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Transmission shifting

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by 4Runner75, May 19, 2023.

  1. May 19, 2023 at 2:24 PM
    #1
    4Runner75

    4Runner75 [OP] New Member

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    I have a 2023 4Runner Limited, 4k miles the transmission does a "harsh" shift from 1st to 2nd when accelerating and again from 2nd to 1st when coming to a stop. Reported it to the dealer and they greased the drive shaft, no change.
    Last night I did a reset of the PCM, no change.
    Is this "normal" for a new truck? Should I wait like 10k miles?
    Please share your experience and thoughts.

    Thanks
     
    Sleestaks likes this.
  2. May 19, 2023 at 2:33 PM
    #2
    Sleestaks

    Sleestaks Shape-shifting Reptilian Alien

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    don't know but I've noticed the same thing, only had my 18 OR for about 10 months. It's not always hard, but sometimes seems a stiff shift. I've also noticed that there seems to be a hard slowdown "jerk" when I'm going about 40-50 and I let off the gas, like when rolling up to a redlight. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but think it's just a quirk of the transmission.
     
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  3. May 19, 2023 at 2:41 PM
    #3
    4Runner75

    4Runner75 [OP] New Member

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    Yes, I said harsh but it is more like a firm shift between 1st and 2nd. Is it designed that way? I don't want to be chasing my own tail on this..ha ha
     
  4. May 19, 2023 at 3:27 PM
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    Startrek

    Startrek New Member

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    What transmission temperature that this happening? It is possible just low level fluid at cold.
     
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  5. May 19, 2023 at 4:26 PM
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    Sleestaks

    Sleestaks Shape-shifting Reptilian Alien

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    I've noticed it both cool/warming up and at operating temp, but less at operating temp
     
  6. May 20, 2023 at 5:35 AM
    #6
    TCW1184

    TCW1184 New Member

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    Sometimes it's a little firmer than others, but nothing close to harsh. I used to have a 19 highlander with the 8 speed, and 1-2 in that thing had NO slip. Super rough and clunky.
     
  7. May 20, 2023 at 9:01 AM
    #7
    Ripper238

    Ripper238 New Member

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    My 2019 will do this occasionally when cold, or just an odd acceleration. Normal for this old reliable transmission type.

    Back in the day we would put in shift kits so our vehicles could chirp second. lol
     
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  8. May 20, 2023 at 9:17 AM
    #8
    Kyblack76

    Kyblack76 New Member

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    Same here. I just dont care. Its fine. Has been, will be.
    And tranny temp doesnt matter, i can see mine. Just drive the thing. Or, sell it if its that big of a bother to you. But, i will bet my house, that yours, mine, and every other, is just fine.
     
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  9. May 20, 2023 at 11:44 AM
    #9
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    Pretty sure my 2013 does this, it's never alarmed me. Keep in mind this is a 20year old design, it's going to be a little rougher around the edges than modern transmissions.

    Most of the time I think it's quite smooth though, and you never hear about these things having transmission problems.
     
  10. May 20, 2023 at 12:12 PM
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    4Runner75

    4Runner75 [OP] New Member

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    Yes that's what I've always heard about this 5 speed transmissions, realiable and smooth. Just checking up that detail that I brought up.

    Everyone, thanks for the input!
     
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  11. May 21, 2023 at 6:38 AM
    #11
    Kyblack76

    Kyblack76 New Member

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    Almost ever. Like,.........






    ever. For real. There is a GOOD GOOD reason, they use these, and have for over a decade, in a rig that weighs 47 tons. A good one.

    EDIT- its also why i just leave a thread of "my 2023 4 runner with 7 miles on it, needs a trans flush, and fluid replace". For me, its when i pull into a driveway or burger joint, from 1st to 2nd, or, 2nd to 1st is when i can "feel it"....And its not HARSH,, at all, its just "different" feeling ) Maybe the syncros not having ALL the pressure yet or rpm is down, its 1st to 2nd after all, who knows,.. hell who cares. And it isnt harsh, or jarring, it just feels.... "different"

    I just dip the eff out. My fluid is going to live in there. And i bet it out lives me.
     
    Last edited: May 21, 2023
  12. May 21, 2023 at 6:48 AM
    #12
    Kyblack76

    Kyblack76 New Member

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    Also, its everywhere, if you look. And not a single one,.. was there a single need, to "replace the trans". Not a single one... This thread is 7 years old.


    Originally Posted by lllzzz79 Hello,

    I have a 2015 4runner SR5 4x4, I bought it as a new one from the dealer. The car was shifting gears very smoothly as it was brand new. After the car reached out to 2000+miles mark, I started to feel a little shudder when the car shifts from 1st-2nd gear / 2nd to 1st gear. The occurrence of shudder is intermittent, it just comes in and go. Its more likely would happen when the car gets hot, and only happens at low speed (10-15mph) with very little throttle(less than 2000 rpm). I took it to the dealer in my town to have them check the car out, they told me they could not find anything wrong with the car(Although I have described the problem specifically..).
    The shudder seems to be getting lighter as the car gets worn out, I was wondering if the shudder is just characteristics of the car during break-in period(my car has 6000+ miles on it now)..
    I have researched thru the web about this 1st gear shudder issue and seems like some people have the same issue. However, I was not able to find anyone found a solution in consensus, or anyone had complete transmission failure due to this problem.
    Although the shudder bothered be at the first place, but I am kinda getting used to it now, I think I can live with it unless it causes a major issue in the future.

    Does any1 have any opinion or thoughts regarding the shudder would cause any major tranny issues? Do you think that the issue needed to be addressed immediately in order to prevent future tranny issue?
    :S

    Guys, this has been around since the 5th Gen was introduced, and even before that in FJ's. Check out the date on this thread - - same exact issue.

    Mine has done it since new and I have 95k on the truck now- more towing miles than most will EVER see (in high temps too) with lots more to come... AND... many hours of offroad driving to boot.

    I'm convinced it's just a characteristic (albeit an annoying one) of this transmission and not really a defect.

    If you search "tranny shudder 5th Gen" lots more info will pop up for you.
     
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  13. May 21, 2023 at 10:34 PM
    #13
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    Tacomas do it too.
     
  14. May 21, 2023 at 10:40 PM
    #14
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    I’ve wondered if it’s a misplaced artifact of the automatic engine breaking (which is implemented to save you from having to ride the breaks downhill and is a very solid and well implemented feature).

    Ie. “the truck” gets confused for a second when breaking or accelerating but figures it out pretty quickly and corrects itself.
     
  15. May 22, 2023 at 11:29 AM
    #15
    Kyblack76

    Kyblack76 New Member

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    Mmm hmm, they should if its the same trans.... which many are. (not the manual and such)

    That said, the ONE thing im NOT worried about in this rig, is the motor, and the trans,.... But i do carry tie rod ends. (already bent 2) Bout it... other than that, i just put miles on the thing, and dont even think about it. I love it. Love the rig. Like, its the ONE fucking thing, i can count on, day to day, every day, all day.
     
  16. May 24, 2023 at 12:39 PM
    #16
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    Feel the same. I trust it enough, that it if it ever lets me down, I’d feel it betrayed me on a personal level.


    I realize that’s not a sign of a healthy vehicle/owner relationship


    :anonymous:
     
  17. May 30, 2023 at 8:06 AM
    #17
    4Runner75

    4Runner75 [OP] New Member

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    Interesting, I was at the Tacoma forum and they seem to have a problem that the transmissions are under filled at factory. That´s what I read, I don´t have a way to confirm it. There´s an user, Gearcruncher (transmission tech) that recommends checking the fluid level and adding a bottle of Lubegard additive. I´m reluctant to use additive in a new vehicle but I just dropped the 4runner at the dealer and suggested they verify the fluid level and the calibration. It´s a longshot but I guess that´s the warranty for. If it´s normal, there´s no harm to let them check the basics. If by any chance the transmission gives any problems in the future (I doubt it but don´t discard it either) there´s documentation that an issue was reported at some point.
     
  18. May 30, 2023 at 10:09 AM
    #18
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    I don’t think this 1-2 hard shift is a trans fluid issue. It happened in 3 of my 2nd gen tacomas and now 2 different 4Runners. It’s normal. I think it’s tied into throttle mapping or auto engine breaking. Or possibly a “feature” applicable to off-road applications.

    (yeah, low trans fluid from factory in 3rd gen tacomas was a thing)
     
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  19. May 30, 2023 at 10:15 AM
    #19
    4Runner75

    4Runner75 [OP] New Member

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    Ok, thanks for the info.

    I do have noticed that driving more aggressively does "aggravate" or make the shifts more firm. For the info you give me and other members I can be 99% sure there´s no problem with this transmission, I´ll just wait the dealers response and put this to rest.
     

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