2024 Tacoma Transmission Overheating on Long Climbs Off-Road

[cranny]

2024 OR Premium Hybrid - Anybody else having problems with their transmission overheating specifically on long offroad climbs? And if so, what have you done to fix it? Transmission temperature is normal and shifts normally on mountain highways but the truck overheats on long off-road climbs - anything over about 600m (~2000ft) vertical. I've had warning lights come on twice and now monitor the transmission temperature on climbs and stop for a couple minutes then continue once the transmission cools. I'm not towing or carrying anything more than a couple mountain bikes. These are roads I've done in other trucks and done in tandom with other vehicles and the other trucks including a couple 3G Tacomas and Bronco are not overheating their transmissions. I've tried 4 LOW which shouldnt be necessary on these grades but it doesn't really help. I've asked my dealer about it and was told to install a transmission cooler if I'm going to be doing a lot of offroading. I'll for sure do this but just expected an OR vehicle to not overheat on offroad climbs... Any other solutions people have found?

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[tacomaco1776]

I have driven my 25 hybrid up and down 3500ft + elevation gain (my house to nearest city) multiple times with no issues.

 

[grizzlyoutlaw]

I just experienced the same thing non-hybrid. I was at 5000-8000 feet using 4wd rocky mode extremely loaded down. On the second to last ascent I noticed because I was losing power. Last year I took my 23 Colorado on the same trip and it did not have this issue.

 

[CrispyTacoLover]

I just experienced the same thing non-hybrid. I was at 5000-8000 feet using 4wd rocky mode extremely loaded down. On the second to last ascent I noticed because I was losing power. Last year I took my 23 Colorado on the same trip and it did not have this issue.

How much weight is in the bed?

 

[grizzlyoutlaw]

How much weight is in the bed?

Two 180+ dudes, camping gear for 4 nights, loaded bed, loaded on top of the seat delete and 200 pound E-Bike. Played with descent control and smelled brakes coming down. With hybrid being heavier from factory it might be more common for them.

 

[stuckinsocal]

I wonder if it is a combination of the increased torque down low and the automatic not locking up due to whatever the computer decides. I have the 6MT so whenever I have obstacles / anything more than a mild climb I'm in 4LO anyway.

 

[ridetime]

My money is on the tires. Probably close to double the weight of stock tires and the larger diameter impacts gear ratios substantially.

 

[BAQ717]

From what I understand Aisin transmissions are typically rock solid (manufacturing mishaps excluded). I’m not worried. Possibly they’ll push a transmission software update in the future to help limit temp increases in these scenarios. Toyota is probably regretting putting a trans temp gauge in the truck

 

[LincolnSixAlpha]

If I had to guess, it's likely the result of no transmission cooler. While I've not researched this first hand, I've noticed in the last 10 years of vehicle purchases that even though you'll have all of the "tow" upgrades selected, the manufacturers are not installing transmission coolers on these vehicles. Again just a guess, but for sure I'm not surprised. I dont really offroad or tow at all, so likely most of us are not going to have issues, but again just another way for the manufacturers to save a few pennies here and there...

 

[Lando]

Wait, what? No transmission cooler? Do any of the models have one, the ones with the built in trailer brake controller perhaps?

 

[Chris_2025OR]

I experienced this on my offroad with the regular turbo 4. The transmission overheated and went into limp mode multiple times on a grated dirt road that went from 4k ft to 8k ft elevation. I even crossed an Astro van that was making its way down which really pissed me off Putting it into 4lo solved the problem but I didn't want to be in 4lo, this was most definitely a 4hi type of road and speed. Planning to take it back to the dealership next week to have them look at it. 4k miles on the truck.

 

[ORHV]

Wait, what? No transmission cooler? Do any of the models have one, the ones with the built in trailer brake controller perhaps?

Nope! None.

 

[JakeJoeBob]

I have a non Hybrid. Driven in 4Hi and 4LO in the mountains extensively and no issues. OTT is a possible "software" fix you can do now as it supposly lowers transmission temps and it's a great add overall.

 

[chasea1989]

Wait, what? No transmission cooler? Do any of the models have one, the ones with the built in trailer brake controller perhaps?

I have an SR5 with the ITBC, and mine seems to have a trans cooler. Its built into the radiator.

 

[ORHV]

I have an SR5 with the ITBC, and mine seems to have a trans cooler. Its built into the radiator.

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