My 2018 Tacoma started an occasional 30-50 MPH shudder. After dealer saw it, they said I need a new transmission and torque converter. $8500! I bought it used at 95k miles last year and put 10k on it. I tow a small 6x10 enclosed trailer with only tools in it every day. I've never heard of this happening in a Tacoma with 100k miles.
Drain and fill the transmission fluid and see if the shudder goes away. It's possible the transmission fluid is dirty and affecting torque converter operation.
I ALWAYS watch his videos...learning so much about the Toyota, even if, I do not own the model in question. Thanks load for helping all us untrained DYI out there.
Well let me teach you something I'm 52 years old my father bought the first 1976 Toyota pickup in Southern California when I was a little boy growing up and it was the best damn pick up out there all these modern Toyotas are not as good as the old ones
I own a 2020 Tacoma Double Cab TRD Off Road with a 6’ Bed. I absolutely love the automatic transmission. Coming back from a vacation in NorCal where I drove up PCH and the 101 with about 600lbs of camping gear and 2 passengers, up mountains and down valleys and up the coastline through Big Sur, I averaged about 23.5 MPG! That’s amazing for a six cylinder truck! The truth is if you drive 65mph consistently, the Taco will reward you with great MPG. I found that using 91 octane gas really helps with MPG as well. If I need power, you can as shift using the automatic as it is a manu-matic. Whenever I need power going up steep hills or off roading, I shift the gears myself. It also helps to when headed down steep hills to downshift and use the engine to help brake. I’m 15,000 miles into my truck and it kicks ass. Anyone complaining about power isn’t using the truck like a truck anyhow. Too many people drive their truck like it’s a Mustang GT, or Civic Type R. If you want to drive that way, for your safety and others, get a fast car. Excellent Video!
Thanks for those tips my 99 has 250k and will go another 100 but not on remote roads and extreme whe weather. Can't find manual and needed to find out about the autoshift
The constant shifting and limp throttle response almost had me selling my ‘21 TRD Sport 6 months after purchasing. KD Max tune completely changed the driving experience and ended up keeping the truck. Thanks for your videos.
Due to this video, I bought a 2019 Tacoma, TRD Sport, 4x4 with a manual transmission as the author didn't have a lot of good things to say about the automatic. The manual trans is a "good unit" but the truck has "too tall gearing". You have to rev the engine up way higher then I'm used to in order to take off in either first or reverse gear. So against what I've heard online about how bad the Tacoma's automatic transmission was, I bought one. The auto is perfectly fine and has NO quirks. I'm totally happy with my 2019 Tacoma, TRD, Sport with auto trans. It was a costly mistake but I'm totally happy with this truck and auto trans!
I'm really enjoying this series. Thanks for putting it together for all of us. I was fortunate to be able to order a '16 Tacoma SR 4x4 with the 2.7 and the 5 speed manual for my everyday work truck. I always wanted a Toyota and the available manual tranny is what sold me.
For what its worth; I bought a 2018 Tacoma and experienced some of the "problems" of the automatic. I decided that generally since a transmission will upshift when it doesn't have enough power that I would increase the power a bit. Although the TRD air intake and the TRD CATback exhaust were panned as not helping power, I can state unequivocally that first the TRD intake increased mileage by 1.5-2 mpg right off the bat. Then I added the TRD exhaust to get the increased amount of air out of the motor. I did this instead of playing with the electronic throttle. I am extremely happy with the truck now. I completed this work in the summer of 2019 and have absolutely no complaints. IMHO, if Toyota just put those accessories on the truck at the factory or upped the power by 20 hp, there would be no transmission issue. Excellent work, keep it up.
I put in an S&B CAI and had it tuned, and went from 17's to 20's. Planning on deleting the 2nd cats with a y pipe, but no cat-back plans yet. I am curious to see what a proper re-route can do for the truck.
I just got a tune and that works for me on stock. But now that i'm looking to replace my stock tires to 32in and offroad tires. I might need that intake and exhaust.
@@brucey5585 if you throw on intake and exhaust and don’t tune for it you will see 0 power gains outside of placebo. Even tuning it you will maybe see less than 10hp increase
Thank you for another great review. I traded in my 2018 4wd tacoma for an 18 offroad 4runner. Now, I smile to myself everytime the transmission shifts the way it should! No regrets!
They fixed that in 2021 with program change I have zero issues love it over the gas gussling 4runner or you could have off just did a ov tune or another kind of tune for a easy fix
Been a Toyota mechanic 40+ years. Now a shop foreman/assistant manager. These videos help me to explain to the customer certain characteristics are normal. Not a problem. I have had customers complain about Trans down shifting into too low a gear at too high of speed because they mashed the accelerator pedal. Not in tune to their normal driving habits.
This one of the most comprehensive lessons I have ever taken. Perfect, thankyou, im going to test drive one, and now that I know this, the jeep gladiator has some real competition! Going vehicle shopping very soon...
I love this breakdown and information! I just bought a new 2022 Tacoma and have only had manual transmission before. So I appreciate the information about the automatic I'm getting when it's delivered soon.
Mine is also arriving soon. I’m a pinch leary of the new technology. I hear ppl talk about the transmission ‘searching for the right gear’ when faced w gusty winds. Have you you had any issues?
@@hothmobile100 I just picked up a 2wd 4banger yesterday , and it constantly shifts . Very annoying transmission . I hadn't of needed to get somewhere , I would have taken it right back to the dealership !!
@@indycharlie I wonder if damn Toyota of USA does this on purpose to get us to buy the 50,000 dollar Manuel transmission 4x4 package. Other countries do not allow corruption so I bet the manual transmission Hilux is cheaper in South America and Australia. I wanted the manual transmission but in damn USA you have to give thousands and thousands more to Toyota for it.
Great explanation about the AI and the cruise control. One buggy thing in my 2005 Taco was how she would downshift 2-3 gears when going up hills while using cruise control, obviously wasting gas.
That was less a bug and more just the lack of low end torque. The old 4 speeds on the 3.4s are worse in that regard, even if the 3.4 is considered indestructible.
What I don’t like about my 2018 Tacoma is when driving at highway or street velocity you let off the acceleration and the truck slows down by itself (doesn’t Coast).I really hate that about it but it’s a beast off-road to say the least.Great video.
Another awesome video. My understanding from for the '20 and newer, the external transmission cooler was redesigned so that it was an internal cooler located within the radiator. This applied at least to trucks with tow packages.
You correct and some 2020's along with all the 2021's have had program change so the shifting fixed it's night and day over my old 2017. Absolutely love the difference don't need a tune.
Unfortunately it doesn’t always holds a lower gear when going uphill. Gear hunting when going uphill is a common problem, especially when towing. I’ve had to put the transmission in manual mode and control the shifting when towing a trailer uphill to keep it from constantly shifting up and down. Toyota needs to do a rethink when programming this transmission. This happens even when in ECT. A true tow haul mode would be good!
Already did most of 2020's and all the 21's are reprogramed. I have zero issues compared to when I had my 2017. I don't have gear hunting issues at all anymore.
I actually sold my '23 tacoma over this issue. I had no doubt the truck would've lasted hundreds of thousands of miles, but I couldn't find ease knowing I'd be putting up with annoying transmission shifts for the life of the vehicle. Aside from the gear hunting, the truck was fantastic and I absolutely loved sporting it as a daily driver. That being said, I wish Toyota would have bought fully into the idea "a truck is a truck" and excused the slight fall in fuel economy (probably less than 1 mpg if we're being honest) and opted for a smoother, better operating transmission. I would avoid the current Tacoma until this gets resolved.
I got to skip all the way to 12:26. I love my 2022 TRD Sport access cab with the manual transmission! Way fun to drive, this truck is smooth and graceful.
I have a 1995 Toyota Tacoma with 475,000 mi on it. It's a five-speed four wheel drive. Runs great. I rented a 2021 Tacoma. Nice vehicle but was disappointed with the gas mileage. I think I'll hang on to my 1995.
I just bought my very first Toyota 4 days ago. That Toyota happens to be a 2023 Tacoma SR5 Double cab 4x4. I'm infatuated with this machine. It's simplicity with a bit of extras. I stumbled onto this series, and I'm hooked. I'm learning as much as I can because I plan on keeping "Blackhawk" for a very long time. Thanks for sharing all that knowledge with us Tacoma owners. 🫡
People keep thinking that the trans is the sole culprit for the 'hunting' for gears issue, but it's really not. Everyone is forgetting about this engine using a dual combustion cycle (Otto and Atkinson) and that is a significant factor in causing the erratic shifting.
No mention of the 4th gear death grip haha. This transmission loves 4th gear, I suspect a lot of that has to do with the 2GRs lack of low end torque. I do find 6 speed autos seem to work better with engines with a lot of low end torque (turbos, diesels, big v8s), the newer 8, 9 and 10 speed transmissions seem to work better with smaller engines like the 2GR. Best example I can think of is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it uses the legendary ZF 8HP transmission (also used in the new Supra and literally every BMW). It has much better low end response and can also keep the rpms down on the highway much better than the Tacoma. Its engine power (with the 3.6L V6) and vehicle weight are very similar to the Tacoma. Though its 9 speed brother used in transverse mount applications is a piece of junk (slow shifting, sluggish of the line, never uses 9th gear except above 85mph and very unreliable)
Awesome series so far AMD. Really appreciate the details of all aspects of the Tacoma. As far as the engine and transmission are concerned. I can put up with the computer controlling things as long as they are reliable long term.
Great video. I recently purchased a 2023 Tacoma TRD Sport v6 with automatic transmission and brought it into the dealer with 1,600 miles on it and I stated it seems to surge, buck at partail throttle. This is partial throttle is 75 percent or more of my driving....so pretty annoying. Dealership claimed normal and called it hunting. I said it is not hunting and hunting is something else. I also stated that I place transmission in manual mode to eliminate the hunting aspect and the surging, bucking remains. Thoughts? Thank you for the great content.
Waiting on my new Tacoma … giving up manual Matrix. Wanted a manual … but my partner wants to be able to drive my truck. The things we do for love. Luckily my daughter is taking my old car … so I will be able to drive the stick whenever I want.
I bought my 2019 TRD OR Double Cab, new in JAn of 2019. I now have 125k miles - many in 4WD. I obviously drive a lot! The truck does shift often, but honestly to me I rarely notice it. I do notice the truck performs wonderfully off road and on. I drive mostly rural highways and average 45-55 mph for long stretches. I average 21-23 MPG (not counting 4WD). We have quite a few vehicles, much more expensive than my Tacoma, but to me this little truck is a TREMENDOUS value!!!
A simple KDMax ECU tune solves the Tacoma’s transmission problems, throttle response problems, and in many cases, significantly improves fuel economy. Look it up. I love my Tacoma thanks to the KDMax!
I love my 2021 Tacoma TRD Off Road 6 speed manual. It is truly a beautiful and reliable transmission. I wouldn't get the auto version as long as Toyota keeps the manual. I found out the grear ratio in 1st gear is much greater allowing for slower speed with more torque unlike the automatic. Putting my truck in 4L crawling through the washes and trails is amazing.
I have found that I just put the transmission in the "S" setting and shift manually between 4th and 5th gear. Unless I'm out on the interstate running about 70 mph, I never use 6th gear. Much less annoying shifting up and down. I also have a scan gauge connected to the OBD socket. I monitor engine oil temp, water temp, transmission temp and alternator output. I always wondered why as soon as I started the truck, with in just a minute or so, the trans temp started to move up. Even before the engine oil temp does. Now I know. Thanks AMD. Love your vidoes.
I’d be curious about your comments on the 6 speed auto in ECT mode. I think it’s acts more like the way it should have been programmed from the factory with the ECT button pressed.
I hate my 23 taco trd off road 4x4 6 speed automatic. It's really the biggest flaw! I have to use ect mode and use s mode to limit to 4-5 gear. Adaptive learning is a mess too because my wife drives the truck too and we drastically drive different... Such a shame we have to get an aftermarket flash to help the hunting and limit the stupid "Adaptive" fix
I went with the AT for the crazy stuff it can do off road. I have always had MT till this and I’m 54 years old. But times change, off road Voodoo, going to need knee replacement kinda drove the choice.
I have a 05’ off-road and a 16’ Sr5 4x4, both trucks with automatic transmission and I sadly have to say that my 2nd gen tacoma shift’s way better than my 3rd gen, I’m going to change the gears this fall and hopefully that makes an improvement
Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it. I have the c60 automatic in my Toyota Innova Here in the Philippines, behind the 2.8 L turbodiesel. No need for a transmission warmer here. The car doesn't even have a heater. LOL just had the transmission service at 30,000 miles. Lots of stop and go traffic here
I'd like to hear about the older Tacoma transmissions. I have a 2001 2.4L 2WD Tacoma with the 4-speed auto and love how simple it is. The video will probably just be "It's simple & bulletproof" lol
I have a 2021 and the transmission is ALWAYS searching for gears, especially on the interstate! At 70 mph it’s constantly shifting from 4th through 6th! I’m highly annoyed!!
21 Tacoma doesn’t have a trans cooler. It has been removed for 21. I have been trying to get the dealer to install one on my new truck. That say they can’t with out loosing the warranty. That sucks Because I haul a 3700 lb trailer
Is it possible to swap a manual into a truck that came as a automatic ? Buy a wrecked manual truck and swap all the bits and pieces. The reason I ask is the long bed crew cab only comes in automatic.
I only just got a 2017 Toyota tacoma off-road. Never thought I would ever own a Toyota truck. This video explains the little things I've noticed about it. It sure drives great
I just got a 2017 with 30k miles. The transmission is a bit quirky but I noticed when driving on Montana highways it likes “ect power” mode. I have never owned a Toyota either but so far I really like it.
Had 3 2nd gen Tacomas, all TRD Offroad models, no more.. got rid of them. keeping my 1985 4runner SR5 5 speed manual. has 5:29 gears sitting on 35"s. it is a daily driver now.
I have a 2010 X-Runner and the throw out bearing makes a chirping sound. I understand that this a common problem due to the input shaft getting worn. Also the lack of a pilot bearing in the flywheel is a real concern.
In mid 2020 Toyota did away with the external transmission cooler in the Tacoma and the Tundra. The fluid gets all its cooling from the radiator now. I have to believe that the radiators now have a larger cooling capacity; I hope they do. My Tacoma is a 2021 with the tow package and there is no external cooler for the transmission fluid.
I prefer the way the trans operates! My 11 is so reluctant to downshift it drops speed by 15-20 mph on hills. Then you have to slam the pedal to the floor to force a downshift. My 23 is ready to rock as soon as you start hitting the gas pedal.
How hot is too hot for transmission fluid temp when towing on 2021 toyota tacoma 4x4. There is 2 temps for transmission, temp 1 and temp 2. One of them i saw it reaching like around 240 F, when rpms were i believe over 3.
When changing the transmission fluid and using an ODBII adapter with a phone app to monitor temp, which temp sensor should be monitored: #1 or #2? The #1 sensor seems to very less than #2.
Love your channel! My new 23 Tacoma SR 2wd 4 cyl will NOT downshift climbing hills, losing speed steadily, unless the gas is floorboarded, then it shifts down 2 or 3 gears at once, with a sudden raise in RPM and a slightly jerky shift. If I run it with the ECT POWER button actuated, it runs and drives like a normal AT vehicle. Is this how it is supposed to work? BILL
Hi You commented on one of your video's that the dealers use cheapest oil they can get. I will be going in for my first oil change on my 22 Tacoma. Should I go elsewhere and pay for some quality oil? thank you
Would you recommend me to change my Transmission Fluid at 80,000 miles when I am sure it has never been touched? What about the front and rear differentials? This is on my 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 DCSB. It was taken care of by two Toyota dealer's every 5-6k since new per Toyota Maintenance portal and CarFax.
I traded a 2019 Tacoma in on a Toyota RAV4 hybrid prime because of the way that transmission was always hunting for gears. Now I drive something with no gears.
Great series! 100% satisfied with my ‘21 TRDOR 6MT so far. Clutch is easy to modulate and moving through the gates is fingertip smooth once the transmission warms up (we’ll see how it feels in the dead of winter soon enough). I’m still getting use to the reverse position but it’s not a dealbreaker.
In really cold weather the clutch pedal is really stiff to push in but quickly warms up and returns to normal. I do like to start with the transmission in neutral and then utilize the clutch cancel button.
@@danieltaylor3396 Interesting, I will keep that in mind on those single digit mornings. Clutch start cancel is an interesting concept. Honestly other than trying it on pavement just to try it I have only really found it useful for reaching in and starting the motor without having to half climb in and push in the clutch.
I am glad to hear the 6spd manual has a better gate experience, my 2005 Taco was miserable to drive because of missed shifts and false gate jumps. Toyo used to make the sweetest 5spd that was smooth as butter but that 6spd soured me on manuals.
There is times where I'm driving in town and I let go of the gas pedal and start slowing down and then I don't end up stopping all the way, as soon as I start pressing on the gas pedal my truck starts to rev up close to 3k RPMs, and it has happened multiple times ever since I got my 22 Tacoma TRD Sport. In town the speed limit is almost always 35mph. I get scared when that happens and I just let go of the gas pedal and i just let it idle down until its at a respectable rpms.
Thanks for this Info! I have a 2019 and had that problem with gear hunting, I took it in for a tcm update and it works a bit better! But great explanation!
@@johnyoung5482 Transmission Control Module update, they have a revised software for it! It is under a Technical Service Bulletin, they will do it for free if you are under warranty
When I test drove the Colorado, & ranger before purchasing the 2021 Tacoma they downshifted 3-4 gears when the Tacoma down shifted 1 gear from 6th to 5th , ranger would down shift 4 gears Colorado 3 gears , every automatic trans will down shift the more gears you have to more gears it will need to down shift I never understood the “gear hunt “ some people complain about in the Tacoma especially after driving the ford and chevy 🤔
We have two Toyotas with the six speed auto. They do take a little getting use to, but do very well for us, even pulling a travel trailer in the mountains. Maybe CCN would prefer to go back to a 1960's GM two speed hydromatic. I have enjoyed most of his videos, but will agree to disagree with him on this one.
