1st to 2nd rough shift-SR5 4x4

[FrontRange4Runner]

Hopefully TSB's will fix this, and being able to replicate the issue will be a big factor ( [MENTION=88975]Swarty[/MENTION] being the proof) However there is a big difference between a "hard" shift and simply being able to feel it. I think a lot of people expect it to be completely smooth all of the time, which is just not going to happen. Many of the test cars I drive have "hard" shifts between 1 and 2 when under 20 mph or so. It normally occurs when you slow down, the transmission decides its gong to down shift into 1st, you then accelerate while it's trying to shift and it basically panics. This can be especially bad if you have your foot into it a bit. If the vehicle lurches and shutters at all or every shift from 1st to 2nd is abrupt, then definitely have it checked out. Remember this has to be happening all the time for it to be considered an issue. If you experience a bad shift every once in a while then you are most likely just catching the transmission trying to do one thing while you are wanting it to do something else. The good news is that this transmission has been in a bunch of different vehicles and most of the kinks are worked out by now. I don't expect an epidemic of transmission failures in a few years.

 

[IAmTodd]

Hopefully TSB's will fix this, and being able to replicate the issue will be a big factor ( [MENTION=88975]Swarty[/MENTION] being the proof) However there is a big difference between a "hard" shift and simply being able to feel it. I think a lot of people expect it to be completely smooth all of the time, which is just not going to happen. Many of the test cars I drive have "hard" shifts between 1 and 2 when under 20 mph or so. It normally occurs when you slow down, the transmission decides its gong to down shift into 1st, you then accelerate while it's trying to shift and it basically panics. This can be especially bad if you have your foot into it a bit. If the vehicle lurches and shutters at all or every shift from 1st to 2nd is abrupt, then definitely have it checked out. Remember this has to be happening all the time for it to be considered an issue. If you experience a bad shift every once in a while then you are most likely just catching the transmission trying to do one thing while you are wanting it to do something else. The good news is that this transmission has been in a bunch of different vehicles and most of the kinks are worked out by now. I don't expect an epidemic of transmission failures in a few years.

I think you've hit it here. The general population expects seamless shifts and being that this is an older 5 speed truck transmission you just aren't going to get the refinement that you'd expect from a 7-8 speed car transmission. I had mine checked out at the dealer and they said all was normal. I've come from driving a manual transmission and even I had a bad shift every now and then so some jerking happens no matter what. The only difference is with a manual you know you shifted bad and are expecting a jerk, with the auto it's up the the computer/trans and you have no idea when it's going to happen.

 

[Ben.kubichek]

“Hard shift” follow up question

For folks who have had this issue, I also have something very similar on my 2012. Slow acceleration, around 10mph. I just bought it with 90k, and I’m worried that I’m in for some significant expense. I’m outside of the VIN range for the TSB though.

Does anyone have insight if that happens with increasing frequency or severity over time? I’m wondering if it will just continue to operate as it is without much change over time...

 

[4RL75]

Resurrecting this thread, I´m having this type of issues with a 4Runner 2023 Limited AWD, I have been able to adjust the fluid by trial and error. From factory it came a tad under filled. When leveled and in fluid check mode no fluid would come out. Filled with a half a quart and finally took about 14 ounces until slowed to a thin and constant trickle. Didn´t improve much so I tried to take out more and it came down to a slow drops and the shifts feel the best they have ever felt. Before it would shift firm under hard acceleration almost all shifts, now I have the random hard shift mentioned here when low throttle and under 15 mph. Sometimes is barely noticeable and other times is just a medium firm shift, but it´s night and day improvement over the stock state or fluid level. At the end the difference in fluid was about 4 to 5 ounces. I know it doesn´t sound like much, just my experience...