Sputtering, hesitation during acceleration

2013 Tacoma with 76K

Recently had my automatic transmission services (fluid flush, filter replaced, and new pan gasket). About a month after, I noticed the truck started sputtering while accelerating around 20 - 30 mph. I took it back to the shop and they were unable to replicate the issue - go figure. Has anyone had experience with a similar problem after replacing their transmission fluid? Since then I've cleaned the MAF sensor which was fairly dirty on one side. I also plan to replace the spark plugs to see if this fixes the problem.

 

Any codes? If you found the MAF sensor dirty you may have a filter issue.

 

Not saying it's not possible, but I don't think it's related to the fluid change.
Any codes?

 

They said they found an old P1604 code which may have never been cleared. Battery died awhile back so could be from that. Air filter was recently replaced and in good condition. The shop seems to think it’s a misfire, so may be unrelated to the fluid change.

 

Have you seen the CEL flashing at all, even briefly? Does it feel like a miss?

If it feels in any way like the transmission is lurching they may not have filled it properly

 

A month later is a long time.
If the miss is bad enough, you should get a CEL.
I have changed my transmission fluid and had no negative affect afterwards.

Some times, when my truck gives me problems.
I threaten to trade it in for a Chevy.
Have you tried that……
That seems to scare the problem right out of it.

 

i have 74k on my 2015. Just finished cleaning the trottle body and intake manifold with one of those 3m fuel system cleaner kits, 08911 from Amazon. There are other brands as well. If the MAF was dirty, everything downstream will also need cleaning. I agree with OEM Sparks plugs as well.

Curious to find out what it finally is. Keep us posted. Good luck.

 

@TnShooter Tried the Chevy trick but no luck ...

No CEL, I replaced the spark plugs and the intermittent shuddering is still happening. Today I followed the 'AT Temp Check' process and opened the overflow valve. There was a pretty heavy stream of fluid until it eventually became a "slow/small trickle." It pulled out roughly 1/3 a qt of fluid.

I drove it around for 20 minutes afterwards and it seems to be shifting smoother / no shudder so far. I'm wondering if it was overfilled by the shop and that could have caused the issue? I don't have a lot of faith they know how to check the proper fluid level on a 2nd gen since it's not a transmission shop or Toyota dealer. I'll keep monitoring and report back on the findings.

 

I wouldn’t think 1/3 of a quart would cause any problems.
But if you say it runs better….Good deal

 

A ⅓ of a quart urt is a bit much man.
Could of clogged or shut something closed that would other wise be open.

 

Hey Matt I’m having the same issues after replacing my spark plugs, coil packs and MAF sensor at 240K. Took it to a Toyota specialist and he recommended me to a transmission shop. It’s a common issues with Tacoma and FJ Cruiser. The shuddered happens between 20-40 mph and goes away once you reach a higher speed. I will find out tomorrow when I pick my truck up from the shop.

 

@TnShooter I wouldn’t think so either but was surprised when 1/3 qt came out. To be cautious, I stopped it as a small stream to prevent draining too much fluid.

@CEFishin keep me posted what the transmission shop tells you. My truck only has 76k on it and drove fine before the AT fluid change. I’ve read a lot about the dreaded torque converter issues with these trucks. I'd hope Toyota designed a transmission that lasts longer than 100K without having to spend 2-3K to repair it.

 

1/3rd of a quart high I HIGHLY doubt would cause these issues.

I am betting either fuel pump relay, fuel pump resistor, or fuel pump itself.

 

@Mdsimmons7 here’s an update for everyone. The truck drive smooth with no hesitation or shudders when accelerating in stop and go traffic. He replaced the gasket, filter and fluid. He doesn’t recommend a transmission flush since this will push metal particles throughout the systems. It’s best to drained the system and replace part that are required during a transmission drain. He stated he added an additive to the fluid, but he didn’t tell me which one it was.

 

Lucas ATF additive? Lol

 

The Toy Shop in Cypress stated he use some type of GM additives that usually solved the shifting issues.

 

I took my truck to the Toyota dealer today, the service rep said they never recommend flushing the transmission as it removes sediment and metals in the old fluid that are required for it to run smoothly. Unfortunately the other shop already did a full flush so now I am waiting to hear what they recommend. I'm hoping something other then you need a new torque converter or transmission with only 76K. This all seems crazy to me as I was just trying to do preventative maintenance to extend the life of my truck. Does anyone know if there are any negative side effects to adding shutter fix or an additive? Seems like this may be the only other option to try.

 

Now I predominantly drive highway and am approaching 500,000 miles (494,500 right now). I've flushed the transmission every 100K since new, getting ready to have it done here again in a few months. Per my own ignorance I never even dropped the pan to clean or replace the filter (it's a metal screen) until 400K. I cleaned it then and will actually replace it before this next flush. I've never had one issue with the transmission nor the torque converter. I've never put in any kind of additive. Only Amsoil trans fluid that is compatible with the Toyota WS. So it makes me chuckle every time I hear about not flushing a transmission. Just maintain something and 9 times out of 10 it will last a really long time.