2021 TRD Pro transmission when driving 20mph or less

I've had my 2021 TRD Pro since April.

When driving through the many school zones near my home (20 mph) the transmission feels like it should be switching gears but doesn't unless I speed up to 30mph+

It just has a weird feel/sound to it like its stuck in the wrong gear. I have seen some refer to this as "shift hang" but maybe that's something else. When it does shift its smooth. When driving normal speeds 35mph+ I don't have any issues.


Edit: This is my first Tundra. I came from a 2007 Tahoe (V8 engine) so that's what I'm comparing it to. Maybe this is normal for a Tundra??

 

Normal I think. Cruising in my neighborhood (25mph speed) it sticks in gear, holds that power right where it should be, then will shift up around 25/30. Sweet spot for power in the Tundra seems to be 1800-2200 rpm, so it will often hold the gear in that range and you would get better performance and mpg by holding the gear so working as designed.

You may be used to driving cars that are setup to always be in the highest gear possible, and that is normal these days. Get in top gear ASAP to try and save fuel. So if you drive an older vehicle, or one "old school" design like the Tundra, with 6 speed, it can feel different.

Look at your RPMs when it does that, as long as the trans is not spooling up to 2500rpm it should be normal. I will guess that you are hitting somewhere in the 1800-2200 range and that would be normal, truck is keeping you in the powerband until your speed creeps up and then shifts.

 

All of the above and you'll notice downshifts more.

 

Thought I would post a few pictures of my truck’s RPM at different stages.

This is my truck when I start the engine and leave it in park. It stays at 1,000 RPM

 

Here is what my RPMs look like when driving 20 mph. It’s just past the 1 so 1,100 RPM? It stays at this RPM when going 20 mph. It makes a high pitch noise that reminds me of when you have a vehicle in the wrong gear.

 

When I accelerate to 30 mph it momentarily goes to 2,000 RPM but then goes back to 1,100. But when it goes back to 1,100 it doesn’t sound or feel like it’s not in the right gear.

 

Here’s a pic of driving 30 mph and the RPM after going to 2k for a second drops back to 1,100 but feels/sounds different then when I’m driving 20 mph at 1100 RPM.

 

My previous vehicle was a 2007 Tahoe with a v8 and 4 speed transmission.

 

I personally think you're over-analyzing a problem that you really don't have. Everything you posted seems perfectly normal to me. This 6 speed is pretty bullet proof, and the shift pattern is optimized to keep it in the proper gear without hunting for one.

 

The 4l60E in the Tahoe will shift in to 4th at 7mph if u let it…

Comparatively, the tundra transmission computer knows you don’t want to cruise at 25mph so it just bides it time until you let it eat…

Seriously though, it’s a normal. Your vehicle temperature in the pics hasn’t reached operating temp yet so it holds gears a little longer to get everything up to temperature. It will also lock out 5th and 6th when cold. Even when warm, it won’t always shift to the next gear if it will drop RPM lower than it wants (usually around 1100 rpm IME). GM’s will basically idle in 3rd or 4th but then downshift two or three gears when you hit the gas.

 

I don't think there is an issue, but find that when in drive, the 'smart' programming AI (Artificial Intelligence)-SHIFT Control causes the transmission to shift differently, hold gears, etc. I'm pretty sure that putting the shifter in S mode disables all that AI programming and the trans shifts normally. I sometimes find all the AI programming irritating and usually put the shifter in S for a more traditional feel.

 

That's typical Tundra gear hang. DAP tune it and enjoy how the truck should behave from the factory

 

Interesting. I have no idea what the "s" mode is for.

 

I would be concerned with voiding the warranty. Where do you get a dap tune an anyway?

 

Dealer told me if there was an issue with the transmission it would be throwing codes.

 

Low speed shift schedule can be rough in later 2.5 gens.

 

I’ve had 3 tundras. They all did this. It is completely normal.

 

I have this too (or something similar I think), it only happens at 20mph or less, and its the most noticeable when doing the california roll at stop signs. I will slow to a crawl but not actually stop and at those lower speeds when i accelerate again, especially when the tranny is still cold, it will hang sort of like it doesnt know where it is or whether or not it needs to shift. It will rev up slightly then shift. Its normal. It was especially weird for me since i came from manual transmissions.

 

Each tick between the large numbers is 200rpm, so you're more likely to be at 1200-1300 in that photo…

Regarding S mode, think of it like this: You're not turning an automatic into a manual vehicle or "paddle shifting" a sports car, it is simply setting the highest gear available to the for the vehicle to access. In other words, if you're in S4, the vehicle will still run through gears 1-4, but not access 5 or 6. However, as other's have mentioned, being in "sequential" mode does seem to alter the shift points and behavior of the transmission, so there must be a change that occurs in the "mapping" or settings of the computers.

I will say that lower speed shifting is less abrupt or decisive in my '21 than it is in my '08. The '21 definitely performs smoother or more predictable when you're on it more (in my opinion). Most of my low speed driving is on dirt/gravel roads, so I really don't notice it like I would on pavement. But, next time I'm out w/it, I'll do some low speed driving on payment and pay attention to shift points, etc…

One thing is the 'high pitch' noise doesn't seem right. I haven't experienced that in mine, but that observations or noises, etc. can be very subjective. If you can, try to find another low mileage '21 that's for sale in your area and go drive it, and see if the transmission performs similar to yours. If you find it's drastically different in terms of noise, etc.. then dig deeper.

 

It all looks normal to me, except at idle mine is around 700 rpm.

 

In person tune by Shrek himself, no warranty voided as they can't see it. Mail order with a tuner, they can. Our local Tundra group brings him out for an annual event each year in the NW. Otherwise his shop is in TX

 

Where in Tx? I’m in the Dallas area.

 

His FB page says Decatur, TX. Hes a one man show and has a bad reputation for communication. Us NW guys have been kinda spoiled to have him annually. My previous '08 was tuned by him and so is my '21. Your experience with the trans is what has always annoyed me with the Tundra and I wouldn't of got my '21 if I didn't know it could be fixed. Slightly better fuel mileage and a little more power throughout the rpm range is also noticeable and welcomed as I pull a 30ft TT.

 

What time of year does he usually come out?

 

He's usually out here early August.. had him Aug 13 weekend this year. Join PNW Tundras FB page if you're local!

 

Thanks for the intel; I don't have FB… I'll put something in my calendar for next year though, and if you don't mind I'll hit you up in July and see what the plan/schedule is for next year. Do you mind me asking what he charges for the tune?

 

What’s the name of his business?

 

DAP Tuning

 

No problem! N/A tunes this year he charged $450, I heard they may increase next year. I'm going to get HP tuned once my stage 2 Harrop arrives and may end up getting retuned through DAP next year if I'm not happy with HP.

 

Copy that, thanks!