Transmission shift issue and transfer case replacement (eventually)

Just an FYI...

2016 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 w/short bed, all stock suspension, tires, ect...for now

So, pretty much since day one I had shifting issues as described in the TSB, mind you I picked the truck up with ~215 miles on it, but I didn't really notice them though until I put about 50 miles on the truck after driving it off the lot. This is about the time I started to notice what sounded to me like a gear or bearing whine when decelerating from about 17mph to around 10mph coming from what seemed like the rear-ish area and you could really hear it with the windows up.

I took it to Beaverton Toyota and they initially gave me the transmission update and ordered new brake drums and pads because the tech said the pads had what looked to be glazing in one area and he thought it was due to the drums being shaped weird. I said fine and drove off then came back the next week for the replacement of the brakes and to take care of an annoying, passenger side dash speaker vibration. As I was driving it around for that week, I did notice the shifting was much better but it still felt a little odd at times but I thought that was as good as it got so I didn't pay much attention. Anyway, the tech replaced the brake components and drove it around and still wasn't happy because the sound was still there. The service adviser called me and said they needed to order a new transfer case due to an internal fault code. I said fine and waited a day for them to replace it...while doing so, they also noticed the transmission fluid was .3 quarts low so they topped that off. Once I got the truck back, I can hardly even tell when it shifts. There is responsiveness throughout every gear and no hesitation at all when taking off...all of which felt off to me even after the update.

The reason I am writing this is because I know there have been some issues with the transmission on the 2016 Tacoma. I have read that people were generally happy with the shifting after the update but just in case it still feels off, it might be worth a look at the transfer case as well.

I would also like to give a shout out to the guys at Beaverton Toyota, they were all amazing though these service calls!


Official statement on service report, in case it helps...

ABNORMAL NOISE FROM TRANSFER CASE DUE TO INTERNAL FAULT T1:91 T2:99
REPLACE TRANSFER CASE PER FTS RECOMMENDATION, APPROVED VIA (service mgr I guess)
REPLACED TRANSFER ASSEMBLY OP:390011P 1.7

 

I got tired of transmission and replaced it with this:

 

But to be serious I also needed a bigger truck for afamily.

 

Also, Thanks for sharing this, good to know that Beaverton techs are good. From my experience around this area, usually they won't find anything wrong unless you pinpoint for them! I also had good experience once at Gladstone Toyota, about 5 years ago.

 

No problem! I figured with everything I keep hearing about, I may as well add to the mix of tech info/experiences. Also, I definitely thought A LOT about a Tundra (and a Raptor) but I'm just not a bigger truck guy.

 

That's a rough start, I would be royally pissed as I expect perfection from something new. I hope you got a great price, and I would ask for an extended warranty for my troubles.

Cheers!

 

Well i alrerady got the rear end replaced and now the transfer case. Dealer ship said quit driving like a grandma... The rental is a 2015 Tundra Platinum.. 60 grand for it new.. i think i will stick to the TACO but... if they only knew what i know