6th 4Runner TRD Pro 1st - 2nd Gear Shift ISSUE

[baileyleggett]

Hi Everyone!

Recently switched from a BMW 540i to 6th Gen TRD Pro.

Obviously, the two drive trains are completely different, and I'm asking for a little peace of mind.

It seems like this 4Runner has something of a hard shift from 1st to 2nd gear, and sometimes down from 2nd to 1st gear.

Is this standard with this kind of drive train? Or would it be worth getting this checked out?

I have no warning lights on the dash.

Thanks everyone

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[MikeUtah]

There have been a number of posts from LC and 4R owners, reporting rough shifting ('bucking') from first to second, especially when the drivetrain is 'cold'. I have experienced the same issues. I now keep a log of when it occurs. Just this week, took my TH to the dealer and provided them with my log (~12 recorded incidents). They kept the vehicle for 36 hours and were able to reproduce the 'bucking' when the vehicle was cold. Waiting for a report from the mechanic.

Suggest all others who experience this situation to report it to their dealer.

 

[baileyleggett]

There have been a number of posts from LC and 4R owners, reporting rough shifting ('bucking') from first to second, especially when the drivetrain is 'cold'. I have experienced the same issues. I now keep a log of when it occurs. Just this week, took my TH to the dealer and provided them with my log (~12 recorded incidents). They kept the vehicle for 36 hours and were able to reproduce the 'bucking' when the vehicle was cold. Waiting for a report from the mechanic.

Suggest all others who experience this situation to report it to their dealer.

Interesting. Thanks for the reply.

New to this forum. What do you mean by LH?

 

[egrivera]

I thought I might have been my preference since I am coming from a BMW 335i. I too recently had the same issue. Almost caused an accident as I was entering a lane of traffic and had to speed up to avoid an oncoming motorcycle at high rate of speed.
TRD acceleration bogged down as I pressed pedal, then fiercely kicked in. Only 1500 miles on it and it hadn’t warmed up to normal operating temperature.

 

[Driving_Crooner]

Happens to mine too when its cold. My driveway is super long and goes uphill. I can replicate it every time shifting into second gear when I get enough speed and the engine is cold .. my guess is that the computer is trying to keep rpms down during warmup but who knows. Would love to know if anybody has resolved this with a tune yet.

 

[MikeUtah]

TH = Trailhunter
LC = Land Cruiser

 

[C's6G4RTRDPro]

Thank you for the valuable information! I only have 1100 miles on mine and have. Not experienced that issue; however, mine does the same thing when shifting from reverse to drive after backing up before warming to operating temp. It has a slip, bang, clunk and then bucks a little before literally lunging forward. I crawled underneath to see if anything was loose in the drivetrain but can't see anything obvious (u-joint, trans mount, etc.).
I'm feeling like it's a hybrid thing switching between motors because I believe it's been switching over every time is done this.
Sorry to jump your post! It lined up with my shift and buck, so wanted to compile the info.

 

[MikeUtah]

Thank you for the valuable information! I only have 1100 miles on mine and have. Not experienced that issue; however, mine does the same thing when shifting from reverse to drive after backing up before warming to operating temp. It has a slip, bang, clunk and then bucks a little before literally lunging forward. I crawled underneath to see if anything was loose in the drivetrain but can't see anything obvious (u-joint, trans mount, etc.).
I'm feeling like it's a hybrid thing switching between motors because I believe it's been switching over every time is done this.
Sorry to jump your post! It lined up with my shift and buck, so wanted to compile the info.

Rough shifting – Cold Truck

As noted previous, I'm also experiencing the rough shifting from 1st to 2nd in the morning when the truck is cold. I developed a log (Excel spreadsheet) where I recorded the date, milage, and description of the shifting problem for 35 days. I logged over 20 rough shift/cold truck instances.

Dealer Investigation:

I made an appointment with the dealer and explained the rough shifting when the truck is cold. As expected, they said they will need to keep the truck overnight. I provided a copy of my log record and notes addressed to the Mechanic. (I requested and received a loaner vehicle).

The next morning, the mechanic was able to reproduce the shifting issue and contacted Toyota Technical Assistance System (TAS) and opened a TAS Case. Mechanic noted: “4924 confirmed concern”. (TAS is used by technicians when a problem is not covered by the service manual or requires more in-depth help beyond the first repair attempt.) TAS asked the Mechanic to send them a screen shot of the ‘scan tool’ used to monitor the tranny when being tested.

The next morning, the mechanic again reproduced the shifting issue and sent Toyota the screen shots. Toyota asked for more information, additional screen shots.

The next morning, the mechanic again reproduced the shifting issue and sent Toyota the additional screen shots. At this point, TAS said/told the Mechanic the following three items:

• “We have not seen this issue before.” My first thought was that is a big pile of B.S.! My second thought was Toyota does not give any ‘complaint or issue’ any attention unless there are numerous ‘reports’ of the same issue.
• Toyota (TAS) told the Mechanic to drive another vehicle with the 2.4 i-FORCE MAX drivetrain to see if this is a ‘normal’ shifting issue with the i-FORCE MAX drivetrain. At the time, the Dealer did not have one on the lot.
• Toyota (TAS) told the Mechanic to reset the Transmission Control Module (TCM). (The 8-speed transmission is equipped with an "adaptive learning" system that continuously adjusts shift parameters to one’s driving style. This self-learning process is controlled by the TCM).

The Mechanic working on my truck was very apologetic and said he can only do what TAS authorizes. He said something is not right.

Current Status:

• It has been about two weeks since the Mechanic reset the TCM. I do not drive many miles; it is unclear to me how long it takes for the TCM to ‘relearn’ what it is supposed to do.
• During the last two weeks, the shifting started out all over the place but has steadily gotten smoother. I am not yet able to say the ‘rough shift issue’ has improved or been resolved.

Question and Comments for 4R and LC Owners:

• Is the ‘rough shifting issue’ only associated with the 2.4 i-FORCE MAX drivetrain (hybrid version) or is it also associated with the 2.4 i-FORCE drivetrain (non-hybrid version)?
• 
  
• The ‘rough shift issue’ has been noted by many 4R and TC owners. However, I wonder how many owners have left their vehicle with a Dealer for four nights? Until Toyota hears from all of us, they will not put out a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to fix the problem.

 

[SickJoke]

There are a few threads on these issues. I have been trying to add my experiences to each of them, in hopes it helps us keep working on this issue. Right now I still am not sure if ALL hybrid owners see this or only some of us? It seems like a lot of owners are still in the "wait and see if it gets better" phase.

@MikeUtah -I have a Hybrid (TRD Pro) with 3200 miles. It's experiencing this a lot, mostly just when cold, but not only the first drive of the day like some people. I get some clunky down-shifts when braking too. It was not like this when new and I dont drive it aggressively. I leave it in Normal mode most of the time.

I left mine at the dealers overnight for one night. They reproduced the next morning but said they drove another at the lot and it had the same behavior. I'm not convinced they actually did. I pushed on this and they said they would open a case with Toyota. I'm not sure if it's a TAS Case as you mentioned, my service tech didnt mention that specifically. He said all they can do is make note of it in a case. Toyota wont respond or follow up. I'm going to start pushing this issue at the dealer again but not having my vehicle is a huge inconvenience.

I feel like Toyota saying they aren't aware is BS. If you look at the Tacoma forums there are a lot of reports of this type of behavior as well - Tacoma = Same engine, same transmission.

It's unfortunate, I am to the point where I am really dissatisfied with the vehicle over these. I don't enjoy driving it because it's so rough, and way too rough for the cost of this vehicle or any vehicle. I've considered selling it, but the seems unfair to do to a new owner unless they were aware and willing to accept the drive characteristics. I also considered trading it in, but not to Toyota, I don't want the dealer to make a profit off this, since they've not exactly been responsive.

 

[DHermit]

I notice the same thing when the 4Runner is cold. Leaving my neighborhood, it will shift HARD from 1st to 2nd.

 

[DHermit]

There are a few threads on these issues. I have been trying to add my experiences to each of them, in hopes it helps us keep working on this issue. Right now I still am not sure if ALL hybrid owners see this or only some of us? It seems like a lot of owners are still in the "wait and see if it gets better" phase.

@MikeUtah -I have a Hybrid (TRD Pro) with 3200 miles. It's experiencing this a lot, mostly just when cold, but not only the first drive of the day like some people. I get some clunky down-shifts when braking too. It was not like this when new and I dont drive it aggressively. I leave it in Normal mode most of the time.

I left mine at the dealers overnight for one night. They reproduced the next morning but said they drove another at the lot and it had the same behavior. I'm not convinced they actually did. I pushed on this and they said they would open a case with Toyota. I'm not sure if it's a TAS Case as you mentioned, my service tech didnt mention that specifically. He said all they can do is make note of it in a case. Toyota wont respond or follow up. I'm going to start pushing this issue at the dealer again but not having my vehicle is a huge inconvenience.

I feel like Toyota saying they aren't aware is BS. If you look at the Tacoma forums there are a lot of reports of this type of behavior as well - Tacoma = Same engine, same transmission.

It's unfortunate, I am to the point where I am really dissatisfied with the vehicle over these. I don't enjoy driving it because it's so rough, and way too rough for the cost of this vehicle or any vehicle. I've considered selling it, but the seems unfair to do to a new owner unless they were aware and willing to accept the drive characteristics. I also considered trading it in, but not to Toyota, I don't want the dealer to make a profit off this, since they've not exactly been responsive.

Regarding ONLY the clunky downshifts. Do you have DA(Deacceleration Assist) turned on or off? When I had it ON, I'd have this happen ALL THE TIME when braking / slowing down. After turning it off, never again FWIW.

Also, I HATE HATE HATE the "normal" driving mode. It feels TERRIBLE. I always drive it in Comfort or Sport S+ now and I'm so much happier as well. Seems to shift a LOT better in these modes.

 

[SickJoke]

Do you have DA(Deacceleration Assist) turned on or off?

I don't have PDA on, which I believe DA is part of, unless DA is a separate option somewhere. My clunky downshifts occur even when I'm the only one one the road. I'll look into this though. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[DHermit]

I don't have PDA on, which I believe DA is part of, unless DA is a separate option somewhere. My clunky downshifts occur even when I'm the only one one the road. I'll look into this though. Thanks for the suggestion!

I'd also note that perhaps the ECM or whatever it's called that learns how you drive, maybe that helped fix this for me over time. I have about 2k miles on it so far. Haven't had the downshift clunk in over 1k miles.

 

[MikeUtah]

Rough shifting – Cold Truck

As noted previous, I'm also experiencing the rough shifting from 1st to 2nd in the morning when the truck is cold. I developed a log (Excel spreadsheet) where I recorded the date, milage, and description of the shifting problem for 35 days. I logged over 20 rough shift/cold truck instances.

Dealer Investigation:

I made an appointment with the dealer and explained the rough shifting when the truck is cold. As expected, they said they will need to keep the truck overnight. I provided a copy of my log record and notes addressed to the Mechanic. (I requested and received a loaner vehicle).

The next morning, the mechanic was able to reproduce the shifting issue and contacted Toyota Technical Assistance System (TAS) and opened a TAS Case. Mechanic noted: “4924 confirmed concern”. (TAS is used by technicians when a problem is not covered by the service manual or requires more in-depth help beyond the first repair attempt.) TAS asked the Mechanic to send them a screen shot of the ‘scan tool’ used to monitor the tranny when being tested.

The next morning, the mechanic again reproduced the shifting issue and sent Toyota the screen shots. Toyota asked for more information, additional screen shots.

The next morning, the mechanic again reproduced the shifting issue and sent Toyota the additional screen shots. At this point, TAS said/told the Mechanic the following three items:

• “We have not seen this issue before.” My first thought was that is a big pile of B.S.! My second thought was Toyota does not give any ‘complaint or issue’ any attention unless there are numerous ‘reports’ of the same issue.
• Toyota (TAS) told the Mechanic to drive another vehicle with the 2.4 i-FORCE MAX drivetrain to see if this is a ‘normal’ shifting issue with the i-FORCE MAX drivetrain. At the time, the Dealer did not have one on the lot.
• Toyota (TAS) told the Mechanic to reset the Transmission Control Module (TCM). (The 8-speed transmission is equipped with an "adaptive learning" system that continuously adjusts shift parameters to one’s driving style. This self-learning process is controlled by the TCM).

The Mechanic working on my truck was very apologetic and said he can only do what TAS authorizes. He said something is not right.

Current Status:

• It has been about two weeks since the Mechanic reset the TCM. I do not drive many miles; it is unclear to me how long it takes for the TCM to ‘relearn’ what it is supposed to do.
• During the last two weeks, the shifting started out all over the place but has steadily gotten smoother. I am not yet able to say the ‘rough shift issue’ has improved or been resolved.

Question and Comments for 4R and LC Owners:

• Is the ‘rough shifting issue’ only associated with the 2.4 i-FORCE MAX drivetrain (hybrid version) or is it also associated with the 2.4 i-FORCE drivetrain (non-hybrid version)?
• The ‘rough shift issue’ has been noted by many 4R and TC owners. However, I wonder how many owners have left their vehicle with a Dealer for four nights? Until Toyota hears from all of us, they will not put out a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to fix the problem.

Update - October 31, 2025:

It has been 24 days since the Mechanic reset the TCM. For the first 10 days or so, the shifting was all over the place but has steadily got smoother and it appears the TCM has ‘relearned’ my driving habits.

As of today, the ‘rough shift, cold truck’ issue appears to be 90% resolved; may be 100% resolved, but only time will tell!

 

[SickJoke]

@MikeUtah - Thanks for the update! I'm almost due for my 5k service and will request they try to reset the TCM. Fingers crossed for us both.

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