2007 4Runner transmission

[LP_4Runner]

Has anyone had any issues with their transmission on the 4th gens? I feel like I'm starting to have an issue with mine. This is an 07 V8 with the 5-speed auto. In normal driving (selector in the normal "D" position) the transmission seems to want to hold onto 5th (overdrive) way too long. Slowing down to make a turn, then accelerating after the turn always seems to result in it lugging down in 5th, then finally downshifting after a couple of seconds. And its almost always a "double" downshift to 4th, then another gear (which, depending on how much gas I'm giving it out of the turn). It never just downshifts directly to the appropriate gear (unless that appropriate gear is 4th)...it always goes to 4th, THEN to the right gear.

Has ANYONE noticed that all downshifts from 5th are "double" downshifts? For example, if you are in 5th (cruising) and gun it, it will always downshift twice (first to 4th, then to whatever gear works best for the amount of throttle)? If I disable overdrive, this behavior doesn't happen (and the above behavior doesn't seem to happen either).

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Has anyone had any issues with their transmission on the 4th gens? I feel like I'm starting to have an issue with mine. This is an 07 V8 with the 5-speed auto. In normal driving (selector in the normal "D" position) the transmission seems to want to hold onto 5th (overdrive) way too long. Slowing down to make a turn, then accelerating after the turn always seems to result in it lugging down in 5th, then finally downshifting after a couple of seconds. And its almost always a "double" downshift to 4th, then another gear (which, depending on how much gas I'm giving it out of the turn). It never just downshifts directly to the appropriate gear (unless that appropriate gear is 4th)...it always goes to 4th, THEN to the right gear.

Has ANYONE noticed that all downshifts from 5th are "double" downshifts? For example, if you are in 5th (cruising) and gun it, it will always downshift twice (first to 4th, then to whatever gear works best for the amount of throttle)? If I disable overdrive, this behavior doesn't happen (and the above behavior doesn't seem to happen either).

Mine does similar due to the OE programming. It seems to be programmed for MPG rather than performance. Favoring the higher gear, in theory, increases MPG. I have nothing to substantiate this next statement but it seems in 4th it does much better. It's almost like having a 'sport' mode. It's as if there's a slightly different program running the transmission when 4th is selected. It downshifts more readily and holds gears longer.

Another thing you can do is reboot the transmissions memory and it'll do a little better. The EFI and transmission try to learn your driving habits and "anticipate" what you want, by re-booting it'll learn your driving style better. I reboot mine periodically, usually every couple of months. Once I find myself becoming slightly annoyed or frustrated with the shifting I pull the fuse labeled ETCS and EFI for a couple of minutes. That seems to help.Obviously this shouldn't be required but it really does seem to help.

:cheers:

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

How many miles are on it? I just changed my fluid and made a good amount of difference in shifting pattens. Mine down shifts faster due to my big foot lol. but you could benefit as well no matter how you drive.