forward is not normal mind you . Check that fluid level :D
     
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2014
  11. Mar 28, 2014 at 5:41 AM
    #11
    Jdaniel1274

    Jdaniel1274 Well-Known Member

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    Take it back to the transmission shop and have them hook it up to the computer. This will tell you if everything is working correctly. The rebuilt transmission will shift differently, that is to be expected.
     
  12. Mar 28, 2014 at 5:41 AM
    #12
    gearcruncher

    gearcruncher Well-Known Member

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    Read this http://www.sonnax.com/parts/1778

    Is there any chance you may have any info on the recalibration ?
    Is there a TSB ?
    Been looking for information as to what the dealer changes . I beleive they flash the ecm but have no information as to what it improves or what changes are made to the original shift strategy ?:confused:

    To add , the initial shift into first gear is mechanical and not controlled by the ecm .
    Reverse is also mechanical over hydraulic and not controlled by the ecm.
    A scanner will not tell you if the forward or reverse clutch is slipping or delayed .
    The scanner may show how much transmission fluid it takes to fill the forward clutch but there are no solenoids for the initial forward application .
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2014
  13. Mar 28, 2014 at 9:03 AM
    #13
    cpanther1995

    cpanther1995 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Scott,

    Sent you a PM.

    This 2013 has a brand new transmission and it is 10 times smoother than the one it had. The downshifting I've noticed is gradual and smooth, not harsh. It can be noticeable. With what you guys posted, this does appear to be normal. The slight forward hesitation I've noticed twice, I will have checked. However this transmission is way better than the original. From what I understand it is a 2014 transmission.

    This is a great truck, and I want to make it 100% perfect if that's possible. it's on its way there.
     
  14. Mar 28, 2014 at 9:11 AM
    #14
    cpanther1995

    cpanther1995 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I will, thanks. It is very slight and I'm not 100% sure it was any kind of slip. It's better to be safe than sorry.
     
  15. Mar 28, 2014 at 12:05 PM
    #15
    fixer5000

    fixer5000 the logical one

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    the downshifting freaked me out at first but yea its normal for these trannys. the hesitation ill bet is relearning curve. when mine was new it hesitated like crazy and now its fine. gas pedal not tranny i think
     
  16. Mar 28, 2014 at 1:34 PM
    #16
    cpanther1995

    cpanther1995 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Do any of you guys know if Scan Gauge or Ultra Gauge..or maybe another product will actually show you your transmission fluid level?
     
  17. Mar 28, 2014 at 2:01 PM
    #17
    nd4spdbh

    nd4spdbh Well-Known Member

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    No....

    It's very easy to check
     
  18. Mar 28, 2014 at 2:19 PM
    #18
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    You have a 2013 and they've already changed the transmission?

    Time for another trip to the dealer! YOu're under warranty!
     
  19. Mar 28, 2014 at 2:23 PM
    #19
    TACORIDER

    TACORIDER Just another statistic

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    Tranny is relearning, and you cant check the oil since its a sealed system no dipstick.
     
  20. Mar 29, 2014 at 5:07 AM
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    gearcruncher

    gearcruncher Well-Known Member

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    ^^^^^^^^^^^^ One of our members has some reading to do :D
     

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