Towing problems- No transmission cooler on 2020 TRD Pro

I’ve owned a 2020 TRD Pro since Dec. I love the truck but I’ve run into substantial issues with towing. I’ve pulled a tiny 4,500lb toy hauler from IN to AZ and back and on both legs the transmission fluid overheated. I called my IN dealer and was told to see a dealer in AZ as soon as I arrived. The dealer contacted Toyota and was told the 2020 models no longer have external t-fluid coolers. The computer showed I was towing at 47% capacity, outside temp was 70 degrees, and the transmission fluid was over 277 degrees. I was told to pull over and let it cool down should this happen again and when I got home to look into adding an external cooler myself at my own expense. Two different transmission specialists looked at it and said they couldn’t add a cooler without violating my warranty. I reached out to Toyota to no avail so I filed a complaint requesting they buy my truck back for the cost, I would eat the cost of all the mods so I had skin in the game. My request was denied and I was told to take them to arbitration at my own legal cost. I just want a truck that will tow a 4,500lb trailer. I’ve always driven Toyotas. Any suggestions or ideas are welcome. Thanks!

 

Are you putting the trans in S4 to tow?

 

I was not. Should I have been? No one has mentioned that to me before.

 

Join the club.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/2019-transmission-cooler.60550/page-14#post-1790299

Who actually told you to add an external cooler at your own expense?

 

https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM0C025U/pdf/OM0C025U.pdf
on page 210. Shifting in and out of overdrive causes the torque converter to overheat. Use S4 and the temps should stay at 195-200. I would try to get the dealer to exchange the ATF since it was cooked. If they refuse I’d pay for it myself.

 

2019 and 20's are seeing temps of 210-220 driving empty.

 

Have you found any work around. Next time I’ll try S4 per the recommendation above. I’m hopefully getting a new-to-me travel trailer in Sep that weight 7K lbs. I’m really worried about the ability to pull it now. As I told Toyota, my concern isn’t this breaking now, but completely going to cramp when out of warranty. The dealer in Chandler told me to look into an external cooler.

 

Like he stated above keep it in 4th using S mode and make sure your using tow/haul. Other than that read that thread I linked, info about installing what you need to add a trans cooler.

 

It is mind-blowing. So someone has the bright idea to remove the trans cooler, they do it, pull a 5000lbs trailer to test it, see +250F trans temps and without changing anything else call it a day? I mean what are the chances someone with a pickup truck would pull a trailer that's only 1/2 to 2/3 the max towing capacity?

 

Full Fluid Change ASAP, before doing anything.

Get a cooler like others suggest. Forget the Magnafine Filter, as your trans pan already has metal shaving catching magnets on it from the Factory.

 

Do you have a scanguage/ultraguage or did the dealership pull those numbers from the truck’s ecu?

 

There are a few threads on here about the removal of the cooler in the 19-20s. One post said the light doesn’t come on until 302F. I’m more surprised the computer knew you were towing at 47% capacity. If it knows the weight, why can’t it display that somewhere.

The “cooler” on the 19-20s was called a warmer before that. Not surprised it can’t keep the trans cool.

 

Look in the manual for how to tow. I think there’s also a sticker on the visor, or that may just be how to work the 4wd. I bet the dealer that told you to add a cooler has no idea how or if it would void any warranty.

 

I think he meant they could see the load on the engine - not the weight being pulled. Engine was working at 47% load.

 

Whats the load rating on The Space Shuttle?

 

I drug my 5,000# boat with a T top from Charleston to north of Charlotte and back last week without any issues. Drove the whole way up in D with tow/haul on. Coming home we were running into a bad headwind and the t top acts like a parachute so I was in S4 and S5 mostly. No idea what my transmission fluid temp was, but had no dummy lights come on.

 

Contact the Toyota regional manager, and tell him you what the problem fixed. Not the person who took the complaint and gave you a case #. When I had my ford in the shop 4 times for the same problem, I told the ford regional manager I want the problem fixed even though the truck was out of warranty. It got fix. If the Toyota regional manager turns you down, you will have a good paper trail for a lawsuit.

The only reason that transmission should overheat is if your overloaded and it is 105 outside.

 

If he was towing in D w/o tow haul I could see the temps going way up. Not saying he was, just if.

 

And if he had the cruise control set.

 

As others have said, the manual has some specifics for towing. If you want a cooler that doesn't void the warranty, have one installed by the dealer. It shouldn't have to be that way, but that may be the only way. You can keep fighting the dealer and Toyota in general.

 

You said "on both legs the transmission fluid overheated. ..."

How did you determine the fluid overheated?
any warning lights on or flashing ?

 

Toyota won't install a cooler on 19's or 20's, they say it already has one.

 

Hmm every dealer I've dealt with would install pretty much anything as long as it was purchased through them. I've even seen Hayden coolers for sale at one.

 

I use s5 running flat ground with small inclines anything else I run s4 makes a huge diffrence

 

My 2020 pulling a 5K trailer at 60mph with a strong headwind and the trans temps went to 245F. I was driving in 4S on hills and 5S on the flat. Outside temps around 75F.

 

How are you guys monitoring your transmission temperature? I tow 6000# in 100 degrees @4500ft elevation. I’m a little worried

 

Android with Torque app. I've verified it's accuracy with Techstream.

 

I monitor mine through my Kenwood HU.

 

This sounds like someone that didn't know what they were doing and just done want the truck anymore. I towed 6500 lbs in 100 degree weather..... Trans never had an issue
S4 in tow/haul