Engine, A/T Controls - Torque Converter Lock Up Shudder
T-SB-0096-09March 20, 2009
Torque Converter Flex Lockup Shudder
Service Category
Drivetrain
Section
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
Market
USA
Applicability
The information contained in this TSB supersedes TSB No. T-SB-0048-09.
^ The following sections have been updated to include information for 2005 - 2007 model year Tacoma vehicles:
^ Applicability
^ Warranty Information
^ Parts Information
^ Calibration Information
TSB No. T-SB-0048-09 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this service bulletin before proceeding.
Introduction
Some customers with 4 cylinder (2TR-FE) and A340 (4-speed) automatic transmission equipped Tacoma vehicles may experience an intermittent shudder or vibration. This condition lasts for approximately one second and occurs when lightly accelerating after an upshift into 3rd or 4th gear with the torque converter assembly in Flex Lockup. This vibration is commonly described as feeling like driving over "rumble strips" or on a "washboard" road. The Engine Control Module/ECM (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been revised to prevent the learning of an incorrect value during certain driving conditions. Use the following repair procedure to address customer concerns.
Production Change Information
This TSB applies to vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VIN shown.
Warranty Information
APPLICABLE WARRANTY
^ This repair is covered under the Toyota Federal Emission Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 96 months or 80,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.
^ Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer's specific complaint.
Parts Information
NOTE
^ The ECM (PCM) should NOT be replaced as part of the repair procedure.
^ Authorized Modification Labels may be ordered in packages of 25 from the Materials Distribution Center (MDC) through Dealer Daily - Dealer Support Materials Orders.
Calibration Information
Required Tools & Equipment
NOTE
^ Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling 1-800-933-8335.
^ The GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station (P/N 00002-MCGR8) supersedes the Automatic Trickle Charger (P/N 00002-YA122-01) and Fast Battery Chargers (Associated P/N ASE6OO3 and Christie P/N CAPPDQ). P/N 00002-YA122-01, ASE6003, and CAPPDQ are now obsolete.
Repair Procedure
1. Test drive the vehicle and confirm there is a vibration or shudder under light throttle acceleration.
2. Use TIS Techstream to take a snapshot when shudder vibration is occurring to confirm that it occurs when in 3rd or 4th gear while lightly accelerating.
Configure snapshot as follows:
30 Second Duration
Trigger Point at Midpoint (50%)
NOTE
Refer to the University of Toyota online training class P901C "Techstream InDepth" for information about taking snapshots and graphing snapshots on Techstream.
3. Use Data List and the graphing functions of the Snapshot feature to confirm the following data parameters when the shudder occurs:
^ Vehicle Speed
^ Engine Speed
^ Lock Up
Shift Status
^ If Lock Up is "OFF" and vehicle has just shifted into 3rd or 4th gear when shudder/vibration occurs - This TSB applies - Go to step 4.
^ If shudder/vibration occurs in 2nd gear, or when Lock Up is "ON - This TSB does NOT apply. Continue diagnosis per Repair Manual.
4. Disconnect the battery for at least 10 minutes, and then test drive the vehicle again. Shudder/vibration should be eliminated.
^ If shudder/vibration is eliminated - Go to step 5.
^ If shudder/vibration is still present - This TSB does NOT apply. Continue diagnosis per Repair Manual.
5. Check for the Authorized Modifications Label affixed to the vehicle in the location shown in Figure 2. Confirm if the ECM (PCM) calibration has been updated using Techstream Health Check. If the calibration ID listed is NOT the latest ECM (PCM) calibration - go to step 6.
6. Flash Reprogram the ECM (PCM).
NOTE
^ The GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station MUST be used in Power Supply Mode to maintain battery voltage at 13.5 volts while flash reprogramming the vehicle.
^ For details on how to use the GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station, refer to the located on the Technical Information System (TIS), Diagnostics - Battery
Follow the procedures outlined in TSB No. SS002-07, "Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure", and flash the ECM (PCM) with the NEW calibration file update.
7. Start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature before test driving.
8. Test drive the vehicle to confirm proper vehicle operation.
9. Install the Authorized Modifications Label.
A. Using a permanent marker enter the following information on the label:
^ ECM part number [Refer to the Parts Information section for the CURRENT PART NUMBER]
^ Calibration ID(s) [Refer to the Calibration Identification Chart for the NEW CALIBRATION ID]
^ Dealer Code
^ Repair Date
^ Change Authority [This TSB number]
B. Affix the Authorized Modifications Label to the vehicle at the location shown in Figure 2. The Authorized Modifications Label is available through the MDC P/N 00451-00001-LBL.