Weird slow speed shudder (20-30mph on small hills)

[logcabinwc]

Hello all! New member here (because I don't own a 4Runner) but I am pretty active on Tacoma World. My dad does have a 4th gen t4r, but has developed a slight shudder which is why I am posting.

I have done some research and found the "rumble transmission" thread (along with a few other threads) but I'm not sure if what's going on totally fits.

My dad has an '07 4Runner, 2 wheel drive, SR5 with about 150,000 miles. Within the last two weeks, it has developed a slight shudder on small hills around the neighborhood that start anywhere from 20-30 miles an hour. When I drove it, it happened on about small (like 20 yard long) uphill stretches with about 35% slopes. Usually started at around 22mph, but did happen around 26/27 as well. As soon as I eased up on the gas, it would stop and would not continue when I pressed back down.

The shudder is very small, and is not very violent, but definitely noticeable for all in the car. And of course, as soon as we got our mechanic to jump in the car, it would not preform.

Any suggestions? Transmission, engine, or torque converter?

Any help would definitely be appreciated. My dad travels a ton for work so having a working vehicle is imperative.
Thanks!

 

[bac131]

I have had the same problem recently. Noticed it on slight upgrades between 20 and 30mph.

 

[Greydog]

Doing a few drain and fills on my trans helped with mine.

Could also be a u-joint going out?

 

[logcabinwc]

Doing a few drain and fills on my trans helped with mine.

Could also be a u-joint going out?

Multiple drains and fills helped? hmmm
Ya I am going to take it down the mechanic in the morning. I think I'm going to have him check out the U-joint, transmission, torque converter, and just change the transmission oil. I asked my dad if he has ever had the transmission fluid changed and he didnt think it had ever been changed.... and its actually at 170,000! :jaw:

So I think its time.
Keep the ideas coming! and if I do get it solved tomorrow I'll definitely let you all know.

 

[logcabinwc]

I have had the same problem recently.

yep, I'll report back tomorrow to see if the mechanic figures anything else.
Hopefully he finds something tomorrow.

 

[logcabinwc]

Well, our local shop said to take it to a transmission shop.. they're too busy right now to figure it all out. So we'll see.

 

[bac131]

I hope it is an easy fix for you. I've spent some time trying to find similar issues with no luck. I talked to a friend today and his first hunch was a vacuum leak. I'm interested to hear what the transmission shop says.

 

[Calimander]

You have what many here have---a bad torque converter----. Replacing it is the only real solution$.

 

[logcabinwc]

No word from the transmission shop yet but we told them it was no big hurry (dad flew to Boston for work, and as soon as he gets back has surgery scheduled so he doesn't need to be driving for a while)
Will definitely update when I hear though.

 

[raygenjay]

I would check for a trans leak. If the trans fluid is low it will cause a shudder under a load. If you had a bad u-joint it would most likely vibrate at higher speeds.

 

[raygenjay]

By the way it most likely uses world standard trans fluid and there is a specific process for diagnosing the cause and checking the fluid level. Make sure the transmission shop knows these transmissions good. I used to work at a Toyota dealership as a tech and we would get symptoms like this when the trans was low or not serviced correctly.

 

[TakeitApart]

I've been a Toyota tech for 4 years, about to be a master diagnostic tech. Those who said the torque converter were spot on. You could be low on fluid but it's doubtful. A few drain and fill cycles may help, but ultimately it sounds like you need a new T/C.

You can prove this by pulling the pin for the lock up solenoid out of the transmission plug and taping the end up. After you carefully pull the pin, if you drive it and the condition ceases, you have your answer. (You'll get a check engine lamp because the ecm won't see the solenoid, but it's a sure fire diagnostic method.) I can look later and tell you which pin/wire color it is; I'll edit my post. The newer transmissions have what's called "flex lock up" and it starts around 25-30 mph with light throttle application.

EDIT: The lock up solenoid uses pins 13 and 5 in the transmission connector. Pin 13 is a red wire with black tracer, pin 5 is a red wire with white tracer. The two wires are nearly across from each other in the connector. You can use either one.

 

[jimb]

I have a 2008 4runner SR5 143k miles. Exact same symptoms. I find if I am driving under 40 mph and leave the shift lever in "4" car runs perfect with no lock_ups. If I plan to drive faster then I move the shift lever over to "D" and get the standard lock_up. Is this a viable work around? Will it cause any transmission problems?

 

[TakeitApart]

I have a 2008 4runner SR5 143k miles. Exact same symptoms. I find if I am driving under 40 mph and leave the shift lever in "4" car runs perfect with no lock_ups. If I plan to drive faster then I move the shift lever over to "D" and get the standard lock_up. Is this a viable work around? Will it cause any transmission problems?

With the lever in "4", it still utilizes flex lock up, so you may have different issues, or you just haven't found that sweet spot for the shudder to happen in 4.

 

[jimb]

Thanks for the info. What is the shudder? Is it the lock up clutch slipping?

 

[bac131]

No word from the transmission shop yet but we told them it was no big hurry (dad flew to Boston for work, and as soon as he gets back has surgery scheduled so he doesn't need to be driving for a while)
Will definitely update when I hear though.

Any news yet?

 

[bagginz]

I work for Lexus and have encountered this many times. Its most likely the Torque Convertor. The Bummer part about it is that we have tried numerous different repairs to fix this concern. Sometimes changing the fluid fixes it, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes a torque convertor can fix it but ive seen this repair done more than a few times and it ends up coming back and needing a transmission. If it were me, I would start with a fluid change. If it comes back Id look into the shudder stop additives that people are using before I went with a new TQ or trans. Good luck!
Hope that helps

 

[bac131]

Thanks bagginz. I made an appointment with the local Toyota dealer. I have an extended warranty that covers the transmission and all components. The tech will go on a test drive with me to confirm the issue.

 

[bagginz]

Thanks bagginz. I made an appointment with the local Toyota dealer. I have an extended warranty that covers the transmission and all components. The tech will go on a test drive with me to confirm the issue.

Awesome. Let us know how it goes, and if they cant confirm it, make sure you drive it with them and get it to do it.

 

[bac131]

Exactly what I plan to do. Thanks!