My new 4Runner got issues.

[fliprunner]

Sorry I posted in 2 places. Didn't seem to get anyone's attention the first time...

I just bought a 2005 4Runner SR5 V8 4WD. Drove it off the lot with only 3 miles on the odometer. I noticed yesterday that after a harsh acceleration following a quick brake to an almost full stop and then immediately accelerating confuses the transmission. Like it gets stuck between gears (1st and 2nd). I have to give it time before it knows what gear it should be in. Well, my question is, is this normal symptoms during the "break-in" process. Should I give it time before it would switch gears smoothly? It currently has 150 miles on it. I was told at the dealer to bring in the truck after 4 weeks to do a final inspection on it. Should I wait? I only had this for 3 days.
I did however get a great deal on it, $27,000 (final price) with 0% financing.
Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Boaz]

I would advise not to be accelerating sharply or quickly. Your motor is still breaking in right now.

 

[Mark86]

How high do the RPM's go until it shifts gears? Does the truck jerk when this is going on? I have had this happen to me on a V8 X5 (315 hp) but never really felt the tranny on my 4Runner get confused. When I brake from a speed and then accerlerate again, my 4Runner may feel a little jerky but it is definitely not the transmission. This truck is pushing out 275 hp and 330 lb. ft. of torque you are going to jerked around in your seat when you push the pedal hard.

 

[tkr128]

I agree with Boaz. Don't push it too hard when it's stilll breaking in.

What you're describing is pretty normal (at least to me). My 4Runner does it and so does our Corolla. Just lean into the gas slowly after coming to an almost stop, you won't notice it as much.

 

[fliprunner]

How high do the RPM's go until it shifts gears? Does the truck jerk when this is going on? I have had this happen to me on a V8 X5 (315 hp) but never really felt the tranny on my 4Runner get confused. When I brake from a speed and then accerlerate again, my 4Runner may feel a little jerky but it is definitely not the transmission. This truck is pushing out 275 hp and 330 lb. ft. of torque you are going to jerked around in your seat when you push the pedal hard.

2000 - 2500 RPM's before it shifts gears. Yes, it does jerk when I try to accelerate after coming to a quick stop. But I try not to do it often. I guess I'm not used to this kind of power. Very sensitive! I've been babying it since I got it but these very few times I decide to be naughty, I get stuck. But, I feel it shifting smoother now. So I guess I AM breaking it in. But I am noticing a rattle in the back seat on the right side. I know that's NOT normal! Thanks for all your help. I feel a lot better now!

 

[Jim_Chow]

I don't think it's designed to do that (drive fast, slam brake hard to a stop, accelerate hard again) since the transmission is electronically controlled, meaning all the signals have to from sensors to an ECU, then the ECU tells the tranny what to do. All this takes time. The 4runner tranny also uses some fuzzy logic, so it may not anticipate that scenario. Look at it this way...if the car had a manual transmission, could you do the same thing? Nope, you'd have to clutch and down shift first.

 

[MsMarine]

That was a great analogy.
Thanks Jim_Chow

 

[fliprunner]

I don't think it's designed to do that (drive fast, slam brake hard to a stop, accelerate hard again) since the transmission is electronically controlled, meaning all the signals have to from sensors to an ECU, then the ECU tells the tranny what to do. All this takes time. The 4runner tranny also uses some fuzzy logic, so it may not anticipate that scenario. Look at it this way...if the car had a manual transmission, could you do the same thing? Nope, you'd have to clutch and down shift first.

I see what you're saying. But I just don't think it's normal for such a slow reaction time. Seems like I have to wait a good 2 seconds before the tranny figures out what to do. But like I said, as days/miles go by, it just gets smoother and smoother so either I'm getting used to the delay or my truck is breaking in.

 

[Koz]

I don't think it's designed to do that (drive fast, slam brake hard to a stop, accelerate hard again) since the transmission is electronically controlled, meaning all the signals have to from sensors to an ECU, then the ECU tells the tranny what to do. All this takes time. The 4runner tranny also uses some fuzzy logic, so it may not anticipate that scenario. Look at it this way...if the car had a manual transmission, could you do the same thing? Nope, you'd have to clutch and down shift first.

:iagree: Very good Explanation!

Koz

 

[greasefingers]

If you say it is not correct then I trust that you have made a good judgment from experience? No, I do think what you describe is normal. But only you can be the judge of that. Go to a dealer and test drive a new T4R. That should tell you if you are insane or not.

 

[iFORCE]

poor truck. don't bag on it right when you get the car. stomping on the brakes and then stomping on the gas on a brand new car? hope you don't treat it like that in the future or you won't have fun for very long.

not to be rude or racist.. or predjudice.. just wondering if you were filipino. Guessed it from your login name.

 

[fliprunner]

If you say it is not correct then I trust that you have made a good judgment from experience? No, I do think what you describe is normal. But only you can be the judge of that. Go to a dealer and test drive a new T4R. That should tell you if you are insane or not.

Let's just say, I can switch gears faster on a Manual tranny than on this 4Runner. And this 4runner had only 4 miles on it when I drove it off the lot (two is from me test driving it).

 

[fliprunner]

poor truck. don't bag on it right when you get the car. stomping on the brakes and then stomping on the gas on a brand new car? hope you don't treat it like that in the future or you won't have fun for very long.

not to be rude or racist.. or predjudice.. just wondering if you were filipino. Guessed it from your login name.

Reason for me treating the truck like I did, is cuz I work in Washington, DC where traffic goes from 60-0 in mere seconds.

And yes I am Filipino and half Thai. I grew up with my filipino family so I rep flips more than thai's.

 

[iFORCE]

60-0... it'll brake properly. but if your going to go from 60-0-60 again.. well.. I think you'll need to work on some personal issues there....

On any road that goes from 60-0... needs better drivers on them.

 

[Fro-Runner]

Also be advised that the new 5 spd tranny like the 4 spd is ECT. It learns and designs itself to your everyday driving habits for maxinum performance and fuel efficency. Whenever you change the dynamics all of a sudden the tranny is trying to relearn you driving habits. Your abrupt accel/decel causes confusion to the smart technology of the reliable Toyota transmission. The tranny is doing its job! My 4spd does the same thing if I lose my patience in city driving and start hammering on it. I always try to drive like an old lady when in metro-like traffic.

 

[fliprunner]

Also be advised that the new 5 spd tranny like the 4 spd is ECT. It learns and designs itself to your everyday driving habits for maxinum performance and fuel efficency. Whenever you change the dynamics all of a sudden the tranny is trying to relearn you driving habits. Your abrupt accel/decel causes confusion to the smart technology of the reliable Toyota transmission. The tranny is doing its job! My 4spd does the same thing if I lose my patience in city driving and start hammering on it. I always try to drive like an old lady when in metro-like traffic.

THANK YOU! You have solved all my problems, personally and mechanically.: