Transmission Mystery!

Has anyone noticed any issues with the transmission shift points? I've noticed the following scenario On my 2016 Tacoma (v6 TRD Sport 4x4)
I set the cruise control at 75 mph and all is fine, but once I have to slow down and I press resume on cruise control the truck speeds up to 75 mph but continues to stay revved up and will not switch gears to overdrive and stays at a higher rpm. It will not switch from 4th gear to 5-6 gear unless I accelerate with my foot past 75 to around 78 mph and let go of the accelerator pedal and then it switches to the overdrive and lower rpm. Can someone test this out and let me know if they experience the same issue? Suggestions?

 

5th and 6th gear are overdrives on the Auto Transmission. With the wind resistance high at 75+ and the fact of 6th being high gearing, that seems pretty typical. I have found that at higher speeds this to occur pretty regularly. 6th gear is almost too high for this truck, especially for the 4X4 versions. I most likely exists purely for the EPA requirements.

One thing I have found, the transmission does not hunt as much when driving with cruise control off.

 

Yup...my only real complaint about the new model. Using the cruise control is an exercise in frustration unless you're on a completely flat road with no wind. I'm sure I'll get used to the shift points on the auto and adapt my driving to them, but so far the gear hunt is perplexing.

 

Putting the shift into S mode and selecting 5th would probably alleviate quite a bit of hunting. Of course the engine would be at a slightly higher RPM and mileage would suffer.

 

OP

Have you tested this with ECT on and ECT off. Was there any difference? Wild guess is that the same thing would happen with the ECT on or off but it would happen at different speeds.

 

OP, I have noticed the same thing on my TRDOR. I have found that if my cruise control is set and it has not shifted into 6th gear all i have to do is give it some gas usually about 2 mphs above cruise setting then release the gas pedal and it will shift into 6th gear.

 

Put the transmission into S mode and set 5th. Drove to work (15miles). Worked great! Never down shifted and mileage was better. 5th seems about the same as 5th on my 2006 manual. S mode only sets the highest gear that the transmission will shift too.

 

I've experienced similar (TRDOR DCLB 4x4) and I concur, this issue is my only real complaint for this truck (MPG/gearing at 70mph+).

Having to 'fight' the cruise control is aggravating and the solutions of using S mode, not using cruise, or over-revving are simply work-arounds.
I can't think of another vehicle built in the last 25 years where I've experienced this issue @ 75mph, from the smallest compact rental cars, to everyday sedans, to minivans, to ford rangers, to full sized trucks.

 

I wonder if you used your accelerator, instead of your resume button, to return to 75 mph you would still experience the problem. The reason I ask is because I always use the accelerator, not the resume button, in every vehicle I drive, not just my Taco. When I see I have returned to 75 mph I push the resume button then. I just don't see any need for the hurry to return to 75 mph, and use extra rpms to do it. Could be worth a try, fshams.

 

Sounds like toyota should've designed a motor with a little bit more torque at cruising RPM.

 

Sounds like reflashing the ECU/ tans control unit would probably solve this issue but if it comes at the expense of MPGs it wont happen.

 

I test drove a 6MT, and thought the gearing was perfect. 6th is so tall it's only for cruising on flat terrain, but a downshift to 5th lets you maintain speed up most grades without flooring it.

Anyone griping about the 6AT should consider the MT; you'll never complain about the shift programming when it's your own brain.

 

Well did some more testing. The AT does not really need 6th gear. I am positive it was purely for EPA estimate requirements. I have 1500 miles already and yes was irritated by the constant downshifting, even on slight grades and wind. So as I said before, I set "S" mode to 5. Basically makes your Auto transmission a 5 speed. Cruising at 65 MPH + the truck never down shifted and maintained speed fine with cruise control. And the mileage was on average 1.3 MPG better!!!!!!!! All the downshifting kills the mileage.

Since trucks were mandated to have better MPG, Toyota must have decided a 6th gear was needed, which works fine on a dyno where everything is constant and zero grade and no wind. But in the real world 6th gear is for flat, or down hill driving with a tailwind!

 

I had the opposite issue on my trip through the mountains. Cruise set at 75mph, it had no problem maintaining speed, but LOVED to downshift to 4th.

 

after trying the ECT feature i have settled on just paddle shifting thru the gears. with ECT on the RPM's are way high cruising down the highway and without ECT yea the shift points are weird have to put my foot in it to go and then revs high.................

 

kahanabob, are you still seeing the 2 mpg increase in fuel economy by paddle shifting thru the gears?

 

This is what I do every time. Never had trouble as described by this thread. Also, I had to go outside and check to see if my truck had the "S" mode. I do actually.

 

probably not but just can't get used to this trannys shifting points. between the engine and tranny no comparison to my 2008, meaning my 2008 was perfect.

 

What and where is the 'S' mode?

 

I've been following a similar thread on 'tacomaforum.com' and what has been reported to Toyota by other Tacoma owners.
Toyota is aware of the programming issue and they are working on a software update that should be available very soon.