09 Tacoma Transmission Slipping/Shifting Strange

[tampatacoma09]

I just bought a 2009 Tacoma Prerunner 4x2 V6, AT, double cab. I have 797 miles on it as of today. My transmission is acting funny and though I have found similar posts on the net regarding my problems, NO ONE has posted anything definite regarding possible causes, even after taking to the dealer.

Issue #1: When I have come to a stop, after about 5-10 seconds, it feels like the truck moves forward slightly, like someone has bumped me. I notice the RPM's jump a little when this happens. Some say this is related to the A/C.

Issue#2: The transmission slipped twice today, while slowing down and turning on to another street. It is like it was downshifting and got stuck for a moment in another gear. It happened quick and it is possible I hit the gas right while it was downshifting (even though that should not matter).

Issue #3: When I take my foot off the gas, to start slowing down in a lower speed zone, the transmission seems to get hung up around 35mph, then downshifts around 20mph. I can see the RPM's move up and down as it shifts. It is not as bad as it sounds, but it is not a smooth slow down. To me, I should not feel anything but a smooth coasting, like my former Nissan Frontier. If I am braking to slow down, it kinda feels like the truck has a few surges forward.

I dropped off at dealer today. Of course they said they had never heard of any of this, but I have found plenty of posts on the net that are similar. Service manager stated that it is all electronic now days and they will check it out.

Anyone else experience these issues? Any ideas as to what is going on? The dealer had the truck driven 270 miles to their lot, all on Interstate. I am wondering if the constant speeds caused a problem. Service manual says do not drive at a constant speed for excessive amounts of time in the first 1,000miles.

[fast frank]

I think you are over analyzing things.

The "Bump" when you are sitting at a stop is spring wrap. You are feeling energy stored in the leaf springs from braking being released when you let off the brake pedal. Driving smoothly and slowly reducing your braking power as you get closer to stopping will reduce this. Just pushing on the brake pedal and holding it until the truck stops will exaggerate it.

The automatic idle speed adjustment will slightly raise the idle speed when the compressor turns on (It cycles on and off when it's operating), and if you are holding just enough brake to barely keep the truck in place when it does this, it might move a little bit.

As for the slipping you mention... I doubt it. The transmission in this truck is controlled by the computer. It doesn't have vacuum modulators or governors like the old school stuff you are used to. What happens is that you tell the computer what you want, and it tries to figure out the best way to do it. It does this by keeping a record of what you have done in the past, and what turned out to be the best response to your input.

The computer in this truck controls throttle opening, fuel delivery, spark advance, cam timing, gear position, and just about every thing else that makes the truck go.

If you are not smooth and predictable with your input to the computer, you can confuse it. it's trying to keep up with your requests, but it has to change it's response because you changed your input.

Try being smooth with the gas pedal (It's not a gas pedal, it's only hooked to the computer) and let the computer learn your habits. it will get better about responding to your driving style quickly.


Yes, the truck downshifts when you are slowing down, and yes you can feel it. Sorry your nissan didn't do that, but the old school nissan tranny's faults don't mean the Toyota has a problem. After a while you and the truck will get used to each other and things will be fine.

That "Fly by wire" system in your Tacoma is an amazing thing. When you get the hang of operating it, you will love it.

[tampatacoma09]

Thanks fast frank! Yes, I do tend to over analyze, especially a new $27K truck. Your comments make sense, so I look forward to the truck and I figuring each other out.

[whiteyJ]

Service manual says do not drive at a constant speed for excessive amounts of time in the first 1,000miles.

[/quote]

Manufacturers recommend that you vary your speed, particularly your
engine speed, on a new vehicle (just like a freshly rebuilt motor) to allow
the piston rings to "seat" properly inside the cylinder to avoid un-necessary
oil consumption later on. If you ran the motor at the same rpm's for an
excessive amount of time during the "break-in" period it could develop wear between the rings and cylinder wall at certain locations and cause the motor
to use oil prematurely.

[Lebeau]

Manufacturers recommend that you vary your speed, particularly your
engine speed, on a new vehicle (just like a freshly rebuilt motor) to allow
the piston rings to "seat" properly inside the cylinder to avoid un-necessary
oil consumption later on. If you ran the motor at the same rpm's for an
excessive amount of time during the "break-in" period it could develop wear between the rings and cylinder wall at certain locations and cause the motor
to use oil prematurely.[/quote]




What does the break in period of the engine have to do with the trammission?

My transmission does the same thing when you slow down to go around a corner or if your slowing down then get back on the gas it feels as if stuck between gears.

[08TOYODER]

Originally Posted by tampatacoma09

I just bought a 2009 Tacoma Prerunner 4x2 V6, AT, double cab. I have 797 miles on it as of today. My transmission is acting funny and though I have found similar posts on the net regarding my problems, NO ONE has posted anything definite regarding possible causes, even after taking to the dealer.

Issue #1: When I have come to a stop, after about 5-10 seconds, it feels like the truck moves forward slightly, like someone has bumped me. I notice the RPM's jump a little when this happens. Some say this is related to the A/C.

Issue#2: The transmission slipped twice today, while slowing down and turning on to another street. It is like it was downshifting and got stuck for a moment in another gear. It happened quick and it is possible I hit the gas right while it was downshifting (even though that should not matter).

Issue #3: When I take my foot off the gas, to start slowing down in a lower speed zone, the transmission seems to get hung up around 35mph, then downshifts around 20mph. I can see the RPM's move up and down as it shifts. It is not as bad as it sounds, but it is not a smooth slow down. To me, I should not feel anything but a smooth coasting, like my former Nissan Frontier. If I am braking to slow down, it kinda feels like the truck has a few surges forward.

I dropped off at dealer today. Of course they said they had never heard of any of this, but I have found plenty of posts on the net that are similar. Service manager stated that it is all electronic now days and they will check it out.

Anyone else experience these issues? Any ideas as to what is going on? The dealer had the truck driven 270 miles to their lot, all on Interstate. I am wondering if the constant speeds caused a problem. Service manual says do not drive at a constant speed for excessive amounts of time in the first 1,000miles.

X2. Sounds fine to me. dont sweet it

[whiteyJ]

What does the break in period of the engine have to do with the trammission?

Nothing, I was explaining why the service manual recommended varying your
speeds during the first 1,000 miles.

[Bart12]

Originally Posted by tampatacoma09

I just bought a 2009 Tacoma Prerunner 4x2 V6, AT, double cab. I have 797 miles on it as of today. My transmission is acting funny and though I have found similar posts on the net regarding my problems, NO ONE has posted anything definite regarding possible causes, even after taking to the dealer.

Issue #1: When I have come to a stop, after about 5-10 seconds, it feels like the truck moves forward slightly, like someone has bumped me. I notice the RPM's jump a little when this happens. Some say this is related to the A/C.

Issue#2: The transmission slipped twice today, while slowing down and turning on to another street. It is like it was downshifting and got stuck for a moment in another gear. It happened quick and it is possible I hit the gas right while it was downshifting (even though that should not matter).

Issue #3: When I take my foot off the gas, to start slowing down in a lower speed zone, the transmission seems to get hung up around 35mph, then downshifts around 20mph. I can see the RPM's move up and down as it shifts. It is not as bad as it sounds, but it is not a smooth slow down. To me, I should not feel anything but a smooth coasting, like my former Nissan Frontier. If I am braking to slow down, it kinda feels like the truck has a few surges forward.

I dropped off at dealer today. Of course they said they had never heard of any of this, but I have found plenty of posts on the net that are similar. Service manager stated that it is all electronic now days and they will check it out.

Anyone else experience these issues? Any ideas as to what is going on? The dealer had the truck driven 270 miles to their lot, all on Interstate. I am wondering if the constant speeds caused a problem. Service manual says do not drive at a constant speed for excessive amounts of time in the first 1,000miles.

Hi everyone I'm new here but had to join to reply to tampatacoma09.
I argree with him on issue #2 slow down to turn onto a street step on the gas a little to get moving again the tach goes up but the truck dosent start moving for a second or two like it's slipping but comes back in smooth no grabbing. And I'm not being overly sensitive to a non issue, I have had 5 of these trucks and a mechanic myself there is an issue here. This is an 09 trd off road automatic. Any info on this problem will be appreciated.

[Ebruddah]

This is why I like my 6-speed MT I control the action...

[Watermin71]

Originally Posted by Bart12

Hi everyone I'm new here but had to join to reply to tampatacoma09.
I argree with him on issue #2 slow down to turn onto a street step on the gas a little to get moving again the tach goes up but the truck dosent start moving for a second or two like it's slipping but comes back in smooth no grabbing.

X2 I thought I was being over analytical about this but I guess not. So the 05-08 Tacomas don't have this problem?

[coraline79]

I got the same thing on my 09 double cab prerunner v6 at. It is realy bothering me, because if it wasn't a brand new vehicle, I would already have it at the dealer. This is BS. I am going to take it in. A friend of mine had an old isuzu rodeo that did the same thing, but it had 200,000 miles on it!!!!

[trump]

WTF! is this attack of the newbies. Did anyone read fast frank's post?

[Watermin71]

I read Franks post and he had some great insight. However, I have over 7,000 miles on my 09, I would think the computer would have "learned my habits" by now.

[coraline79]

Originally Posted by trump

WTF! is this attack of the newbies. Did anyone read fast frank's post?

Sorry for the late reply, but this does not happen in my 08 4runner. not a newb buy the way. built an 80 toy model into a rock crawler just a few years ago. I know a thing or 2 about toyotas. New to ttora, but been on marlin since the forum started.

[96tacomasx]

Tampatacoma, I sent you a pm

[ShowStop]

Originally Posted by 96tacomasx

Tampatacoma, I sent you a pm

Thanks for telling the world.

[96tacomasx]

Originally Posted by ShowStop

Thanks for telling the world.

Wasn't telling the world. Alot of times people don't check their in boxes.

[luni]

Originally Posted by Bart12

Hi everyone I'm new here but had to join to reply to tampatacoma09.
I argree with him on issue #2 slow down to turn onto a street step on the gas a little to get moving again the tach goes up but the truck dosent start moving for a second or two like it's slipping but comes back in smooth no grabbing. And I'm not being overly sensitive to a non issue, I have had 5 of these trucks and a mechanic myself there is an issue here. This is an 09 trd off road automatic. Any info on this problem will be appreciated.

Me too. It's fine.

Just about every computer controlled automatic I've driven does this. You're revving the engine while the truck tries to figure out what the fuck gear you think you want to be in. It's also a good way to send the ass end of a pickup out unexpectedly unless the traction control can save you. If you accelerate out of a corner gradually you probably won't notice at all.

My 07 used to seek for gears constantly when I put bigger tires on it. It was annoying sometimes but it wasn't the tranny.

I don't care how long you've been driving do you really think you can get to know a vehicle in 7000 miles especially when you're constantly comparing it to your old vehicles? Shit it took some getting used to going from an 07 to an 09. Maybe it's because I drive a different vehicle every other day at work. But different doesn't always means broken. Give you guys a warranty and suddenly you're the hypochondriacs of the automotive industry.

[trump]

Originally Posted by coraline79

Sorry for the late reply, but this does not happen in my 08 4runner. not a newb buy the way. built an 80 toy model into a rock crawler just a few years ago. I know a thing or 2 about toyotas. New to ttora, but been on marlin since the forum started.

Sorry about that Toyota Master... please tell us what's wrong with your truck then . Your a newb to the forum and choosing not to accept advice given to you. Did you have your truck checked out? What was the problem?

[Jomentum]

X99.9%

Some people do tend to be "hypersensitive" about their vehicles, and focus on things they DO NOT UNDERSTAND..
.

Like...how newer vehicles operate
What flavor is seafoam ?
Why does my dog sniff his butt, and every pet in the hood?

You guys have no idea how great the newer vehicles are.

When I started wheeling and fixing up my stuff, Toyota pickups still had Solid axles and Diesel engines or carbs with points in the dist..Talk about a learing curve on vehicle operation.

When I started as a Toyota tech, fuel injection was brand new.

I remember when we didin't have innerwebnet or forums,

and Shannons rig was ifs

[onepremiere]

The Bump is normal. I have 16,700 on my 2009 and its just keeps getting better. There was a period where the bump, and the "play" in the drive lines was really annoying me, but you will learn how to drive the truck to avoid these "problems."

I've owned a 06 Prerunner and a 07 4x4 and I will say the 09's Trans feels a bit tighter. When I say tighter I mean in the shifts. The shifts will vary in strength at odd times.

[coraline79]

Originally Posted by trump

Sorry about that Toyota Master... please tell us what's wrong with your truck then . Your a newb to the forum and choosing not to accept advice given to you. Did you have your truck checked out? What was the problem?

Thanks for the patronizing, that is obviously what this is all about. I have had a lot of Toy's-(80, 91, 98, 08, 09), that doesn't make me an authority, I just don't this the way this thing drives is acceptable.......Ye the God of Forum Edicate and Naming Convention. Where you alive in 80?

To answer your question, the dealer acknowledged the issue, but said that was normal "at the moment". Camry's have had this issue as well, and Toyota finally released an updated computer config for it after enough complaints for that vehicle. The mechanic advised to file a complaint with Toyota, and that there would most likley be a fix after a while.

As for the advise above, I appreciate it, but if you serach a little bit on the web, you will find that the learning period has nothing to do with the 09 Tacoma slip. Like I said, my 2008 4runner Sport 4x4 has never done this once!

[Buddy]

But you only have 10 posts??? How could you know ANYTHING about tacomas???

Some people think their post count equals their experience. Let it go guys.

[trump]

Originally Posted by Buddy

But you only have 10 posts??? How could you know ANYTHING about tacomas???

Some people think their post count equals their experience. Let it go guys.

Holyshit! Really... a higher post count doesn't make you smarter What if I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night? Or, how about the last decade of my life spent in my career as a mechanic? Also the last 15 years of it being my hobby. I bet being older than someone makes you smarter too ! I'm not suggesting that I or anyone else is smarter... I'm just saying that this forum is where we hear about every Toyota truck problem under the sun. If you don't like the advise you are given, Then go out and find the real solution. Don't chime in just to bitch unless you're going to offer up your expertise.

[Buddy]

Your right, i should not follow your example by actually contributing. I'll be sure to do that from here on out.

[coraline79]

"Don't chime in just to bitch unless you're going to offer up your expertise. "

you mean like this:

Originally Posted by trump

WTF! is this attack of the newbies. Did anyone read fast frank's post?

sounds pretty bitchy......


15 years of mechanical experience still doesnt qualify you as nice or relavent for that matter. Take Care DB.

[YodaNutz]

i'd say keep taking it in and bitching to the dealer... they will eventually do "something" about it, along with a complaint to toyota. Toyota is usually good about dealing with some of the issues that come up with their vehicles. Also, give it some time/miles and see if it gets worse or better. just remember to keep up all maintance with the tranny so they can't say its due to lack of care. Good luck.

[Scootn2nature]

Originally Posted by coraline79

"Don't chime in just to bitch unless you're going to offer up your expertise. "

you mean like this:




sounds pretty bitchy......


15 years of mechanical experience still doesnt qualify you as nice or relavent for that matter. Take Care DB.

[xsvtoyz]

Originally Posted by Scootn2nature

x2


my auto was a little notchy and funky for the first 10k I can still feel the torque converter unlock when I am at a light. It takes about 3-5 seconds so I am sure the springs are not unloading, that already happened. I wonder if it worked out for this guy or if the dealer fixed it? hope he follows up.

[crunch8891]

I have driven thousands of these new tacomas and never once noticed a "problem with the transmission". However I will agree that there are smoother shifting transmissions. I think all the automatic taco transmission shift much less smooth than the allison in my chevy 3/4 ton. But that doesn't mean something is wrong.

That said, I am not there drving ya'lls trucks so I couldnt tell you if everyone i have driven did what yours does or not. I will say that I can't remember the last time that me or one of my coworkers put a tranny in a new body taco either. It definately is not something getting replaced a lot.

It may just be that its not the greatest feeling tranny out there to you but I wouldnt worry too much about it being a problem.