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Toyota Tacoma Transmission Problems

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Comments

  • pangahaspangahas Member Posts: 1
    I tried to change motor oil of my 2001 dbl cab tacoma for 1st time since my mechanic was on vacation. Instread on unscrewing the engine it was transmission that I drained. I just realized when I check engine oil dip stick. I decided to refill the transmission but I cannot find any access. I was terribly upset, please help if anybody knows how.
  • dannyw423dannyw423 Member Posts: 1
    This just started happening but is starting to happen more and more often. I have a 2000 trd xtra cab v6 auto transmission with a little over 100,000 miles. When I'm coasting at under 15 mph, and go to accelerate, the transmission seems to have problems finding the right gear so for the 3-4 seconds it can't find the gear it acts as if its in neutral and revs up to the amount of gas I'm giving it until it grabs and finds the gear. Any ideas as to what is happening? Anybody had similar problems? I took it to my mechanic today, and he's going to look at it but is afraid I might have to replace the whole transmission.!! Any help would be greatly appreciated.
  • jallen7jallen7 Member Posts: 1
    My 2007 Tacoma 4-dr pickup with an auto transmission shudders when I first start out (1st. gear). I can feel it again as it shifts into second. I have asked my Toyota service writer if they have had this complaint from other owners. he replied, "No."

    I have owned over 144 automobiles in my life, and this is the first time I have encountered this problem. What do you think it is.
  • shortribshortrib Member Posts: 1
    has anyone had any trouble with leaking transmission fluid on a standard transmission tacoma?
    brought it back to the dealer, they checked it out and said it was likely caused from overfill at the manufacturer...they cleaned it up and said should be fine
    that was 3 weeks ago....
    just checked it again...and found more fluid dripping on the crossmember...appears to be leaking from the top of the transmission...any ideas?
  • rhoskierhoskie Member Posts: 2
    Please help? I have a well maintained 2005 Tacoma. Stopped this morning at a 7-11. When I got back into the truck the shifter would not engage the transmission. No warning at all. Anyone have an idea before I take it to the dealer. My extended warranty has expired, 80K miles. Not one single problem before this.

    Ray in Virginia
  • libralh24libralh24 Member Posts: 1
    I also have a well maintained 2001 tacoma. Everything was running fine and then I went to start the truck when it was sitting in my driveway and the shifter would not engage the transmission.

    What did you find out about this problem?
  • rhoskierhoskie Member Posts: 2
    I have not found out yet. Had it towed to the dealer with my hand on my checkbook hoping it's minor. I should know today. Will let you know.

    Ray In Virginia
  • tx_tim1tx_tim1 Member Posts: 1
    Hi - I have a 2001 Tacoma and I'm experiencing the same issue with my transmission not wanting to engage after it cools down. I was curious what you found relating to your problem?

    Thanks, Tx_tim1 in Texas
  • thansonthanson Member Posts: 1
    I have the same probem with my 2001 Tocma, not a 4x4. Right now I have a rope going from the pedel to the steering column ajust. lever so that I can pull the &^^%^& pedal off the floor. It's "redneck" rigging I know but this is my main ride and its just until I can figure it out and get it fixed. I have found that the problem is less if I stay off the clutch. No down shifting or stitting at a light with the clutch pedal pushed in. This model does have a master and slave cylinder, with only 20,000 on the truck. May have to replace them both ($100.00 for both).The first thing I did was make sure the fluid was at the right level. Its in the back right corner under the hood high on the fire wall, just in case you need to know. If any one knows anything we would love to hear from ya.
  • iam4volzziam4volzz Member Posts: 2
    Thanson,
    My problem (which sounds like yours also) turned out to be the master and slave cylinders.....changed both, less than 100.00 - never a problem again. Ran like a top. Since, I've traded the truck for a 07 tacoma - to be honest, wish I still had my 01. Hope this helps
  • goofaroogoofaroo Member Posts: 1
    Hello,

    I have a 2002 Tacoma Xtra Cab 2.7 4WD SR5 that I purchased new and now has 92K miles. It has always shifted flawlessly. Yesterday, I got in it to go to work and on my way out of the neighborhood I missed 3rd (this never happens). Then I got out on the street and missed 3rd again and then missed 4th!. I can get it to go into gear (3rd and 4th) only if I am deliberate about my shifting. 1st,2nd,5th,and reverse seem unchanged but 3rd and fourth feel totally different through the stick and it seems like the throw is shorter than normal. I haven't crawled under the truck yet to take a look but this did not occur from snow, mud, impact, or anything else. It was driving perfectly, I parked it overnight, and now it is different. I am curious to look at the linkage this weekend and see if I can see anything obvious but I was wondering if anyone else had experienced this and might know what has happened.
    Thanks!
  • buhmanbuhman Member Posts: 2
    My truck has 6300 miles on it and I have never had a problem until now. Last monday I backed out to go to work and put the truck in drive and it would not go. I managed to inch it back into the driveway and called the dealership. I then had it towed to them. Of course when the tow truck got there it was acting fine but I had it towed anyway. The could find nothing wrong and 4days later and 185 dollars I picked up my truck. All was fine until this morning when the same thing happened. I back out of the driveway, put the truck in drive and nothing happens. It goes fine in reverse. It acts like its in neutral. When I press on the gas the engine revs normally. Usually when I shift the truck from reverse to drive I can feel it engage but this time you can barely feel it. I'm getting ready to have it towed again. Anyone know what could be wrong?
  • angiomanangioman Member Posts: 2
    What ever happened to these 2001-2004 tacomas that won't drive off after reversing out. I see lots of complaints and I'm experiencing the same thing too. Reverse out, shift into drive, the engine revs, but no movement. Just the sound of acceleration and no gear engagement or maybe a "bit" of engagement. Please help. Sent mines into the shop, they changed the fluid, charged me a $100 bucks and I'm still experiencing the same thing. please...I see lots of the same complaints, but sadly no responses...any info will help.
  • jms68jms68 Member Posts: 1
    I purchased a TRD cooler however it did not come with the mounting instructions.
    It has all the mounting harware I am just not sure where it all goes. Does anyone have the instruction, I would sure be greatful. Thanks
  • tfloridatflorida Member Posts: 1
    Hey, did you figure out your transmission issue? I just bought an 08 tacoma and I'm experiencing the same thing. Shifting is smooth between all gears, except from 2nd to 3rd, when I feel a crunch. If you have any info on this, I'd appreciate it.
  • buhmanbuhman Member Posts: 2
    I can tell you its NOT the transmission. My 2001 tacoma was doing the same thig as yours. Had it towed to the toyota dealership. It took them 4 days to finally make it repeat what it had dome to me. They said it was the transmission and tried to charge me over 4 thousand for a new one. I called the main toyota number and they picked up the price for the tranny since it only has 63000 miles but I had to pay over 900 for the labor. Got the truck home and it drove fine.... for about 300 miles then as usual I backed out of the driveway, put it in drive and THE SAME THING!! Its under warranty from the new tranny so I had it towed back to them and they cant find a thing wrong with it. They kept it for 3 weeks and I have it home now just waiting for it to do it again. And this morning I went to start it and the battery is dead. Go figure. I'm so fed up.
  • angiomanangioman Member Posts: 2
    I feel the same. Since the trans fluid change, the problem remained. I took it back. The changed solonoid 1 and the problem remained. Cost a bit over 800. I took it back and they couldn't repeat the problem and find the codes. They didn't charge me and kept it overnight but could find the problem. I'll try again. Maybe it lurks in the shifting mechanism. I've noticed a little play between the N and the D when I shift from R to D. I'll have it checked and update you. Months later, I'm still having problems with this truck.
  • fayettevillainfayettevillain Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma V6 double cab with automatic transmission, about 68,000 miles. Given the economy, I'm trying to save some money by doing my own maintenance. So for the first time I went down to AutoZone. I just changed my oil, break shoes, topped off my steering fluid and applied some gumout treatment.

    Now I seem to be missing 1st gear for a few seconds about half the time, especially if I am making a turn (uphill from a stop sign into traffic of course). I'm heading back to AutoZone tomorrow to see if they can illuminate me on this subject. Does anyone have a clue for me before I go spend a months salary on a new tranny? Thanks.
  • fayettevillainfayettevillain Member Posts: 2
    Never mind, it was just an incredible coincidence that I needed to relace my transmission fluid and filter and it started acting up at the same time. Not that my wife will believe me ;)
  • blkmasksblkmasks Member Posts: 1
    Hey, I know this post is pretty old but im having the same problem with my 07 TRD and was wondering if you ever found out what the issue was??? Any info would be very helpful. Cheers Winston
  • vtxvtx Member Posts: 2
    i just bought a 2009 tacoma automatic and it slips in either first or second gear it winds out to about 3,200 rpms before it goes into gear
  • CwaspCwasp Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2007 Tacoma FWD with auto transmission. It appears to clunk into low gear at a stop, after the stop is completed, and pressure is slightly released from the brake pedal. It's not a real problem now, but I had a 2005 Tacoma FWD, that did the same thing and continually got worse. The clunk got to a point it would produce a mild jar to the occupants, whenever pressure was slightly released off the brake. The dealer called it a "driveline wrap" and nothing could be done about it. Drive line wrap being when the axle was in a torqued condition and torque/tension was released after the brake petal was slightly released.
    Has anyone ever experienced this clunking, or problems downshifting to low with an auto transmission??
  • BredrenBredren Member Posts: 1
    My 1995 Tacoma has 122,000 miles. About 8 weeks ago, I began having trouble with first gear. Basically, when I was starting out from a stopped position (like a stop sign), first gear would slip out of gear and the truck would make a loud noise while jerking once violently. This occurred about once a week for 3 weeks. In the 4th week this problem began to occur very frequently and happened at every other stop sign.

    This first gear problem stopped when I decided to hold first gear in gear with my hand while driving. In other words, first gear was fine as long as I applied pressure to the gear stick while it was in gear. In the 5th week, third gear began acting up. Basically, when shifting to third, the gearbox would grind loudly and kick the gear stick out of gear. It felt as if the gear box was refusing to accept third gear. The following week (week 6) first gear was fine but I could not shift into third gear. The gear box refused to accept third gear. In response, I bypassed third gear for 2 weeks and shifted from second gear to fourth gear without any problems. At this point all of my gears were working fine except for third gear. In week 8 (which was 3 days ago) while carrying a heavy load in my truck bed, I decided to try out third gear once again. This time third gear worked fine.

    I have been using third gear for 3 days now and it feels fine except for one thing: it still does not feel like it is completely locking into gear. In other words, it feels a little spongy. Currently, I am driving my Tacoma with all 5 gears plus reverse. They are all working fine for now, but I am puzzled about this gear box issue.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated :confuse: <img src="
  • Colt4596Colt4596 Member Posts: 1
    I have exactly the same problem on my 06. It feels like a driveline wrap but I feel that it is far too exaggerated for my liking. I have an appt. with a transmission shop tomorrow and hope to find out more about the problem. It seems that when I baby it along the symptoms are more pronounced... You? I'll let you know what I find out.
  • manscarsmanscars Member Posts: 2
  • manscarsmanscars Member Posts: 2
    Over time, I have to press the clutch pedal to the floor for the engine to start. It's not the clutch, the clutch is working fine once the engine's running. There has to be a safety switch - Where is this switch? and is it adjustable?

    ManN
  • ljtrucknutljtrucknut Member Posts: 4
    Dear Tacoma owner - I have this exact problem on my 2005 prerunner V-6 crew cab. 4 visits to 3 dealers and they aknowledge the problem, but say there is no fix. Now out of warranty. Getting worse with time - now at 90K. Still looking for a solution. Hopefully someone will have an answer.
  • tacomashanetacomashane Member Posts: 27
    I just bought a 2009 Tacoma double cab, 4x2 and this morning the transmission slipped twice on me while slowing down and turning on to another street. The slip occurred as I let off the gas. I have also noticed the RPM guage jumping up and down when slowing down to 30 mph and less. When this is happening, it feels like the transmission is kinda stuck. Another thing I have noticed is that when I come to a stop, after about 5-10 seconds, it feels like my truck makes a slight movement forward, like someone just nudged me from behind. I have found other blogs where people are saying this is related to the A/C coming on and off.

    What kind of response did you get from Toyota to your slipping transmission?
  • dbysdbys Member Posts: 6
    Mine is kinda doing that too. I have a 2006 and it clunks when i've been at a stop sign or light with the break on. They told me it was the drive shaft , too much pressure on it - and they couldn't do anything about it. I would have to call the 800 number and put fire under them. ( they said they wouldn't probably do anything anyway.)

    I also am experiencing some whistiling too. they said that was the seal around the windshield needing to be fixed. other tacoma's are having same problem...
  • eamason1eamason1 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2009 tacoma automatic. It slips in either first and second the rpms go up and mph go no where.This happens when I am going about 30 down to about 10, and I try to move on, but it slips. The computer does not know what to do. This is what the dealer tell me. I have had it to the dealer 2 times, and the told me that nothing is wrong. The tech rode with me and told there is a flaw in the computer. This is normal for this truck. He also told me when I get a oil change have them check to see if there is a update on the computer and it might fix the problem. I have call toyota and they told me there is nothing that I can do within the toyota company. So I have a new truck with a trans that does
    not work right. I need to go to the next step
  • gjlaxgjlax Member Posts: 3
    I just bought a 2009 Tacoma V6 and I am experiencing the same problem with my automatic transmission slipping. When I turn the corner at about 20 mph I hit the accelerator and the engine revs to about 3200 rpm and I feel no power or acceleration. I took it to the dealership and the mechanic said that the system will improve as it learns my driving habits. I will continue to drive and see what happens but I am not happy with this situation!
  • tacomashanetacomashane Member Posts: 27
    I took my truck to Toyota and they checked my transmission during a "cold start" and they said the electronics tested ok. I posted a message at http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124719
    and this is one response I received:

    "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."

    I am saving every documented instance of this to a folder, in case I need to show proof to Toyota some day that other are having the same problem.
  • terryl1terryl1 Member Posts: 1
    Had a similar problem, with 3rd gear, with my '95 Tacoma at 135K. Have the shop check the shift lever bushings. Was less than $150 to fix.

    TL
  • zerrzerr Member Posts: 10
    Same experience here. My 2005 taco has only 43k miles and I have the exact clunk from the tranny when releasing the break. I've never rev pass 2500 rpm during my ownership of this truck. Hope this thing last.
  • tacoma1958tacoma1958 Member Posts: 21
    Tacomshane- That response sounds like something straight from the company. Like a service manager trying to shoo you away.

    I have the same issue with my transmission. 2009 Tacoma Prerunner V6 auto with about 20 miles. After turning a corner and accelerating, the transmission seems to have shifted into to low a gear making the engine rev and then an immediate hard shift. I don't call it slipping, though. It also sounds like a problem that hasn't been reported enough for Toyota to acknowledge it.
  • gjlaxgjlax Member Posts: 3
    After 3000 miles on my 2009 Tacoma, I am still experiencing and feeling the engine rev when accelerating from a slow speed. I am ready to file a second complaint with my dealership and Toyota because I feel that this is a safety hazard when trying to accelerate out of a tight situation. I feel like I am losing power. There has to be something wrong with the device which controls the automatic transmission! I do not believe that the system will learn like the mechanic stated.
  • tacoma1958tacoma1958 Member Posts: 21
    followup: I took my 09 Tacoma V6 to the dealer today and was told basically the same thing as other reports. That's normal. It will learn your driving habits. You will adjust. They acknowledge that it happens but not that it's a problem/issue. They reset the "shift logic" portion of the computer and told me to drive it for at least 15 minutes. That didn't help so I went back and test drove a truck from their lot. It did the same thing. They said they would "open a ticket with Toyota." The did tell me that the Camry had the same thing hapen when they changed trans. and they corrected it by changing the computer code. I think that's exactly what is needed here but they said it wouldn't happens until there are enough complaints. According to them there have not been any or only a few depending on which person I talked to. I will now go to step 2 and report the problem to Toyota.
  • twelchtwelch Member Posts: 1
    I thought I had a transmission problem with my 2009 Tacoma Double Cab 2x4. I would come to a red light and when I hit the brakes the rear tires would start spinning and the engine would start reving up. I took it to the dealer twice and was told the computer showed no problems. I filed a complaint with the U. S. Corporate Office in Torrance, CA. They sent a tech rep from a regional office, who took me on a test drive. He explained the problem to me. I was stepping on the brake pedal and the gas pedal at the same time. I have driven many vehicles in the last 39 years. Everyone of them had the gas pedal recessed form the brake pedal. The Tacoma has both pedals on the same level, which makes it very easy to step on both at the same time. In my opinion this is a serious design flaw and safety issue. I would appreciate any feedback.
  • dbysdbys Member Posts: 6
    I don't think i'm stepping on both of the pedels though. i think he's wrong.... for me anyway...
  • tacomashanetacomashane Member Posts: 27
    Update. Took my truck to Toyota in Brandon and the mechanic told me the same thing as the Lakeland mechanic. It is computer operated and needs to learn my driving habits. Camry's are the same. Told me the computer will get confused if I am the only driver for some time and then my wife drives. Told me it will take at least 5,000 miles for the computer to learn my driving habits and for transmission to adjust. I have over 2200 miles now and tranny still seems weird. Still having what I call slippage when slowing down and then accelerating onto another street. Brandon mechanic told me that the computer driven tranny slows the truck down under 30 mph as that is part of the braking system. When you take your foot off of the gas, the computer prepares to brake and thus the tranny prepares for a stop. I am going to give it 5,000 miles and if I am still having the same issues, I will make a formal written complaint. I was told that since I have been driving a 10 year old truck, it takes time to get used to these new computer operated vehicles. Well I tell you Toyota, I don't like it!
  • 09taco09taco Member Posts: 33
    I have a 09 Double Cab TRD 4x4, that makes a clunking noise backing around the driveway or at low speeds, this truck only has less than 600miles on it, never off road. I can feel the trans down shift at low speeds, which I don't like!
  • 09taco09taco Member Posts: 33
    My truck is doing pretty much the same thing, Let me know what the next step is going to be, I would love to know. I love this truck, but hate the way the trans shifts. Don't like it at all! Everything now is computer run, If there's a flaw in the computer, it needs fixed, by toyota under warranty or recall issue.
    Toyota needs to back up there cars/trucks. or they might end up like GM,FORD & DODGE.
    I'm going to talk with toyota when my scheduled service is due, and let them know what I think of this.
    I'm going to read up on the lemon law, :
  • tacoma1958tacoma1958 Member Posts: 21
    Don't wait. Report your problem as soon as it happens. Complain to your dealer and to Toyota HQ.
  • 09taco09taco Member Posts: 33
    I'm going to make some calls and see what they say, yes you're right I need to call them asap, and not wait. I just didn't want to waste my time on something they can't do anything about. I'll keep everyone posted on how I make out with my truck. I'm only at 600 miles or so.
  • 09taco09taco Member Posts: 33
    I can't believe this. What was wrong with the old school set up. When they change things, I think they mess it up. There was nothing wrong with the old throttle cables that went out to a throttle body with a return spring. When you wanted gas you got it. I also do believe when this computer part fails and needs replaced, the owner will need to sell or trade the truck in because it'll be very costly to repair. I do love the way the truck looks and drives other than all that everyone else mentioned.
  • blueridgeblueridge Member Posts: 2
    Jeez...I thought it was my imagination. Just bought 09 Doulble Cab V6 4x4. Ive got 1200 miles on it. Auto trans is strange, as everyone has said. I will contact dealer.
  • casteebcasteeb Member Posts: 13
    I have the same problem with my new 2009 double cab TRD 4x4, when you slow down to go through an intersection and begin to make the turn the automatic transmission jumps down into 1st gear and races the engine, maddening...
    Toyota sent me to the dealer I got it from 45 mins drive to Georgia. They tested it and stated, "normal for the model" on my ticket. They reset the "learn code" and told me off the record that other Toyota cars had this problem in the past - Toyota fixed it with a new software/firmware release, but we just don't have a software fix for the 09 Tacoma".
    I sent another email to Toyota last week but they are not responding to it.
    I should have stayed with Nissan - not one single problem in 24K miles with the Nisan.
    Very disappointed ...
    Ben
  • jodyg69jodyg69 Member Posts: 4
    Unbelievable!...just bought a 09 Tacoma TRD 4x4 double cab two weeks ago and am having the exact same problem..slowing down into a turn(usually right hand turn for some reason) and upon accelerating out of the turn, engine revs with truck not wanting to go...almost same sensation of being low on tranny fluid...barely over 1,000 miles on odometer...this model has been out since when? 2005? Are they using new trannys? Can't believe this issue wasn't addressed a long time ago...what sucks is i traded in a 08 Ridgeline for it which i never had any problems with, and had a trunk!!
  • tacoma1958tacoma1958 Member Posts: 21
    Another good resource to file a complaint or read other's is the National Highway Transportation Safety web site...

    http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm
  • 09taco09taco Member Posts: 33
    No, you're right. Its not your imagination, I'm going to test drive another 09 truck the exact same truck as mine just to compare and make sure its a common problem, with other 09 trucks. Then call or write to Toyota HQ.
    Today on my way home my trans took a long time before it went into over-drive,. it stayed in a lower gear. not sure what happened there. it never did that before. I'm now around the 700 mile mark, My truck works just like everyone else 's

    Try this, Put your truck into Neutral at idle, hold the brake, release brake. then put into drive and then give it gas, mine will have a delay before it moves forward then excells fast. I don't think this is right??

    This could be a safety issue for these vehicles?
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