Hard transmission shift on initial startup under 1k Miles

[828findadventure]

I’m going to report the issue to the dealership next week. If i get the response that "it is normal” I will demand a meeting with the General Manager of the dealership. I spoke to him about their inability to check the alignment on my brand new Trailhunter because service didn’t have the specs and he stepped in and got the specs from Hunter and completed the alignment. However, they somehow managed to scratch the hell out of the horn pad on the steering wheel in the process but denied any responsibility. I insisted they fix it so they ordered a new pad and will install it next week.

They also told me the fugly widow seals on the rear windows was normal! I’m a little sick of hearing that but hesitate to insist they replace them because I have zero faith in their ability to do it right.

I have the same scratches. They are from the seat belt.

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[MikeK]

I have the same scratches. They are from the seat belt.

How the heck does the seatbelt scratch the horn pad?

 

[828findadventure]

How the heck does the seatbelt scratch the horn pad?

I guess the metal or something; I've done it to mine a few times.

 

[HurScu]

I have the same scratches. They are from the seat belt.

No, they are from the tool that they use to hold the steering wheel in place during the alignment. They also use a tool to hold down the break pedal. The service manager showed them to me but still claimed they didn’t cause the scratches. The pic only shows the worst scratch, there are many more.

 

[MikeK]

I guess the metal or something; I've done it to mine a few times.

I've never noticed my seatbelt coming that close to the steering wheel. It just doesn't make any sense in my mind, but I suppose anything's possible at a dealerships service department.
I don't put much faith in them anymore after some prior experiences.

 

[Cledope]

I have mine at the dealership currently. They are holding it overnight because the shifting is worse in the ams after sitting. Unfortunately the temps are back up in the area which makes it shift better. I’ve been having a delay after the first shift in am 1-2, it shifts and then takes about 1.5 seconds and then there is a weird pull after the shift like the trans is slipping and catches. It also has a hard shift from 2-3 in the am. The shift from 2-3 typically goes away after driving 10mins. I’ve had it happen midday after parking for about 45 mins or more but mainly in the am and not every time I hop in midday. I will keep yall posted.

 

[Cledope]

I have mine at the dealership currently. They are holding it overnight because the shifting is worse in the ams after sitting. Unfortunately the temps are back up in the area which makes it shift better. I’ve been having a delay after the first shift in am 1-2, it shifts and then takes about 1.5 seconds and then there is a weird pull after the shift like the trans is slipping and catches. It also has a hard shift from 2-3 in the am. The shift from 2-3 typically goes away after driving 10mins. I’ve had it happen midday after parking for about 45 mins or more but mainly in the am and not every time I hop in midday. I will keep yall posted.

I’m pushing towards 20k miles and I’ve had the hard shift since the beginning but seems to be becoming more noticeable… could be the weather change.

 

[HurScu]

I have mine at the dealership currently. They are holding it overnight because the shifting is worse in the ams after sitting. Unfortunately the temps are back up in the area which makes it shift better. I’ve been having a delay after the first shift in am 1-2, it shifts and then takes about 1.5 seconds and then there is a weird pull after the shift like the trans is slipping and catches. It also has a hard shift from 2-3 in the am. The shift from 2-3 typically goes away after driving 10mins. I’ve had it happen midday after parking for about 45 mins or more but mainly in the am and not every time I hop in midday. I will keep yall posted.

Let us know how you make out!

 

[SouthCoast]

ours had the hard shift intermittently for the first 1k miles or so. after that, it's been pretty smooth. 16k miles so far with no issues since. The window seals are crappy for the entire 4runner fleet. Toyota really screwed the pooch on that one.

 

[alligatorsauce]

I don't know if this will help anyone else out, but like everyone else, it pretty much only happens on a cold start. But I was able to isolate a few things that help for mine.

I do always let the car warm up until the rpms drop below 1,000. It doesn't take that long, maybe 20-30 seconds. I also noticed that, for me, it doesn't happen going downhill, I'm assuming because the transmission is simply under less load. So if I'm able to take an initial route downhill, I'll take advantage of that.

I also noticed if I simply go slow for 100 or so yds without letting the transmission shift (by keeping the rpms under 2000), once I do start driving normally after that first 100 yds, it doesn't do the hard shift. Maybe it takes a bit for all the oil to be distributed? No idea, but it definitely works for me.

 

[josiahg52]

ours had the hard shift intermittently for the first 1k miles or so. after that, it's been pretty smooth. 16k miles so far with no issues since. The window seals are crappy for the entire 4runner fleet. Toyota really screwed the pooch on that one.

Mine are not?

 

[Cledope]

I picked my 4Runner up this am. It’s exceptionally warm today so they were unable to recreate (breaking records in my area- go figure) the hard shift at the dealership. They were able to recreate the brake squeal and have ordered the parts. I’m gonna have it checked again once it gets colder out. Thanks for the tips. I have the issues while I’m working and have to park for 45min-1hr at a time 7-8 times a day when I’m at work, so don’t have time to baby it prior to launching. I figure 20k miles a year I have two more years before the warranty is up.

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