Has anyone noticed an issue with their transmission in the 10 4Runner? I have two issues that I need to bring my dealers attention. #1: when driving down a steep hill (on road) it seems like the transmission holds back almost like it's slows the truck down. At first I thought my down hill assist was on but it's not. #2: when slowing down to a near stop to make a turn....when the turn is made the transmission seems to hesitate when you step on the gas to continue driving, it's almost like the truck is in neutral for a second or two. We didn't notice this in our Tundra, it may be nothing but certainly worth mentioning to the Service Dept though.
Transmission Issue?
- Thread starter Tedward
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That is typically referred to as "grade logic." When you are going downhill and are braking, the transmission will downshift to add braking power. It is operating as expected. Many automatic transmissions have this feature, including the 4th gen 4runner. You don't have any problem here.
5thGenJenn
New member
I noticed the same problem in my 2006 a while back, the dealer said it was normal but when I told him I had the car since it was new in 2006 and it had never done that he said they would look into it. I took it in, they hooked it up and said a recall code came up and they tweaked something, it was fine after that. My 2010 doesn't do it though.
adoihcj
New member
Yes, it's definitely grade logic. I live in Pittsburgh and we have lots of hills. All you have to do is tap on the brake while going down a steep hill and the transmission automatically downshifts. I found that if you slightly press on the gas pedal after the downshift, the transmission will upshift for you because it assumes you do not need to put on the brakes.
Suggestion. If this bother's you, when going down a hill, shift to S and select 5th gear. Be careful though because you're going to have to use the brakes more often and you might end up "warping" the rotors.
The grade logic doesn't bother me at all because it actually increases the lifetime of the brakes. My '03 Explorer did not have this feature and I was on my third set of new rotors when I traded it in on my 4Runner.
ralphpolo88
New member
I think I understand what you're saying here.
It's as if the transmission is in the incorrect gear when you accelerate through/after the turn, like it is in a higher gear, ie. 2nd gear instead of 3rd. As a result, when you step on the gas, the rpms rise without any significant acceleration, at least until the transmission shifts.
Anyways, if this is what you're talking about, I'm pretty sure this is normal. My sister has a 2005 avalon and it does the same. I think you just have to adjust to this characteristic when you're driving. I wouldn't worry about anything, but just my 2 cents.
charlier180
New member
Yes, it is a "feature" in the 4th Generation 4Runner.
IMHO, it is a very nice feature to have especially when one is towing and coming down a mountain. :thumb3:
harper7
Senior Member
The transmissions in the 5th's have pretty cool gated shifters also. All the way to the left and then forward for upshifting and back for downshifting with the readout of what gear your in on the instrument panel.
Worked great in the recent snow storm/blizzard we had Christmas Eve.Worked it between 2nd and 3rd with A-trac in 4HI thru 60 miles of snow/ice covered roads. Traction and control was unbelieveable!!Cars and trucks in ditches all along the way.Worst road conditons I've seen in the DFW area in years!
Worked great in the recent snow storm/blizzard we had Christmas Eve.Worked it between 2nd and 3rd with A-trac in 4HI thru 60 miles of snow/ice covered roads. Traction and control was unbelieveable!!Cars and trucks in ditches all along the way.Worst road conditons I've seen in the DFW area in years!
westwind77
New member
Yes, I have noticed both. I figured the downshifting was 'normal', but the hesitation 'neutral-like' I am not a fan of and think it is a little 'odd'. I was going to post about that but forgot to, i am glad you did! Does anyone else notice this issue with the engine rev?
I believe the hesitation you're talking about in the gas pedal is possibly due to the electronic throttle. I haven't looked under the hood but can anyone confirm whether we have a cable throttle or electronic? If it's e-throttle I would put money that's the cause of the hesitation. I even feel it when I push the gas from a stop. The only car I've been in that had instant acceleration despite having e-throttle was the Honda s2000
ralphpolo88
New member
I'm pretty sure that A-trac only works in 4LO, or am I mistaken?
Yup. That's when you really want it.
harper7
Senior Member
Yep, your right! I guess it's just the TRAC and VSC working in 4H .
westwind77
New member
Same with DAC.
Titanpat57
Senior Member
Same exact issue..to the "T"
eskimochaos
Banned
Its not an issue, as others said it down shifts to ease use of the breaks. The transmission hesitates after slowing down because it doesnt down shift to 1st or 2nd - it likes to stay in third especially when you dont come to a complete stop when you romp on it its confused and takes time to downshift.
All is COMPLETELY NORMAL. Have a good night sleep tonight.
MikesToy
Banned
That sux! I dunno if i'll be able to have a good sleep tonight tho. :bat:
Try the manual shifting for taking a corner - force it down into 1 / 2 and see how it reacts
going down a hill / mountain - it is standard. My Armada does the exact same thing I can use the "manual" shifting if I don't like the result and have done that in the 4runner as well
going down a hill / mountain - it is standard. My Armada does the exact same thing I can use the "manual" shifting if I don't like the result and have done that in the 4runner as well
Titanpat57
Senior Member
It's not the downhill thing that causes me concern....it's the cornering and it seems like it "slips" (for lack of a better word). It must be from my old days when you had an automatic tranmission, and you could always tell it needed fluid, when you went around a corner and it slipped.
Just doesn't seem that should be happening on a new vehicle. I checked the fluid and it seemed fine, maybe it's some sort of built-in module issue. :shrug: I'll have the tech look at it when I bring it in.
westwind77
New member
let me know what the tech says! I have driven many cars/SUV's/Pick ups over the years and NONE have acted like this (yours/mine). I am curious if it is a break in thing, i am still shy of 300 miles.
