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Toyota RAV4 Cruise Control Problems
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Comments
I have not actually complained to the dealer about my problem at this point. The most concerning problem was having it downshift and accelerate to the red line. It has only done that a few times and two of those occasions were when I re-engaged the cruise going up a hill. Only once was it spontaneous. The gear hunting only happened when I deliberately tried it, again going up hill and re-engaging the cruise.
I just hate getting into a big brouhaha with the dealer. It would cause me more consternation than the cruise control has so far. If they come out with a fix, then I'll go in to get it fixed. Unless I'm giving up some rights by not complaining about it.
Cara
Hopefully the long awaited "fix" will come out and everyone will be happy.
Don
I am trying to figure out if a RAV4 with this problem is still a safer and more dependable option than other cars, if I don't plan on using the cruise control.
Thanks,
-Rob
Cara
Thanks for the feedback. I have narrowed the search to the CRV and Rav4. Your feedback is pushing towards the CRV as I don't want to worry about any major problems developing.
-Rob
Thanks everyone for your feedback. It has been very helpful.
-Rob
http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/model/overview.html;_ylt=Al7Do22CSkBr0Gq8xpRTFjgE- c78F;_ylv=3?modelId=5231
I'll take a look at the Mariner.
Thanks,
-Rob
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f151681/
http://www.nissanusa.com/rogue/
Mike
Good luck to everyone else.
I purchased my car last March and struggled through the cruise control issue for most of the summer. I posted messages last summer detailing my experiences; however, the problem appeared to repair itself sometime in August.
I plan to have the software installed anyway. Will report here when I have some experience with the new device. Pam
T-SB-0015-08 February 13, 2008
Frequent Upshifting and Downshifting with Cruise
Control "ON"
Service
Category Engine/Hybrid System
Section Cruise Control Market USA
Applicability
YEAR(S) MODEL(S) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2006 – 2008 RAV4 Drive Type(s): 4WD, 2WD
Engine(s): 2AZ
Transmission(s): 4AT
VDS(s): BD31V, BD32V, BD33V, ZD31V, ZD32V,
ZD33V
WMI(s): JTM
Introduction
Some 2006 – 2008 model year RAV4 vehicles equipped with the 2AZ-FE engine may exhibit a
condition while using the cruise control between 50 – 70 mph (80 – 113 km/h). During this condition
the transaxle will upshift and downshift frequently. The Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term:
Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been updated to change this condition. Use the following
repair procedure for customer complaint vehicles.
Warranty Information
OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2
EG8011 Recalibrate ECM (PCM) Engine 0.7 89661-##### 26 99
APPLICABLE WARRANTY
• This repair is covered under the Toyota Federal Emission Warranty. This warranty is in effect
for 96 months or 80,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date.
• Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer’s
specific complaint.
© 2007 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Page 1 of 6
T-SB-0015-08 February 13, 2008 Page 2 of 6
Frequent Upshifting and Downshifting with Cruise Control "ON"
Parts Information
PREVIOUS
PART NUMBER
CURRENT
PART NUMBER ENGINE TRANS PART NAME QTY
89661-42C20 –
89661-42C21 –
89661-42E50 –
89661-42E51 –
89661-42F60
89661-42F61 2AZ-FE 2WD U241E
–
89661-42C30 –
89661-42C31 –
89661-42E60 –
89661-42E61 –
89661-42F70
89661-42F71 2AZ-FE 4WD U140F
Computer, Engine Control
(ECM/PCM)
–
N/A 00451-00001-LBL – – Authorized Modifications
Label 1
NOTE
• The ECM (PCM) should NOT be replaced as part of the repair procedure.
• Authorized Modification Labels may be ordered in packages of 25 from the Materials
Distribution Center (MDC) through Dealer Daily Dealer Support Materials System, or by calling
the MDC at 1-800-622-2033.
© 2007 Toyota Motor Sales, USA
T-SB-0015-08 February 13, 2008 Page 3 of 6
Frequent Upshifting and Downshifting with Cruise Control "ON"
Required Tools & Equipment
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER PART NUMBER QTY
TIS techstream*
NOTE: Software version 2.20.015 or later is required.
ADE TSUNT 1
* Essential SST.
NOTE
• Additional TIS techstream units may be ordered by calling Approved
Dealer Equipment (ADE) at 1-800-368-6787.
• The Diagnostic Tester is NOT recommended for flash reprogramming
with this calibration file. Please use TIS techstream or an approved J2534
interface to perform this update. Visit techinfo.toyota.com for more
information regarding J2534 reprogramming.
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS (SSTS) PART NUMBER QTY
GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station* 00002–MCGR8 1
* Essential SST.
NOTE
• Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling SPX/OTC at 1-800-933-8335.
• The GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station (P/N 00002-MCGR8) supersedes the Automatic Trickle
Charger (P/N 00002-YA122-01) and Fast Battery Chargers (Associated P/N ASE6003 and
Christie P/N CAPPDQ). P/N 00002-YA122-01, ASE6003, and CAPPDQ are now obsolete.
© 2007 Toyota Motor Sales, USA
T-SB-0015-08 February 13, 2008 Page 4 of 6
Frequent Upshifting and Downshifting with Cruise Control "ON"
Calibration Identification Chart
MODEL MODEL YEAR ENGINE DRIVETRAIN PREVIOUS
CALIBRATION ID
NEW
CALIBRATION ID VDS
34248000
34248100
34271000
34271100
2WD
34282000
34282100 ZD3*V
34249000
34249100
34272000
34272100
RAV4 2006 – 2008 2AZ-FE
4WD
34283000
34283100 BD3*V
© 2007 Toyota Motor Sales, USA
T-SB-0015-08 February 13, 2008 Page 5 of 6
Frequent Upshifting and Downshifting with Cruise Control "ON"
Repair Procedure
1. Check for the Authorized Modifications Label affixed to the vehicle in the location shown in
Figure 1. Confirm if the ECM (PCM) calibration has been updated. If the calibration ID listed is
NOT the latest ECM (PCM) calibration — go to step 2.
Figure 1. Location of Authorized Modifications Label on 2006 RAV4
1
5
3
2
4
1 Replacement ECM (PCM) Part Number (i.e.,
89661–42C20)
2 New Calibration ID(s) (i.e., 34282100)
3 Dealer Code
4 Date Completed
5 This TSB Number
2. Flash Reprogram the ECM (PCM).
NOTE
• The GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station MUST be used in Power Supply Mode to maintain
battery voltage at 13.5 volts while flash reprogramming the vehicle.
• For details on how to use the GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station, refer to the GR8 Instruction
Manual located on the Technical Information System (TIS), Diagnostics – Battery.
Follow the procedures outlined in TSB No. SS002-07, "Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming
Procedure” , and flash the ECM (PCM) with the NEW calibration file update.
© 2007 Toyota Motor Sales, USA
T-SB-0015-08 February 13, 2008 Page 6 of 6
Frequent Upshifting and Downshifting with Cruise Control "ON"
Repair Procedure (Continued)
3. Start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature before test driving.
4. Test drive the vehicle to confirm proper vehicle operation and ECM (PCM) initial learning.
Refer to the Technical Information System (TIS), applicable model year RAV4 Repair Manual,
Drivetrain – Automatic Transmission/Transaxle –
• 2006: “ U140F / U241E / U151F / U151E Automatic Transaxle: Automatic Transaxle
System: Road Test”
• 2007: “ U241E / U140F / U151E / U151F Automatic Transaxle: Automatic Transaxle
System: Road Test”
• 2008: “ U241E / U140F / U151F / U151E Automatic Transaxle: Automatic Transaxle
System: Road Test”
5. Install the Authorized Modifications Label.
A. Using a permanent marker, enter the following information on the label:
• ECM part number [Refer to the Parts Information section for the CURRENT PART
NUMBER ]
• Calibration ID(s) [Refer to the Calibration Identification Chart for the NEW
CALIBRATION ID(s) ]
• Dealer Code
• Repair Date
• Change Authority [ this TSB number]
B. Affix the Authorized Modifications Label to the vehicle at the location shown in
Figure 1. The Authorized Modifications Label is available through the MDC,
P/N 00451-00001-LBL.
© 2007 Toyota Motor Sales, USA
After reading pam14's entry I called my dealer and he was unaware of the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB0015-08). He quickly checked and sure enough the bulletin was finally out. I scheduled today to have the software installed. I checked the cruise control shifting problem with the A/C on as I went to the dealership. It still was shifting back and forth from 2nd to 3rd gear on hills. It took the dealer less than an hour after I arrived to upgrade the vehicle's computer software. (My velicle was the first one they had done the software calibration.) I tried to get the service department to test drive the vehicle before I left but they refused. (I guess they wanted to get rid of me quick.)
I checked the vehicle the same way and at the same place as I drove home and it seems the problem is FIXED.
I was one of those who foolishly wasted my time with arbutration and lost after being told, "There was no problem...the cruise control was working as designed." They did give me a free 100,000 mile bumber to bumber Platium Warranty - sort as a "gift to the loser."
Well it looks like after over 7 months they finally have a fix for the problem that "didn't exist." I AM GOING TO HAVE TO WANT A TOYOTA VERY BAD BEFORE EMBARKING ON A SIMILAR JOURNEY AGAIN WITH THE TOYOTA MOTOR CO!
Toyota's TSB 0015-08, the "fix". Since losing my arbitration case, I have been pretty discouraged. Thanks also for keeping up with the discussion. I am convinced that this problem would have gone unsolved if this forum had not provided all of us an opportunity to communicate and vent our frustration with the RAV4 "buck n Jump" cruise control. The worst part of my experience was not the cruise control, but the near unanamious denial of the problem by theToyota organization. I wonder if the corporate head in Japan would consider the stone walling we faced dealing with Toyota USA as honorable conduct. thr
On my 45 mi trip to the dealer "bucking & jumping" at will, I wondered what would happen. I got no apologies, no we're sorry for your trouble...Just we will take care of it if you can wait 1.5 hour. I did, and drove home smooth as a RAV4 can travel.
Again, my thanks to Edmunds car space, me1938, pam14,dtown, our hosts, & all others for sticking to this discussion. thr
For what it's worth I just took the time to call Toyota customer service (where it all started) and just gave them my opinion on the whole process and how it was handled. What disappointed me was that ,like always, the person I talked with acted no more concerned about my opinions than the sun coming up. I don't know, someone tell me, am I asking too much for someone to at least "act" like they care a little about my problem.
Most importantly it seems that Toyota has finally fixed this problem that never existed!! :shades:
Thanks to all of you that stuck it out here. After my arbitration was denied I basically gave up. I did continue to check here about once a month to see if anything new had come up and to my suprise it actually did. Again thanks to all who posted here and maybe finally this thread can "RIP"
Does anyone happen to know if this TSB also covers the pre-2006 models?
I'm going to check with my Toyota service department, but was curious if anyone with a pre-2006 model has already checked it out.
Thanks.
I live in Turkey and have a 2006 RAV4 with the same cruise control problems as outlined in your earlier posts - ie constantly up and down shifts when climbing a grade.
The T-SB-0015-08 February 13, 2008, posted by dtown on 19 Feb 2008, is just what is needed except that I note that it is is only applicable to the 2AZ engine ie the 2.4 litre model.
Does anyone know if the is a separate T-SB applicable for the 2 litre (gasoline) model?
Just like the USA the Toyota specialists here have never heard of the problem or fix either, but they seem keen to learn.
Thanks in anticipation
Steve
Apparently, the cruise control is functional only in the 3rd and top gear. When auto gearbox selects 2nd gear the cruise control does not work and this causes the gearbox to hunt endlessly between the 2nd and 3rd gear when driving uphill when cruise control is switched on.
The typical scenario I encounter nearly every day is as follows: I drive the car up a moderate hill with the cruise control set at 80 km and gearbox selector in the “drive”. Typical engine speed at the bottom of the hill is about 2,000 RPM. As the engine struggles to pull the 4th gear up the hill, firstly the 4th gear lock up clutch disengages and engine speed rises to about 2,500 RPM to maintain the road speed. Soon the gearbox selects the 3rd gear and engine speed rises to about 2,900 RPM. Then the road speed starts to drop below 80 km per hour, as the engine is not able to pull the car up the hill at the selected speed. Then the gearbox changes to 2nd gear and the engine speed rises above 4000 RPM.
When the second gear gets selected, one would expect the engine speed decrease dramatically when no throttle is applied because the cruise control is not operational in the second gear. However, in reality quite the opposite is true and this is clearly attributable to a “design feature” unfortunately present in nearly all modern petrol driven motorcars. Toyotas and particularly RAV4 are no exceptions. Under normal driving conditions when engine throttle is closed suddenly, the engine ECU commands the throttle (butterfly valve and EFI injection pulse) to reduce engine speed to idle at a slower rate in order to control engine exhaust emissions. This is a deliberate feature but rather unpleasant characteristic of petrol engines, reducing the engine braking available immediately after closing the throttle.
More importantly, when RAV4 travels under cruise control uphill, this artificial delay in closing engine throttle manifest itself as follows:
When the car travels uphill in the third gear and its road speed decreases below the preset limit, say 80 km per hour, the ECU commands the wide open throttle (WOT) engine operational regime in order to maintain the set road speed. In colloquial terms, the throttle pedal is pulled right to the floor. When the car is still not able to maintain the set speed, the ECU attempts to close the throttle first and then directs the gearbox to change to 2nd gear. Unfortunately, due to the inbuilt delay in returning the engine to idle speed at once, the engine speed raises uncontrollably when second gear is engaged. In my RAV4 the engine speed reaches over 4,000 RPM at that moment and when it finally drops to idle, the gearbox control unit immediately selects the third gear because load on the engine is reduced at idle. When this happens, the cruise control kicks in again, throttle is floored gain and the car is not able to maintain 80 km per hour in the 3rd gear and the gearbox changes to 2nd gear again. This sequence leads to the auto gearbox hunting between the second and third gear incessantly, until the top of the hill is reached, the driver deselects the two top gears by moving the gear selector to the 2nd gear slot, or manually switches off the cruise control.
I also noticed that the problem was less pronounced when the air-conditioning was switched off when going uphill with the cruise control on. This was indicative of the extra engine load from the a/c compressor being the cause of the gearbox changing to the second gear and gearbox “hunting”.
When I read here about T-SB-0015-08 issued in the USA on 13 February 2008 to rectify the exactly same problem I contacted Toyota Australia. At first they did not admit to anything but later advised there was a computer fix available at their dealerships. I am now booked to have the computer software updated next week and will report later.
Now only 2 years later, it's failed again.
I just called the dealership, and was told that there is no warranty on the parts that were replaced now that i'm beyond the 80k/8yr period!
This sounds like a total rip off .. it means that if you had the parts replaced at 80K miles, if they failed at 8001 miles, toyota takes no responsibility for them?
Has anyone else encountered this?
After the s/w update I traveled several kilometers only but took the opportunity to drive uphill in the location where I experienced the gearbox hunting so often in the past. My initial impression is that the s/w update has solved the problem. The engine feels stronger and seems to deliver more power. When going uphill the engine speed does not drop below 3000 RPM in the 3rd gear and road speed of 80 km per hour is maintained even with the air-conditioning on. Hence, there is no need for the gearbox to change to 2nd gear and the "gearbox hunting" is avoided.
I tried in vain to find out the new software version number or any Toyota identification number of this modification. Toyota is tight-lipped about this and there is no modification label on my vehicle and no entry in my service book, even if I specially requested it at the dealership.
My educated guess is that the software update probably involved selection of engine power mode and this may lead to slightly increased fuel consumption, of course depending on usage. I can live with that. I am hopeful the "gearbox hunting" is gone for good but this can only be checked by driving the car for several weeks/months.