Transmission Trouble

2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport
76k miles
Noticed a vibration while driving and took it in for a diagnostic. Toyota dealership did a relearn software update on the transmission however the vibration is still there between 3rd and 4th gears
I was advised to drive for 500 miles to see if the problem resolves itself. If not, I’m looking at a transmission replacement. The tech seemed to think it will continue to get worse.
Wondering if a trade in is a better option at this point or should I just cough up the $5800 to replace it. Any thoughts or similar situations out there?

 

i would replace the fluid before even thinking about replacing the transmission

 

2nd opinion, you took it to parts replacement place. As advised above, change fluid first.

 

Dumb question.. original spark plugs?

 

there's lots to cover here before jumping to the conclusion you need a new transmission. is your truck stock? how long have you owned it? any recent mods, wheelin, heavy towing, and the tires in good condition?

as others mentioned, get a second opinion and change the fluid.

 

I will definitely try changing the fluid first so thank you for the suggestion! As for the spark plugs, I have no replaced those in the three years I’ve owned it. I bought it used.

 

Ok. Let’s do the plugs… some time, as well. I like to get that part out of the way, first.

 

I bought the truck in 2020 and it was already lifted or leveled. Not sure which, but the only other thing I’ve done is replace the wheels and tires over the summer. The vibrations definitely happen while shifting though.
I’ll get this fluid changed asap. Thanks again everyone.

 

This is a tough call. Being a used vehicle, you don’t know what that first owner did to it. Accidentally drained the transmission fluid while doing an oil change? Crossed a river with it? Offloaded hard?

 

Don't do ANYTHING including changing the fluid until you get a 2nd opinion from an independent transmission shop.

 

Check the u-joints and make certain the driveshaft is not tweaked or out of balance. Also check the wheel balance. It's possible you are hitting a certain speed that is causing the vibration and you can be blaming it on the shifting. It's frustrating, but start with the cheaper stuff first.

 

Toyota insists on not changing transmission oil, and that is where many transmission issues come from. Why they prefer to do that?, because most of mechanics out there will just do something wrong and end up fucking things up.
Having said that, on my 2nd gen tacoma, and 4th generation 4th runner ( same transmission) a diy full oil flush solved the tipical transmission rumble strip (vibration when shifting from 2nd to 3rd shift)

 

Sounds like there isnt enough info for us to determine what is happening. All we know is it vibrate shifting from 3 to 4. If the vibration is so bad that the whole car shakes then get it check at another shop. If the vibration only occur on the shift then change the trans fluid. But since your already at 76k i would change it still no matter what. There is also the differential fluid too that you need to change if you've never done it. Also get those tires recheck it could be a tire balance issue.

 

And check the center support bearing.

 

Isn’t this like 2-3rd one of these in the last couple weeks?

 

Yes, all went to Dealer service and deal said change transmission. Which is a joke.

 

Isnt there always some issue with these transmission. It shift too much, doesnt shift enough, it doesnt go into 4x4, i'm stuck in 4x4, there is a vibration at 2100 rpm and the parking light is dead.

 

I must be the only one with no complaints....lol

 

Lol there are over 1.5M 3rd gen Tacomas out there. Normal people only come here when there is a problem.

 

Definitely check the wheels/tires. I had a vibration at 50 mph. Not sure what gear it was it but consistently 45-55 mph. Got new Michelin LTX Defenders and the vibration is gone.