2024 Tacoma Transmission Overheating on Long Climbs Off-Road

[Anamouse]

Are you using S mode and downshifting uphill or leaving the truck in D?

Gotta downshift going uphill to force the converter to lockup and the closer you are to the engines peak power, the less work the torque converter has to do.

These are small engines, you're gonna hear it when going uphill at low speeds where you can't utilize the torque.

No, I did not use the S mode. The problem appears to the the torque converter needs a flow of air to keep it cool during steep climbs and if you go slow there isn't enough air flow

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[Anamouse]

Did they say anything other then we know about it?

Might be the first case I’ve seen where Toyota said anything at all.

No, they didn't say anything other than the factory is aware of the issue and not sure what they want to do.

 

[Someguysomewhere26]

Interesting if you hear anything else please update us.

 

[TacoFreak]

No, they didn't say anything other than the factory is aware of the issue and not sure what they want to do.

If this follows the same pattern as some other issues, what they will want to do is nothing.

 

[Someguysomewhere26]

To be honest I’m not sure what their options would be which sucks.
It’s either a software update to change the way it behaves
Or an added trans cooler. Which I think best case we would get as a tsb or more likely it’s just added to future models :/

 

[GSPHerder]

Just did a few days with an unloaded TRD Pro at 9-11k elevations.

Noticed a few things - in 2Hi in regular drive mode the truck likes to stay under 2k rpm's which caused the tranny to start to overheat.

When I went to S Mode and kept in 2d or 1st gear the temp dropped back down to mid range and stayed there all day.

Its not an airflow issue because no matter what gear I chose the speed and airflow remained the same and only started to overheat when it was in third gear or higher or under 2k rpm. 1st and 2d gear as long as I kept the rpms 2k or higher the tranny temps were stable.

Question now is, is it something with the torque converter that causes it too slip more under 2k rpm, or is it just an engineering/mechanical/gearing problem with 3rd gear or higher.

 

[Anamouse]

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

The transmission line runs through the bottom of the radiator which is supposed to keep it cool. I got the towing and offroad packages and there was no transmission cooler option I could purchase.

 

[GSPHerder]

Wouldn't a cooler be subject to airflow? It's not an airflow issue.

A cooler couldn't hurt right, but that's not the issue with our tranny's overheating.

 

[Will721]

The only difference to the transmission itself 4hi-4lo is overall rpm. Same can be said in lower gears. The higher the rpm at the input shaft, the higher volume fluid the pumps gonna push. The transmission can regulate itself using solenoids for pressure, but not volume of flow. Also, the mo

If that is the case, the only option would be a larger cooler, possibly with more air flow. While you can't change the volume of fluid flow without changing driving habits, you could reduce the temperature of what fluid it does get as much as possible to therefore reduce the overall average.

 

[GSPHerder]

The only difference to the transmission itself 4hi-4lo is overall rpm. Same can be said in lower gears. The higher the rpm at the input shaft, the higher volume fluid the pumps gonna push. The transmission can regulate itself using solenoids for pressure, but not volume of flow. Also, the mo

that makes most sense Will721

 

[24 TRD OR]

I have the Mishimoto trans cooler and it works great. Hills that I climbed before that would cause my truck to stop due to the transmission overheating, I can now climb without stopping. I left a review on my YouTube channel "Great Overland Experiences". But for those who aren't interested, suffice it to say, it works as advertised and really helps. Than you Mishimoto!!!!

 

[Gfenza89]

Toyota doing nothing as usual to figure out a serious problem

 

[joebangle]

We have the same overheating issue driving in the white mountains in nh. We were on a paved road with many switch backs making using 4 low not feasable. Vehicle had one adult and one child and empty other than lunch for both of us, Not towing anything whatsoever. The transmission temps on the dash gradually increase like a tea kettle. I put it into tow haul mode with helped a little, but it didn't prevent the overheating. I was under the impression tacomas were durable and were tested heavily to prevent issues like this? Where is the lead engineer Sheldon Brown to address issues like this??? Toyota do better...

 

[TacoFreak]

I was under the impression tacomas were durable and were tested heavily to prevent issues like this? Where is the lead engineer Sheldon Brown to address issues like this??? Toyota do better...

Yeah, they used to be. I agree, this is unacceptable and I don't think Toyota cares.

 

[joebangle]

You have to ask yourself why people buy toyota products. They do not have more horse power, not more luxurious inside, not as electronically/ tech advanced, doesn't have more space, and certainly not a bargain compared to the competition.
The only things they have going for them is longevity, durability and resale value. Take away longevity or durability and the value and main reason to buy one disappears. I'm not sure what the business model is at this point. Apparently they adopt passenger car engines and transmissions to their trucks and suv's with minor modifications and for some reason don't provide extensive testing before launching the updated models? Oh and not to mention the 8spd transmissions had all sorts if issues in the sedans that were sold? Toyota knew these transmissionshad issues from the get go.
If I didn't know any better, toyota is expecting their customers to buy $50k vehicles AND do the preliminary beta testing on them. I don't see how this contributes to their legacy, and certainly doesn't build confidence from the consumer. I'm frankly amazed at how Sheldon Brown dropped the tacoma program like a hot potato once they were transfered to another project. The lead engineer hyped up the product, and left the customers holding the bag. Do better Toyota!

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