Transmission/Cruise Control Issue

[Munson]

Hi All, long time lurker here first time thread starter.

I have a 2015 Trail Edition. Got it brand new off the truck, 5 miles on the odometer in June 2015. Love it to death, haven't had a lot of time/money to sink in to mods yet. Have only taken it "off-roading" once back in 2015. Moving to CA soon and cant wait to hit some trails. Truck currently has 30,000 miles on it due to a few trips up and down I-95. Everything is still from the factory (original breaks, tires, everything).

I've had two issues with the truck. First get a bit of shaking in the truck and steering wheel when breaking at highway speeds (55 to 65ish). Took it to the dealership about 6 months ago for it and I forget the exact diagnosis but the service manager said its not a big deal and just some parts wearing. Leave it as is and when it is time to replace the breaks the shaking will go away. Or spend the money now and replace the parts even though they don't need it yet. Didn't get a warm fuzzy from the service manager and just wondering if anyone else on here had a similar issue in their truck?

Second issue, and my current concern, the transmission seems to be a bit wonky. The cruise control refuses to shift when going up a hill (again highway speeds). Will be going 65ish on a flat, no problem. Hit a hill, truck will accelerate to maintain 65 but go up to 3500ish RPM. Take it out of cruise control, truck will automatically shift and go down to 1500ish RPM. Have also noticed other times when accelerating on a flat around 65ish (not on cruise control) then removing foot from gas the truck will noticeably slow, almost like it just down shifted or the breaks got tapped. I was just looking for any similar occurrences or ideas before I waste my time at the dealership again.

Thanks,

M

 

[Kenstaroni]

I've noticed my cruise control will typically hold in a lower gear for longer than I would or is really needed to maintain the speed needed without cruise on. It doesn't do well on hilly roads, it downshifts to maintain speed more than is necessary but it's just trying to hold the speed you want I guess and of course it doesn't know the road ahead like you do.

I just use cruise on flat ground or highway and I do the heavy lifting on hilly roads.

When on the highway, if you hit cruise and immediately let off the gas it does seem to slow down for a sec until the cruise sort of kicks in if you will. Maybe holding the gas down for a few seconds after engaging cruise will help but I don't think there's anything wrong with it.

 

[TEujunga]

The shimmy under braking from highway speeds is most likely warped rotors. It doesn't hurt anything, but it is annoying. You can have the rotors machined to get rid of the shimmy. Around L.A. it costs ~$125. Maybe less in VA.

The transmission behavior you describe when using cruise control is absolutely normal. And yes, it's annoying, too.

 

[Munson]

I've noticed my cruise control will typically hold in a lower gear for longer than I would or is really needed to maintain the speed needed without cruise on. It doesn't do well on hilly roads, it downshifts to maintain speed more than is necessary but it's just trying to hold the speed you want I guess and of course it doesn't know the road ahead like you do.

I just use cruise on flat ground or highway and I do the heavy lifting on hilly roads.

When on the highway, if you hit cruise and immediately let off the gas it does seem to slow down for a sec until the cruise sort of kicks in if you will. Maybe holding the gas down for a few seconds after engaging cruise will help but I don't think there's anything wrong with it.

Hey, thanks for the response! I figured the shifting on cruise control was just an issue of the truck not being that "intelligent" when it comes to cruise control. After all its a 4Runner, not a Tesla with autopilot.

However my concern began to grow when the sudden yet short deceleration started happening after letting go of the gas as that is happening without cruise control engaged. That could also be user error, such as letting off the accelerator right when the truck is shifting or some other rookie mistake but just wanted to be sure.

M

 

[Munson]

The shimmy under braking from highway speeds is most likely warped rotors. It doesn't hurt anything, but it is annoying. You can have the rotors machined to get rid of the shimmy. Around L.A. it costs ~$125. Maybe less in VA.

The transmission behavior you describe when using cruise control is absolutely normal. And yes, it's annoying, too.

Thanks! That does sound like what the SM said at the dealership regarding the shake. Thanks for 1) refreshing my memory and two putting me at ease. I think the dealership was offering the service at a much higher price though (or course)!

 

[Engineer]

First get a bit of shaking in the truck and steering wheel when breaking at highway speeds (55 to 65ish). Sounds like the dealer was blaming it on warped rotors - its possible and at higher speeds/harder decelerations it would be more noticeable I had a similar issue that I *think* was pegged to my Toe in/out on my alignment as that was the only thing that finally made it go away but I have a lift and larger tires. If the dealer actually measured the run out and confirmed its the rotors - I would change them, its a cheap fix and would prevent you from living with the issue till the brakes need replaced.

Second issue, and my current concern, the transmission seems to be a bit wonky. The cruise control refuses to shift when going up a hill (again highway speeds). My 4runner is the same way, part of this I attribute to all the extra weight/drag which likely only exaggerates the shift "problem". I don't think there is anything the dealer can do for you here. Re-gearing would likely solve this behavior. Have this gotten worse for you over time or just something you are noticing more now due to paying attention/driving in hilly areas?

Thanks,

M

See above

 

[Munson]

See above

Awesome, I don't really think I have any extra weight yet on my truck as I haven't added any MODs yet. Hasn't really gotten any worse over time, just something I have started to notice then start looking for.

I think you and TEujunga are spot on with the brake issue. I'm driving the truck from VA to CA in three weeks, so I will probably wait until I get her out to SoCal before diving in to the shaking issue, even though that is going to be an annoying 3,000 miles.

 

[Ojai4Runner]

Awesome, I don't really think I have any extra weight yet on my truck as I haven't added any MODs yet. Hasn't really gotten any worse over time, just something I have started to notice then start looking for.

I think you and TEujunga are spot on with the brake issue. I'm driving the truck from VA to CA in three weeks, so I will probably wait until I get her out to SoCal before diving in to the shaking issue, even though that is going to be an annoying 3,000 miles.

Welcome to California. Please bring your own water

I lived in Virginia many moons ago and am planning a cross country trip for later this year (hopefully) and will most def revisit some of the places I remember so fondly.

Cheers.

 

[Munson]

Welcome to California. Please bring your own water

I lived in Virginia many moons ago and am planning a cross country trip for later this year (hopefully) and will most def revisit some of the places I remember so fondly.

Cheers.

Lol, thanks. I grew up in SoCal....25+ years. Been in Virginia for about five years. It slowly grew on me (including Virginia wine)but was never able to get in to the off-roading scene. Lots of privately owned parks a few hours drive from me that I regret not going to. Seeing that I work for the Feds I am sure I will end up back out here/there again.

M

 

[TRUSTYAXE]

Lol, thanks. I grew up in SoCal....25+ years. Been in Virginia for about five years. It slowly grew on me (including Virginia wine)but was never able to get in to the off-roading scene. Lots of privately owned parks a few hours drive from me that I regret not going to. Seeing that I work for the Feds I am sure I will end up back out here/there again.

M

Not for nothing, but this thread might help.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...restrictor-insert-reducer-delete-air-box.html
I go over three overpasses every morning and my rig used to downshift with the cruise on...after this mod and carbon filter removal..
It doesn’t.