2024 Tacoma Transmission Overheating on Long Climbs Off-Road

[Bcphoto3]

Crazy part is I’m pretty sure ones with tow package have a trans cooler which I have….

Not the 2024 TH.. I have Tow Package and no Transcooler..

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[TacoFreak]

Not the 2024 TH.. I have Tow Package and no Transcooler..

Doesn't your TH have a transmission cooler circuit in the bottom of the radiator? My Pro does.

My Tundra had that kind of cooler and the transmission fluid never got too hot, even when towing up to its limit. I think it is just the design of the 4th gen transmissions that cause the higher temps both when towing and when off road in 4HI. Toyota needs to do something about that IMO, but I am not holding my breath.

 

[TacoKiwi]

The Fast Lane truck guys on YT recently did a torture towing test up some long long climb in Colorado using a Premium Hybrid towing 6000lbs bone stock and it was the only truck (yes only) that made it to the top without some sort of system code or ECU slowing things down as compared to all of the other brands - and they were full size. Dodge Cummins excepted though - Sunday drive for that. But at the top the tranmssion was at 276F which IMO is waaaayyy too hot. Engine was at 207 so not bad there. Proves the system is robust but when I get mine I am installing the made for model Mishimoto transmission cooler which goes in series with the cooling lines to the radiator tank. I shall also fire blanket type insulate the cooling lines if they are near the exhaust as that has an effect on cooling. You may want to do the same.

 

[tacorancher]

That’s my thought, which brings me back to wouldn’t that be a very “simple” software update?

Which brings me back to if that’s all it I would think Toyota would’ve released that.
But I don’t know I guess if I did, I wouldn’t be posting this.

I agreed. I’m confused.

 

[tacorancher]

Doesn't your TH have a transmission cooler circuit in the bottom of the radiator? My Pro does.

My Tundra had that kind of cooler and the transmission fluid never got too hot, even when towing up to its limit. I think it is just the design of the 4th gen transmissions that cause the higher temps both when towing and when off road in 4HI. Toyota needs to do something about that IMO, but I am not holding my breath.

Don’t all of our trucks have the cooler circuit? Apparently it doesn’t do enough.

 

[TacoKiwi]

Don’t all of our trucks have the cooler circuit? Apparently it doesn’t do enough.

They do if you are automatic but I believe all vehicles tow ratings are based on basic conditions - level ground, ambient teperature and no head wind. Warranty is good but while they are farting with your vehicle in the shop you cannot use it. The best thing to do is avoid the potential damage and add an extra cooler. I remember when tow package meant bigger rad, external tranny cooler and the larger transmission. But in the case of the OP they were not towing. Shifting manually probably helps too if they were not doing that.

 

[Someguysomewhere26]

Idk I thought they had some sort of cooling system but i was wrong about it being a dedicated cooler.

 

[TacoFreak]

Don’t all of our trucks have the cooler circuit? Apparently it doesn’t do enough.

I think they do, but not sure about all of the trims. And you are correct they don't do enough, but it is not the type of oil cooler, but something with the design. My Tundra could tow a heavy trailer at highway speeds and through the mountains and never see transmission temps go up much at all.

 

[Someguysomewhere26]

Yea I want too add one but with the way things have been going definitely won’t while it’s in warranty with my luck there will be a tsb for something and I’ll get denied over it

 

[Someguysomewhere26]

I do believe we have seen all trims have this issue though so even if different trims have one it isn’t working.

 

[tacorancher]

They do if you are automatic but I believe all vehicles tow ratings are based on basic conditions - level ground, ambient teperature and no head wind. Warranty is good but while they are farting with your vehicle in the shop you cannot use it. The best thing to do is avoid the potential damage and add an extra cooler. I remember when tow package meant bigger rad, external tranny cooler and the larger transmission. But in the case of the OP they were not towing. Shifting manually probably helps too if they were not doing that.

For what we pay, I think it’s nuts to have to add a cooler.

 

[Someguysomewhere26]

I agree this thread shouldn’t exist. Regardless of trim.

 

[lauren01]

For what we pay, I think it’s nuts to have to add a cooler.

Yeah…so many dollars, I am shocked at this problem…seems like we are nudging our way to path leading to a bulk order from Mishimoto with group campout in Vegas with mechanics to install them over a long weekend.

 

[Someguysomewhere26]

This guys thinking ahead. Smart

 

[izzy]

I do believe we have seen all trims have this issue though so even if different trims have one it isn’t working.

The heavier factory wheels and heavier curb weight of the TH/PRO makes those trucks arguably more prone to overheat when riding around in 4Hi under 20mph.

But truly I don't see what the issue is with utilizing your gearing. Under 20mph is hard for any vehicle long term, just throw it in 4Lo and idle up the trail lol

I do wonder how the MT trucks are geared but I have a feeling that uphill at 10mph in 4Hi offroad you'd be lugging it tbh.

Lugging a gasser turbo is probably the worst thing you can do, hence the torque converter soaking up some heat in 4Hi.

Towing 6000lb up a grade is a different story. I'm sure they could have used a lower gear or just gone slower and prevented the transmission from reaching 270F. Just because we have autos doesn't mean you can just throw it in D and cruise, the manual actually specifically states to use S mode and 6th? gear or something for towing.

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