Vibration on slow acceleration

[KYdoc]

I have a vibration when shifting gears only on slow acceleration. Usually happens around 35 & 45 mph. It usually happens once the car has warmed up.When under heavier acceleration it disappears. The traction control and VSC lights are both on (just had the dealership replace the abs computer and they couldn't figure out how to turn them off:/)It's a 2006, v6 2wd (173k miles).

I've read several other threads on here that mention u joints but I just left an autoshop that was certain it wasn't u joints but a 3-4th gear shudder and referred me to a transmission shop. The transmission shop drove it and also claims its not the u joints but believes it it the torque converter-he wants it back tomorrow to,drive while hooked up to a computer. Any idea what this could be? I've noticed several misdiagnosed transmission problems with the 4runner and don't want to fork over several hundred dollars for nothing.

 

[KYdoc]

Any ideas? I read a post by a Toyota mechanic that said he had luck changing the ATF fluid-he believed the fluid had been getting low and causing the shudder.

 

[Greydog]

If not the U-joints, then it may be tranny. Search for "rumble strip" symptom in other threads. This is common.

Changing the transmission oil is a good first step, it seems to help or lessen symptoms in many cases.

 

[DaGimp]

If not the U-joints, then it may be tranny. Search for "rumble strip" symptom in other threads. This is common.

Changing the transmission oil is a good first step, it seems to help or lessen symptoms in many cases.

I second Ujoints

 

[ghostridr]

Any ideas? I read a post by a Toyota mechanic that said he had luck changing the ATF fluid-he believed the fluid had been getting low and causing the shudder.

This could be the issue with certain types of ATF fluids effecting the rear diff., I have also read reports of one user who used Mobile-1 75w-90 gear oil, but not sure if they purchased the brand with LS additive when they changed their's out thus causing rear "gear chatter", that possibly being a factor in their problem resulting in their toyota mechanic having to add said additive to remedy the issue.

I just changed mine out the other day with the LS additive brand and everything is running smooth.

If you're mechanically inclined and want to save money, you might want to change it out yourself before having a mechanic deal with it.

 

[KYdoc]

How many miles do you have on yours?

I'm at 174k. I'm unsure if they ATF has been changed before, although the vin pulled up a rear diff fluid change at 108k from the previous owner. I talked to the service manager at my Toyota dealership and he suggested against doing a change because he was afraid it would cause more harm than good. He said he has seen some not shift out of park after doing the change (those in te 150-200k mile range) when doing a simple drain and fill.

Any suggestions? I'm going in today for them to drive it and look at a sample of the fluid.

 

[BCfish]

This could be the issue with certain types of ATF fluids effecting the rear diff., I have also read reports of one user who used Mobile-1 75w-90 gear oil, but not sure if they purchased the brand with LS additive when they changed their's out thus causing rear "gear chatter", that possibly being a factor in their problem resulting in their toyota mechanic having to add said additive to remedy the issue.

I just changed mine out the other day with the LS additive brand and everything is running smooth.

If you're mechanically inclined and want to save money, you might want to change it out yourself before having a mechanic deal with it.

You don't use ATF in a Toyota diff, it's Gear Oil only.

You also don't need a LS additive since the 4th Gens are open-open the only LS are aftermarket equipment. I have used Pennzoil 75w90 Gear oil my last 3 gear oil changes and haven't used a LS additive and have never had any gear chatter in over 150k KM.

 

[WXman]

How many miles do you have on yours?

I'm at 174k. I'm unsure if they ATF has been changed before, although the vin pulled up a rear diff fluid change at 108k from the previous owner. I talked to the service manager at my Toyota dealership and he suggested against doing a change because he was afraid it would cause more harm than good. He said he has seen some not shift out of park after doing the change (those in te 150-200k mile range) when doing a simple drain and fill.

Any suggestions? I'm going in today for them to drive it and look at a sample of the fluid.

U-joints and driveshaft issues can cause your symptoms. I'd grease them up real good and just see if it helps at all. They could be worn beyond grease helping though.

Also, if it's the torque converter a fluid change may help it out. I have had the "shudder" at certain speeds in another SUV before and replacing the torque converter was a cure. The springs inside the TC fatigue and won't hold pressure as well and it allows a shuddering feeling like you just hit rumble strips or something.

 

[KYdoc]

The dealer pulled codes c1210 and c1234 (yaw rate sensor). They said this is probably causing the vibration on shifts and the transmission fluid sample looked good. They said they could change the ATF if the sensor didn't work. (I do have abs and vsc off lights on)

Would a zero point calibration solve this? They cleared the codes and they reappeared.

 

[KYdoc]

Getting the yaw rate sensor replaced and a zero point calibration tomorrow ($400) I really hope this does it but my gut tells me the ATF needs to be drained and filled by the time it's all said and done

 

[Calimander]

Like greydog said----rumble strip threads----this is a very common problem and the only real solution is to get the torque$$ converter replaced. I have been just living with this issue for some time now. If throwing money at mechanics' guesses fixes this please post back here to help us all out. Good luck.

 

[KYdoc]

Didn't fix it but it drives alot better after replacement. Having a drain and fill of the ATF tomorrow! Fingers crossed this works

 

[WXman]

I don't think fresh fluid is going to help.. but it won't hurt to have fresh fluid anyway. I still think maybe torque converter...but why would that throw the VSC light on the dash? I wonder if you could have something going on with a wheel speed sensor that's causing a slight pulsation in the brake, thus causing a vibration and lights on the dash? Hmm...

This is going to get expensive and frustrating. These are the times when 1990s vehicles become appealing all over again. EFI without any other electrical nannies.. those were the good ol' days.

 

[KYdoc]

Lights are gone! Just the rumble strip issue which many have stated seems to resolve after a fluid change.

 

[Calimander]

I went to the dealer and got 16 qts. of transmission fluid changed out and it only fixed the problem for a few days. The hunch cost me $250.

 

[KYdoc]

They charge $165 here. Hopefully it won't take more than 2 or 3 drain and fills. How many miles do have since the service?

 

[Calimander]

Maybe 10k or less.

 

[KYdoc]

Three drain and fills of the ATF and its resolved! Very slight presence but I'm confident it will resolve completely after its been driven!

 

[Calimander]

Really?---A complete change out of transmission fluid is like 14 quarts. You saying that you ran 10 plus gallons through your system?

 

[KYdoc]

The dealership did, yes. Drained and filled, drove it around and repeated two more times. Might solve your problem!