Another 3rd Gen torque converter issue?

So, just for clarity, if I’m feeling it in S4 as well, would your theory still be accurate? Not being argumentative, trying to gather all the data. I can.

 

So, an incredibly smooth shifting ride for 57k miles to it suddenly occurring. That’s normal?

 

One reason why there is a torque converter shudder problem is a lack of hydraulic pressure to complete a mechanical lockup.
Another reason could be that whatever the friction disc is the friction disc material could be wearing out.

The cause of low hydraulic pressure? IDK.

 

If you’re going slow enough the TC won’t fully lock in S4 either. It will remain unlocked until certain speeds/load is experienced. At that point the computer will decide to initiate flex lockup or just hard lock it.

The friction modifiers in the fluid break down over time, instead of driving yourself mad trying to analytically solve a problem from your couch, I would pay for a complete fluid exchange and add a tube of lubeguard. You have nothing to lose. Unless Toyota decides to replace your entire transmission (they don’t just replace TC) you’re either going to have to act, learn to live with it, or sell it.

 

It shudders at 60mph in S4?

 

To be fair, I have not tried. I’ve not used S-shifting.

Tomorrow I plan on it. I was curious on expected behavior for when I try.

Also, I agree. The problem is that if I pay 250$ for the job, and the issue remains, I’m also throwing money away. I’m just trying to hit this from a calculated standpoint is all.

 

S4 will have rpms higher compare to 5th-6th gears in you situation. TC shudder won't be felt in S4
However, if you bring rpms to 2200- 2500 in 4th going up the hill, you may still feel it.
Have them reset tranny learning values to see if it clears the issue with putting into the gear. Will drive bad for 100-200 miles.

 

If you haven't already you may find this video helpful.

https://youtu.be/qbCAEscrJ8E

 

Interested to hear what you find out tomorrow.
My bet is still that it's engine related, miss, etc, and not the TC.

Interested to hear what you find out tomorrow. Might get some good info that could help others.

 

I'll second the fluid change helping reduce shudder. I did one, 3 qt refresh, made a big difference. Going to do that a couple more times. Also added Shudder Fixx.

 

It will lock even faster if you go slow in s4.

 

Negative. If you had an ultra gauge or scan gauge you could watch the TC behaviour. It wont lock in 4th until you’re going 45 ish mph.

 

The fluid is just about due to be replaced at 60k miles anyways. Some problems can’t be solved analytically from your couch dude. You’ve gotten good advice, do you just like to complain and obsess about problems or fix them?

 

The other thing you should know is that when the TC is locked you feel engine misfires etc a lot more as the engine/tranny are mechanically locked together. When it’s unlocked you have a hydraulic connection that absorbs those vibrations.

 

If the truck has never shuddered until 500 miles ago its not just a "characteristic" of the transmission. How long have you been lifted with bigger tires? Is there any way you can switch back to stock size tires for testing? I've had a mustang with a failing TC and it's just like running over rumble strips when it's the tc! If you have drained and filled with toyota fluid next steps I would take would be to bring it back to stock on anything powertrain related.

 

I’d recommend reviewing the extensive list of everything I’ve actually done to this point. I’ve actually done everything possible besides draining and filing the ATF fluid.

The reason I’m asking questions is because to solve a problem you need to ask questions. Research goes a long way.

While I value insight, I’m going to use this data to make changes.

As I’ve mentioned before, I have plenty more I plan on doing, but you don’t go into a battle without a solid attack plan.

It would be one thing if I bought a new truck and did not like the way it drove, and complained about expected characteristics of the transmission. Listen, think about the cell phone your hand. You know that phone better than anyone, you live with it 24/7.

If the cell phone started to crash, the first thing you would do is start troubleshooting. You may even do a little research. Then, I’d imagine you would go to the manufacturer or contact technical support. Now imagine that others say what you are experiencing is expected behavior, you would ask more questions to better understand their perspective on the matter. That is literally no different than what I am doing now.

So yes, if you want to call that complaining from my couch, technically, you are right. Trust me when I tell you I’m trying over here.

 

100000% agreed.

When I hear that the shudder is normal it almost blows me mind. Again, had this been occurring since early on, okay.

The fact is it’s a bumpy road / shudder that started now 1000 miles ago. Been lifted, running 265/75/16’s well before the issue. (2.5”, ECGS done).

The next step is live data from tech stream, drain and fill. 912 miles until the powertrain is up.

 

I'm almost willing to bet the drain and fill will do the trick if it is transmission related I would do that prior to taking back for diagnosis if you can diy.

 

If this is 100% replicable like you say it is, escalate it. You've talked to the service manager directly. Explain that this issue started at X-milage, and HIS STAFF has since put Y-milage on the truck for various "tests" with no results, pushing you towards the end of your warranty period. Explain that you can replicate the issue 100% of the time, and you'll take nothing less than him riding along with you to experience it himself before you let them put a single mile more on your truck, or make another unneeded round trip from home to dealer again. You know, and they know, that in <1k miles, you're just an easy opportunity for them to sell you something you don't need.