Hopefully it will be nothing big. I had a bmw that the rpms would surge at a certain speed but it turned out it had a bad torque converter and maf sensor. I've heard of torque converters being bad from new because of sticky components but all of this is a shot in the dark...
NEW 4Runner Transmission Problem? Already?!
- Thread starter RPC
- Start date
RPC
New member
I'm crossing my fingers for the same outcome. I've only put 600 miles on it but I love this thing (I mean, I chose it for a reason!). My concern is that they're going to come back empty handed and it'll get ugly, but they're a reputable dealer and I have to believe they have the best intentions.
RPC
New member
So it is definitely HVAC related. Played with the HVAC buttons on the way to and from work yesterday and I only feel the surging when the air is on. Strange though that it acts the exact same whether, say, the heat is on or the actual "AC" toggle is pressed. If the HVAC unit is sending powered air into the cabin, the engine/ power train is struggling.
Is the AC compressor utilized even when the "AC" toggle/light isn't on (maybe just ambient temperature air is moving through)? I get this problem even if I have the heater on...
What kind of difference do the rest of you notice when you turn your HVAC systems on (actual AC and/or just ambient temp powered air)? At a stopped idle? At freeway speeds? I know the AC unit is a big power suck but should I actually be able to feel this kind of difference?
I don't want to look like a schmuck when I go in tomorrow, but I can't believe a 2008 V8 truck should be so affected by its HVAC unit either.
Thanks again all.
Is the AC compressor utilized even when the "AC" toggle/light isn't on (maybe just ambient temperature air is moving through)? I get this problem even if I have the heater on...
What kind of difference do the rest of you notice when you turn your HVAC systems on (actual AC and/or just ambient temp powered air)? At a stopped idle? At freeway speeds? I know the AC unit is a big power suck but should I actually be able to feel this kind of difference?
I don't want to look like a schmuck when I go in tomorrow, but I can't believe a 2008 V8 truck should be so affected by its HVAC unit either.
Thanks again all.
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
rpcowan said:
There are times it may run...
1) Turn off the vehicle with the air distribution selector on floor through face; not the defrost or floor defrost blend.
2) Shut it off with the A/C off and a manual fan speed selected. The 'auto' light will be out.
3) Start it up and select 'fresh' or 'recirc' as you like. Don't turn on the A/C, don't take the air distribution selector to either of the defrost settings. (On an off chance there tied don't put the rear defroster either...)
By following that the A/C should not run. When test driving select different fan speeds. If that surges the engine maybe you have a bad ground somewhere... Good luck!
Check your PM's
:cheers:
I have the same thing, mine is V8 Limited. I thought I was lossing my mind with the surge felling but I guess I am not the only one. I never felt it in cruise control though. Please keep us updated. I never said anything b/c I am sick of going to dealers -(Land Rover was sooo famous for this) to get the old "unable to replicate" I have a thump sound I get in the rear when I only go around right hand turns that i havent said anything yet also.rpcowan said:
RPC
New member
Mnt.Rush.- has anyone else driven your truck and felt the same thing?
This "Lemon-aid" (ha-ha) pamphlet distributed by the California Department of Consumer Affairs says, "Get signed statements from mechanics and people who have ridden in your vehicle and experienced the problem (for example, family or carpool members). This is especially important if the problem only happens once in awhile." I've had my wife and a coupla' friends drive mine around and its as apparent as a slap in the face.
A former Toyota mechanic friend of mine told me that when I take this thing to the dealership today, have 'em let me take out two similar vehicles (one new, one used) for a test drive to see if its just something inherent in the vehicle. He makes a good point so I'm definitely going to.
Stay tuned.
This "Lemon-aid" (ha-ha) pamphlet distributed by the California Department of Consumer Affairs says, "Get signed statements from mechanics and people who have ridden in your vehicle and experienced the problem (for example, family or carpool members). This is especially important if the problem only happens once in awhile." I've had my wife and a coupla' friends drive mine around and its as apparent as a slap in the face.
A former Toyota mechanic friend of mine told me that when I take this thing to the dealership today, have 'em let me take out two similar vehicles (one new, one used) for a test drive to see if its just something inherent in the vehicle. He makes a good point so I'm definitely going to.
Stay tuned.
no, no one else has drivin it besides me. The wife has had it out but just local and not up to 65-75. I am not to worried about it as i dont notice it all the time and it seems you have the ball rolling already so ill wait to see your outcome before i mention it to the dealer. It is a wierd sensation almost like it speed up and slows down on its own.
RPC
New member
So two hours at the dealership, 40 miles in test drives with a 25 year tenured mechanic AND with the shop foreman turned up only one thing- I'm not crazy!
Both drove it 10 miles without the HVAC on and 10 with it on and both experienced exactly what I described. The coup de grace to their resistance was a test drive in a new V8 off the lot that wasn't near as drastically affected by the HVAC as mine is.
Apparently there is a hub of Toyota Master Techs in San Ramon, CA and the foremen is going to put a call into them for direction.
What is a reasonable amount of time to let this drag out?
Both drove it 10 miles without the HVAC on and 10 with it on and both experienced exactly what I described. The coup de grace to their resistance was a test drive in a new V8 off the lot that wasn't near as drastically affected by the HVAC as mine is.
Apparently there is a hub of Toyota Master Techs in San Ramon, CA and the foremen is going to put a call into them for direction.
What is a reasonable amount of time to let this drag out?
rpcowan said:
Who can answer that question? If they can really find someone who will be willing to invest their time trying to solve this item, and unless Toyota is going to pick up the cost and this I don't think is going to happen. Your just going to have to wait and see if they can help you.
I am guessing it's not going to be a quick fix. I still feel it's the system computer that is at the heart of the problem.
without a few hundred others having this same problem, Toyota is just not going to get involved. It's up to your Dealer and their service Dept. right now.
Keep us updated as to any progress and Good Luck.
RPC
New member
Yeah, I called the "Toyota Customer Experience Center" today to tell them about this long list of issues and to share how useless Maita's Sales Manager has been.
The guy I talked to freaked out as I went on and on with the list of issues I've had in the last two weeks. He started talking about "Toyota doing anything possible to avoid buying the truck back" and mentioning them offering the Platinum 8 year, 120K as a step before arbitration.
I look forward to a call from a "Case Manager" early next week. I'll keep ya'll in the loop.
The guy I talked to freaked out as I went on and on with the list of issues I've had in the last two weeks. He started talking about "Toyota doing anything possible to avoid buying the truck back" and mentioning them offering the Platinum 8 year, 120K as a step before arbitration.
I look forward to a call from a "Case Manager" early next week. I'll keep ya'll in the loop.
I notice it if I turn the AC on and off, this is pretty standard on all cars as AC units are power hungry. But I have never noticed surging or the AC turning on and off by itself, that doesnt seem right. You should ask them what is the purpose of doing that if the AC is off.
I definitely noticed a difference switching to a 5 speed, at first it always felt like it was shifting gears at odd times. But I have never felt surging while on cruise control unless it is shifting gears. But I will pay attention to see if I notice anything.
I would ask them to test drive several other v6 4runner's and see if the same thing occurs. If you know anyone with a 4runner, see if you can drive theirs. But from what it sounds like, this is not normal.
Bottom line is it's your car and you have to live with it. If you dont feel it in other v6 4runner's, I would trade it in.
I definitely noticed a difference switching to a 5 speed, at first it always felt like it was shifting gears at odd times. But I have never felt surging while on cruise control unless it is shifting gears. But I will pay attention to see if I notice anything.
I would ask them to test drive several other v6 4runner's and see if the same thing occurs. If you know anyone with a 4runner, see if you can drive theirs. But from what it sounds like, this is not normal.
Bottom line is it's your car and you have to live with it. If you dont feel it in other v6 4runner's, I would trade it in.
Kmvreter
New member
How often does it cycle/surge at a steady speed with the cruise on? Did the stealer service even try some simple diagnostics? It may not be throwing any codes but did they check the freon level in the A/C or the tranny fluid level (no dipstick but they can manually check the fill level)? It's a long shot but these may be low from the factory, especially if there is a slow leak in the A/C.
i have a pretty serious lunge, but only when the AC is on and i'm stopped...or slowing down.
if i stop suddenly, about 3-5 seconds after i stop the car tries to lunge as (i guess) it shifts down into low gear. i'm stopped, so the brakes keep it from rolling. but it def tries to lunge. and on very slow stops, you can feel the car lunge a bit as it down shifts to each gear. i thought maybe my rotors with warped, but they have been replaced and it still happens.
it's hardly noticeable if the AC is off. but with it on, you can definitely feel it! the toyota techs have said it's just the AC cycling on/off.
one final thing, the engine idles VERY high when it's fist started. if i start it, put it into reverse, the car really goes. maybe it's normal, but for what it's worth, i didn't have these problems with my 2002 Sport Edition. (which i sold to get the 2005)
i saw the posts about the tranny "learning" your driving style. i bought the 2005 Limited with ~40K on it. so i thought i just needed to unhook the battery for 15 mins to reset it, but maybe that's pointless???
i love the truck and that's the only issue i've had with it. clearly, the OP has some concern since his is brand new...not to mention the other issues. i'm sure you're probably just waiting for something else to come up. sorry man. 4Runners are incredible trucks...hate to hear that someone is having a bad experience with one.
if i stop suddenly, about 3-5 seconds after i stop the car tries to lunge as (i guess) it shifts down into low gear. i'm stopped, so the brakes keep it from rolling. but it def tries to lunge. and on very slow stops, you can feel the car lunge a bit as it down shifts to each gear. i thought maybe my rotors with warped, but they have been replaced and it still happens.
it's hardly noticeable if the AC is off. but with it on, you can definitely feel it! the toyota techs have said it's just the AC cycling on/off.
one final thing, the engine idles VERY high when it's fist started. if i start it, put it into reverse, the car really goes. maybe it's normal, but for what it's worth, i didn't have these problems with my 2002 Sport Edition. (which i sold to get the 2005)
i saw the posts about the tranny "learning" your driving style. i bought the 2005 Limited with ~40K on it. so i thought i just needed to unhook the battery for 15 mins to reset it, but maybe that's pointless???
i love the truck and that's the only issue i've had with it. clearly, the OP has some concern since his is brand new...not to mention the other issues. i'm sure you're probably just waiting for something else to come up. sorry man. 4Runners are incredible trucks...hate to hear that someone is having a bad experience with one.
