Transmission software update - Can I still get it?

Hey y’all.

I know there are countless posts about this, but I wanted some of y’all’s opinions.

I got my 18 TRD OR second hand. For the most part, it shifts fine. However, I’ve experienced the traditional issues that are pretty well known by now.

My question is this.. can I just call and request the update to the transmission? Also, is it something that takes all day, or can I wait to have it done? To my understanding, they sometimes check your actual fluid level as well, so I’m just curious on what I’m getting into. I have 54k on the ODO, so I’m thinking the update would be covered under powertrain warranty, but am unsure.

Ultimately, I’m just curious on if it make a difference and if that difference was long lasting.

thanks for any info, all!


My main issues:

- lurks forward when shifting into gear, intermittently
- Likes to downshift when it doesn’t need to.. and hangs there for what seems like forever.. especially noticeable in cruise control
- A few noticeable harder shifts, but this is the least common in case

 

I mean if you want a refined driving experience, the Tacoma isn’t really the best way to go. None of your issues seem all that major to warrant messing with a truck with 50k+ miles. Incoming comments after mine will probably be to go get an OVTune or similar.

But to answer your question, call your local dealer and ask. Or call corporate. But they’ll probably point you to a dealer.

 

Takes 10 mins, I'd recommend it, its 96 months 80,000 miles warranty.

 

Awesome, thank you. Do you mind if I ask how many miles you’ve put on the truck since getting it, and if it’s still shifting better after all that time?

 

I'm a tech at Toyota and I recommend all to do it. When I had a 3rd gen I did 4 iterations of it.

 

Ah, understood. Is it true y’all check to assure the fluid is level? I heard some from factory came low. I’m sure by now I’d know, but.. you never know.

 

No we don't check the level, at that age I'd suggest a fluid service anyway.

Rare fluid levels are incorrect.

 

I really appreciate your insight. I planned on doing a service, actually! Hate to ask this… but as a tech, drain and fill or flush? The truck has had every service on time, next being a 55k then 60, and at 60 I planned on doing the allllll the fluids, etc.

 

From what I Understand just a drain & fill.

 

Tough to say. Drain and fill is simple and a good start.

I wouldn't do the flush because its still on time.

Ideally a pan drop and fluid fill, but the dealer would charge as much as a flush for that.

 

This community is the best community. I really do love this truck. Just trying to keep it alive as long as possible! Thanks for all your fellas help.

 

There is an excellent YT series on the Tacoma that is very informative you may find helpful. Here.

 

Hopefully @Bishop84 will correct me if I misspeak here, but assuming your truck is an automatic, there are 3 TSBs applicable to your truck: TSB 0058-18 (Vehicle Surge Between 40-50), TSB 0062-18 (Stumble at Wide Open Throttle Takeoff), and TSB 0013-19 Rev 1 (MIL ON with DTC P261093). Have your dealer flash you to ECU ID 04A61 which encompasses these TSBs. If you want to find out yourself if you need the flash, open your hood and look for an Authorized Modification sticker from a dealer, or get yourself an inexpensive OBDII scanner that will read your ECU ID. If it reads 04A60, or you don't see a sticker, you need the update. I have this scanner:

$25 MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z3HB7DR?ie=UTF8

 

They overlap but they can tell you through consolidated history if any have been done. The timer one you cannot request. It has to be on.

 

So.. I called my dealership and the service advisor said he has been there 8 years and never heard or seen a Tacoma come through with transmission shifting issues and non of those TSB’s apply to me lol….

 

Gotta love some of these dealership LOL. Take a look at those TSBs (you can google them by TSB number). Either I'm getting more senile as I get older or they apply to your truck, with the possible exception of the last one if you don't have the MIL light on.

At this point you have two choices. You can print the 2 TSBs that do apply and take them to the service manager, or you can go to a tuner and have them apply it for you. Just doing the ECU TSB update is much less expensive than adding the tune. If you were coming to me I would do the ECU TSB update and then have you drive the truck. If you're happy with it the way it is then you can leave it at that and just pay for the TSB update. If you decide you want to do the tune you can do it at the same time. I have a prejudiced opinion obviously, but I think you would enjoy having both much more than just the TSB update, but that is totally up to you.

 

For sure!


One Toyota said that they found
TSB 0062-18, and that is what is causing it to not shift back after it gets “stuck” around 3k RPM after downshift. Which.. I usually only notice in cruise control anyway. So! I’m unsure if this one will address everything or if I specifically need them to do the others too.

Blows my mind that they pretend these TSB’s don’t exist lol

 

Some dealers hate doing warranty work and will claim everything is normal. They may even threaten to charge diagnostics if you push too hard.

It doesn’t pay well, but I’ve done it probably 80 times and it ensures the customer is happy with their truck. Customer satisfaction is a big part of the Toyota brand. Normally…

 

If you can record it doing it because it gets rid of " test drive problem not found" crap.
Thats what i did and they just say OK to doing it, print the TSB helps if there being an ass

 

I really think with this market the last couple of years and people lined up waiting for trucks, some dealerships have gotten into "our shit doesn't stink" mode and act like they are doing people a favor by taking care of them. In the end it will come back to bite them. Demand is starting to back off already given inflation and the interest rates rising. People will remember down the road.

To the OP, if the dealer doesn't want to be bothered, the KDMax group has a couple of tuners in SC (South Columbia and Aiken areas) that can flash the Toyota 04A61 ECU update for you. Every tuner has their own pricing but if I were doing an TSB update only I would charge $75