Tacoma automatic seems stuck in 3rd?

i have a new used 2012 Tacoma v6 4x4 automatic. Today I was cruising around 65mph on a flat interstate and the engine sounded louder than earlier at the same speed and the truck rpms were above 3000. I revved faster to 75 and the rpms were into the 4000s. I checked the gear shifter to be sure it was in drive not a specific genera number. Is this normal? Maybe I just need to get used to the new feel?

 

Is it a 4 or 5 speed transmission? My 2015 has the 5 speed in it and at 75 mph it running approximately 2250 rpms.

 

It is a 5 speed automatic. I don't think it has overdrive - I looked up the vin on the toyota site and there is no mention of overdrive. Maybe it is stuck in 4th? Anyway the rpms seem high to me. I noticed that the transmission fluid was high, see photo attached of the level. Maybe this is a problem?

 

That's the brake fluid. Transmission fluid cannot be verified visually as there is no dipstick. I would recommend you take it to a mechanic for diagnosis.

 

Lol! Thanks for pointing that out Just learned there is no dipstick for transmission fluid either! It's a big leap from a 1990 vw vanagon to a 2012 tacoma

 

There may be a bit more technology involved with that big of a jump! I can say that it seems your rpms are a bit higher than I recall at highway speed. My 07 redlines around 5500 so I would say something funky is going on there

 

This almost made me spit my coffee out on the floor.

First are you sure you are not in 4WD mode?


Dude. You have a transmission problem. According to the image you posted it is beyond your skill set. Take it to a good shop and have it evaluated.

 

What would 4WD have to do with it?

 

Regarding the skillset comment, I am definitely not going to repair it myself I am self aware enough to know my car ignorance. It sounds like I am hearing some general agreement that the rpms may be high. No it is not in 4wd - trust me on this one the dial is very clear.

 

What do you think?

There was a bit of sarcasm involved, but in 4WD Low it will rev a lot higher .........................

 

Is the overdrive button turned on ????

 

If you just bought this truck, I hope that it came with some kind of warranty. It sounds like you have a transmission issue. Your truck should never be able to sniff rpms above 3000 in drive mode.

 

Drop it into 4th while driving and see if the revs go up. If they do, then you weren’t stuck in a lower gear. If they don’t, then the truck isn’t shifting into 5th.

 

Good god that's the brake fluid man, the tanny is sealed and a alot more involved to check the fluid on. You definitely should just take it to a shop and let them look it over lol

 

Were you climbing a steep hill? Mine will stay around 3000 rpm going up hill on the interstate (downshifts to 4th or 3rd). Sometimes takes a bit after leveling out before it shifts back to OD.

 

dudes even in 4th gear there is now way at 75 the tach would read 4000 even 3rd it wouldnt be that high

 

I once filled mine up to the proper level and it fixed my blinker issue

 

Sounds like a troll or maybe it's just Friday and I should come to expect these posts.

 

I will run some more drive tests and take a photo of the tachometer and speedometer. It was a flat stretch of highway, no hills.

 

He would never get to 75mph in 4LO. He would be bouncing off the limiter way before that.