Issue...possible transmission

So what did you find out? I recently purchased a used 2012 Tundra Grade to use as a second 4x4 in winter and it just started the Rumble Strip or Shudder.

 

I had my transmission rebuilt and it came back with a kick to changing gears but no shuttering. I sent it back to the place that rebuilt it and they rebuilt it 2 more times and then replaced the computer in the truck with a brand new one and that did the trick. No problems since.

 

How did they figure out it was the computer causing the kick? Could that have been the initial/only problem?

 

Toyota has a recall for the torque converter on the '07 and '08s. It has something to do with when it goes in or out of lock up mode (can't remember which). It happens in 4th, 5th, and 6th gears. Usually it's noticed around 30 to 40 mph when light throttle is applied. They redesigned it and replaced it on a number of trucks. I doubt it's still active. You can test it by moving the shift lever to the manual shift mode.

 

My 09 Tundra (base) is doing this. What is the fix; a new torque converter?

 

Think I have the same issue. Mine is not routine, only every once in a while. It happens when down shifting from 5th to 4th, usually when climbing a hill. I haven't been able to find any good repairs, just going to ride it until failure. I have about 117K miles and do light towing occasionally. I did a flush at 90K and no improvements. Looks just like a defect, but not really common enough to make a recall. Toyota are good but aren't perfect I guess.

I also really want to re-program my tranny. The computer downshifts too easily downhill (to assist in slowing the truck) and I would rather it not downshift except in tow/mode.

 

In my particular case, changing the fluid only lightened my wallet. The slippage continued. I took it to a local transmission shop, and my wallet got a LOT lighter. But, the transmission was completely rebuilt - new everything.

From what I was told, the torque converter essentially died, and the shards of metal trashed the valve body. At least I don't have to worry about the transmission for 3/36 now.

This was at 135k.

 

There's a test for the torque converter but I think the easiest test is to just keep your hand on the shift lever. As soon as it starts to vibrate shift to manual sift mode. This will cancel the lock up feature of the TC and should stop the shutter. I think if you let it go on long enough you'll do damage to the transmission. I don't think there's any other option than to replace the TC. If it was me I wouldn't wait too long. There's a filter for the fluid going to the TC but not one after it and before the valve body. So if the trans goes the particles from it are going to the bottom of the oil pan. If the TC goes the particles are going to be under pressure and pushed right to the transmission.

 

Hi. Do you have any details on the torque converter test, or where I could find information on it?

Thanks

jb

 

Fwiw, I had this same problem with my tranny on the Camry. There was a recall or bulletin a couple years ago due to the TC shuddering. I had no problem but took it in to have the computer flasheD anyway. Thank god I did because the period to get this flash eventually expired and I came down with the shudders around this speed a year later. I took it in and the dealer said it was a good thing I did the flash because of I didn’t, the cost would be on me to replace the TC. They did the whole job for free. It sounds like this issue goes beyond tundras.

edit: I forgot the reason I brought this up. I noticed I could get the shuddering to go away by giving it more gas and powering through it. It would only happen randomly, but I noticed it would happen when I accelerated gently.

 

Try driving the truck in manual shift mode. That should mostly remove the TC. If the shuttering doesn't change then it's most likely not the TC.

http://media.fixed-ops.com/Toy_ServiceBulletins/tc018t07.pdf

 

My 2006 Tundra has shudder UNLESS I disable the OD button on stalk. No help from the dealer, freaking dealer no longer employs a transmission specialist..just swaps out transmissions. Calls to Toyota responds like a deers in headlights. My truck runs great with only 78k original miles but thinking of trading in on another truck, but not a toyota, as dealers cannot diagnose transmission issues. My dealers are 90 miles apart and have been nothing but trouble on past issues. After reading through several forums, the OP disappears or the problem are from A to Z..pick one. So, I can have the Converter test made and take my chances with third party transmissions or trade in. Any dealers still employ full service shops?

 

When was the last transmission service done?

Maybe a complete drain and fill service with lube guard would help?

 

Thanks!

Lol, my 06 Tundra Maintenance guide: Check at specific intervals. I haven't found one yet...

After the virus passes, and if still alive, I'll get a drain and fill and get check diagnostics to look for codes. For now, OD off until at highway speeds.

Cheers

 

How much did it cost to replace the computer?

 

Nothing diagnosed or replaced at this time...

 

Anyone figure out the torque converter issue? I just purchased an 06 dbl cab. Has the vibration at 35-45 mph. I do the same thing as pissedtundra and drive it around with O/D off (does not give me and issue at all with O/D off but can feel the truck struggles to find a gear). Going to get the trans flushed this Wednesday to see if that helps. I’ve read the flush helps out with some and also read that it does nothing.... only way to find out is get it done

 

Had the transmission flushed with the Toyota WS fluid and it still has the vibration issue.

 

Thanks for the reply, sorry flush did not help you. Ok, yours is the third flush with no results and one guy who had his rebuilt 3 times but fixed with a new computer. I have a little Scangauge but no codes thrown. I'm going to wait a bit more to see what shakes out or luck out to find someone who can properly diagnose it. This site says 2012 the worst model for anyone wanting to trade in: https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-worst-toyota-tundra-model-year-you-should-never-buy/

 

One guy had his fixed by replacing a computer in his truck? What computer did he have replaced? Do you know how much it was?

My carrier bearing was bad when I bought it so I replaced it. Had it replaced it two more times after initial replacement(all within 3 months). I don’t know if it has to do with my transmission shuddering and causing it to fail? I know the shudder has to do with the transmission though cus as soon as you hit the o/d off button it goes away. If you find a fix let me know and I’ll do the same

 

https://www.levelten.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=48

 

What exactly is this this computer upgrade doing? Is it something I can order and install or is it an upgrade that they plug into a system? Doesn’t give a good description or anything on there website

 

No clue and no follow ups...

 

It’s pretty frustrating cus if it wasn’t for the shudder the truck would be perfect

 

Any new leads with the transmission issue?

 

I have a 2010 Toyota Tundra, felt the shudder about 2 weeks ago. Around 38-45 under light acceleration It kinda feels like when you’re driving off the lane or hitting the small highway bumps in the highway. Only feels like it for a small second or less. Stop hitting the gas and it stops. I had felt this shudder before on my dads 07 tundra, which he has been driving for over 20,000 miles with the shudder and still shifts smoothly and shudders occasionally, although his shudder felt way more aggressive then mine did (probably due to the fact that he has not acknowledge it).

anyways, in summary told the dealership about the shudder they did a complete inspection. They told me at first because the truck is lifted it might be off center, which I felt was not true because the truck has 115,000 miles and never done it before. Then they said to balance the tires, which I also felt was not true as the tires are new and have just been balanced.

Then I took it to my transmission shop guy, just by telling him shudder he stopped me. And explained the shudder and the speed it does it at before I did!
He immediately said torque converter.

he replaced the torque converter and changed the transmission fluid. Just got the truck back and I have driven it over 70 miles. So far no shudder.

I was skeptical about how much a job like this would cost, because i don’t have a lot of money, but in all I ended up paying around 1,200 and got the truck back in less then 2 days.

hope this helps.

 

also notice my transmission shop said he had already done 6 tundras this past year with the exact same issue.

regardless, still an amazing truck.

 

Nice, $1200 isn’t too bad to fix the issue. Certainly far better than the cost of a rebuilt trans!

 

My 2010 (in ~2013 w/~36k on it) had a Shudder around 40-50mph at times. It wasn't felt in the steering or brakes. Once in a while I could jab the brakes and make it stop. It was a Toyota certified used vehicle so I took it to the dealer and they went over it and were clueless.

I then found a post somewhere about the Ebrake mechanism sticking. The author advised feeling the rear wheels for heat. So I had the shudder on the highway and pulled over and the driver's rear wheel (aluminum alloy) was hot to the touch and none of the others were hot. I then crawled under and found the Ebrake linkage under the truck under drivers side passenger seat was corroded and nearly frozen. It pulls on the cables for the rear Ebrake and even though released at the dash, was not releasing due to the corrosion.

I went to the dealer (under warranty) and they oiled it which freed it up for a short while and the shudder came back.

I needed to do it right so cleaned it up thoroughly and lubed it and lubed it once per year and never had the problem again. I was sure this was a transmission or powertrain issue and was my only issue I ever had with the 2010 Tundra which was easily fixed.

Traded this year for a new 2020. Just something to check and Dealers are not likely to find this issue.