Surging when putting in gear

[JFDATLAW]

Sorry for the bad description but it feels like the 4Runner surges or pulls really hard when shifting into gear (either drive or reverse). The dealer says to let it warm up more which I understand but of all the vehicles I have ever driven, I've never had a vehicle that surges forward like this one or generally pulls so hard when in gear. My 100 lb. wife is complaining she has a hard time holding the brake hard enough to keep it still without shifting into neutral at stop lights. I'm driving it today and I can see what she means even after it warms up.

Has anyone else had this problem? Is there an adjustment that can be done?

 

[SeattleMike]

Sorry for the bad description but it feels like the 4Runner surges or pulls really hard when shifting into gear (either drive or reverse). The dealer says to let it warm up more which I understand but of all the vehicles I have ever driven, I've never had a vehicle that surges forward like this one or generally pulls so hard when in gear. My 100 lb. wife is complaining she has a hard time holding the brake hard enough to keep it still without shifting into neutral at stop lights. I'm driving it today and I can see what she means even after it warms up.

Has anyone else had this problem? Is there an adjustment that can be done?

Take your service writer for a drive. This is NOT normal. Make them fix it. No *new* car is going to perform in a drastically better manner just because it's been running for a few minutes.

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

The surging when shifting into gear doesn't sound normal, however when I'm at a stop, and the ac compressor kicks on, the 4Runner surges and will start moving forward if you don't have brake pedal pressed firmly. I'm actually very cautious in drive thru's and at stops, if I'm not paying attention and just let my foot and leg relax while on the brake pedal, I'd probably rear end the car in front of me. That would be embarrassing! My 2008 Tacoma was the same way, actually a little worse.

 

[mpaquette]

I notice this on mine when shifting from R to D, such as backing out of a parking spot. Going from park to reverse is OK, but when I stop and shift from reverse to drive, I would not describe it as smooth.

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

^^ Mine will sometimes hesitate in D, switching between R and D, after backing up. I hit the gas and nothing happens, then Vroom, off she goes!!

 

[philsey]

I'm pretty-much in the habit of keeping my foot firmly on the brake anytime I'm shifting, parking, or at a light. It does want to creep, and it idles sortof fast until warmed up.

I notice a definite surge shortly after starting it up (cold), while I'm easing out of my parking stall.

 

[Ryan_S]

^^ Mine will sometimes hesitate in D, switching between R and D, after backing up. I hit the gas and nothing happens, then Vroom, off she goes!!

Same here.

OP: I think it's just because of the V6's massive amounts of torque! :biggrin2:

 

[JFDATLAW]

All the comments sound consistent with what I'm seeing also. Seems like something that Toyota could adjust through a service bulletin. With all the attention on unintended acceleration, I would think this is something they would be watching.

For you service techs on the forum, is this something that can be adjusted?

 

[ralphpolo88]

Yeah, I mentioned this in the thread about the transmission lag. I experience this too, although I'm not 100% sure it's to the same extent as you. The surge or lunge only occurs when I'm shifting: Park --> Drive or Reverse --> Drive. I have never experienced any surging while in gear and stopped at a light.

This is something I have noticed with the car ever since I can remember and I've had it since December. I've yet to get the TSB for the transmission, so I wonder if that will do anything to the surge. I'll be sure to mention it to the Toyota dealer.

 

[1000MPH]

I don't usually warm up a car before starting off I just drive smooth and easy until warm. This car I wait until the revs get down to 1000rpm's exactly for the reasons others are mentioning. I also slip my foot off the brake to make the shift to D or R a little less jarring.

 

[westwind77]

I'm curious what your VIN's are that are having this problem, wonder if we can narrow it down to a few hundred/thousand? Wonder if we will see another TSB issued.

 

[brian2sun]

Could this be a brake issue rather than a tranny issue?