The Dreaded Shudder at 35-40 on my 07

[JRA2000TL]

Hi folks, I've been doing some research as my 07 SR5 V6 2WD with 116k has developed the rumble strip sensation. Of course it doesn't do it in 4, only D, so I'm assuming it's the torque converter. 35-40 mph, only low RPMs, 1500-2000. My local dealer has screwed me before on a prior vehicle so I took it to an independent transmission shop that I fully trust (they put a tranny in my old Acura TL and my brother's Acura CL, as well as my friend's F-150).

Anyhow, they road tested the truck today and felt the sensation. They want to drop the pan and check it, which means they'll do a drain and fill. They're also going to diagnosis on the electronics/sensors, and pressure test (not flush) it--whatever that means.

Of course I haven't changed the fluid ever because I believed the manufacturer's BS about the WS fluid. The only thing I've ever towed is my Honda Aquatrax PWC, loaded down with trailer it might be right at 1000 lbs.

My big, huge question....for those that know of this problem well, will this fix the issue? I REALLY don't want to go in the hole and put a $3k+ trans in it. I still owe quite a bit on it and planned on driving it to 180-200k, which it will be paid off by then.

I realize I'm stupid for not changing the fluid sooner and relying on what the manufacturer says, but I've also heard stories of people having issues after fluid changes.

Just please tell me I'm not up for $3k+! The vehicle drives totally fine otherwise. I think if it's fried. I will just drive it until it won't go anymore, but I'm going to try the diagnosis and fluid change first per the shop. I've already traded in an 04 Tacoma V6 I owned for 1 month due to a developed lower end knock at 109k. I traded it in 2010 for this hoping it'd be rock solid. I'm having awful luck with Toyotas.

 

[R.A.]

I have seen the "rumble transmission" thread and also read about this problem on other Toyota forums. Replacing the transmission fluid and/or correcting the proper amount of fluid works for some but not for all. I really do not think it's a faulty transmission problem. Putting the transmission in 4th helps, but outside of the "rumble strip", the transmission acts normally in shifting.

I would not replace a transmission unless the repair facility could prove the transmission is the actual problem (and returned my money if they replaced/repaired the transmission and the problem returned).

Perhaps someone more knowledgeable could enlighten us?

 

[JRA2000TL]

I just got off the phone with the tranny shop and they said it's coming from the torque converter (duh) and that they're going to the tests on it tomorrow, drop the pan and inspect, put new fluid back in, etc. I'll pay them the $287 and probably kindly be on my way. I'm not dropping a $3k+ transmission in it until 1 of 2 things happens: 1. The truck will no longer move under its own power or 2. They can guarantee a less expensive fix will permanently solve the problem (which they probably won't).

I explained to them about the "rumble strip" thread I found just now in this forum, and they said fluid changes are nothing more than a band-aid. We'll see.

 

[TRDCal]

Why can't you just change the torque converter and stick with the original transmission?

 

[JRA2000TL]

I'm sure that's what they're going to call and tell me. I just wondered if anyone has ever remedied this by changing the fluid multiple times. Shops are in business to make money, so of course they're going to want to just replace something.

 

[Radial GT]

I am at 131k and still on the original fluid, this is prompting me to get mine changed ASAP. What a cluster F getting that fluid changed. Reading the alldata on that operation is crazy.

 

[JRA2000TL]

Shop called back today. They pulled the pan and found nothing unusual other than ordinary debris. They did adjust the valve body some and filled it back up with fluid (no flush). This resulted in only a partial fluid change. They road tested it and found the shudder to be gone---for now. They didn't find anything else wrong; but to the tune of close to $300, I'll be picking it up tomorrow. They told me if it starts shuddering again that they'd have to pull the trans and open it up for diagnosis.

What this tells me---if it shudders again, I will have the fluid drain/filled multiple times or have it flushed. This is from an independent, well-reputable transmission shop and they recommended no flush; only drain/fill.

I'll post any updates to this if there are any.

 

[JRA2000TL]

So far so good after 2 days of driving it...not very long, but I will post an update as I put more miles on it. I have an 800 mile trip I'm making next week, so I'll post again after I return.

I highly suggest anyone with this shudder at 35-40mph, 3rd-4th gear take it to a reputable transmission shop rather than the dealer. Chances are they are an ATRA certified shop and have a techline just like a dealer. Adjusting the valve body seems to have improved things and at highway speeds, I seem to run slightly lower RPMs. I'm sure had I taken this to the dealer, they would have told me to put a transmission in it, or at least a torque converter.

It's worth a shot if you're one of the few to experience this problem. BTW, they said my fluid looked good at 116k. The shop receipt shows 5 qts out of 12 changed and the owner/master tech said do NOT flush it. He saw no need for additional drain/fills.

 

[dman1509]

Hello, JRA2000TL.. So what was the outcome? Did it ever start doing it again?

 

[WiscoRunner]

Hello, JRA2000TL.. So what was the outcome? Did it ever start doing it again?

Good Luck. Looks like their last login was in Nov of 2012.

 

[4runrr]

I had the rumble start on my 06 with 185K, no fluid change prior. I had the dealer do it, I don't know that there is an accepted way since it's "lifetime fluid." They warmed it up and had an exchange machine pump all the fluid out vice dropping the pan. The rumble went away and I've been good for 11k since. I read before I did the fluid change that it either fixes it or your tranny blows out within a week or two of it getting done. Don't know if this is people just being dramatic.

 

[bricew25]

Just to add, I had the stutter start at 190k. Got Toyota to do a tranny flush and it fixed it for a week, but then it was back. Decided to try the whole "Dr.Tranny Fix" fluid and crazy enough it worked. Now I'm at 210k with no issues. Yes, I probably need a new torque convertor, but I'm not ready to spend $1200 when this has worked perfect for the time being.

 

[SoCal35]

Just to add, I had the stutter start at 190k. Got Toyota to do a tranny flush and it fixed it for a week, but then it was back. Decided to try the whole "Dr.Tranny Fix" fluid and crazy enough it worked. Now I'm at 210k with no issues. Yes, I probably need a new torque convertor, but I'm not ready to spend $1200 when this has worked perfect for the time being.

Similar story here. I had the dealership do a full ATF exchange when I started experiencing a shudder. It got to the point where the check engine light came on and went into limp mode. No shudder after the fluid exchange, until about a little after one week passed. The shudder didn't occur as often but it was apparent. This past weekend I did an engine oil change, swapped all spark plugs, and added TWO tubes of Lube Gard Instant Shudder Fixx to the transmission. Drove about 120 miles over the weekend and haven't had any symptoms of shudder.

Note: Prior to the ATF exchange, I added only one tube of Shudder Fixx and I still had some symptoms of a shudder. The shudder came back and often occurred after about a week of driving. Keep in mind this was with the original tranny fluid as well. Hopefully, the most recent work on the rig has helped. Time will tell. Currently at 129,xxx miles, first experienced shuddering at around 126,xxx miles.

 

[DanFromTheBay]

I used shudderfix. Worked so far but only been 200 miles.