1st/2nd Gear Shudder ‘17 LC

[OneLessThing]

I have a new-to-me ‘17 LC with 83k miles. I’ve only had it a couple weeks and I get a familiar squeak under that hood that I figure is a belt. Took it to Toyotechs in ATL and they diagnosed as a drive belt tensioner. They ordered the part and fixed, along with a new belt. $525

Driving home from the shop I noticed a subtle but distinct shudder when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Since I’d only owned the car for a couple weeks prior to the repair I thought maybe I just hadn’t noticed it...but then I hit some stop-and-go traffic....and it does it with every 1st/2nd shift. Constantly. So it’s probably a result of being the shop, but I can’t image what the drive belt tensioner has to do with transmission.

I called the shop after a couple days and they theorized that perhaps the tech disconnected the battery during install and that erased the learned shift points for the car?? I have read on the forums there was a software update that maybe fixed this. Is it possible the previous owner had the update installed and it was somehow erased during the recent repair?

If so (or if not), any suggestions on getting this fixed?

 

[04UZJ100]

A lurching or clunky sensation is present on the 5, 6, and 8 speed cruiser transmissions that I have owned when under extremely low throttle conditions (stop/go traffic).

 

[bentonrover]

Whats the history on it? Did you run your vin# on the toyota owners website? It'll have all services from dealers that serviced it. I'm sure the update would be mentioned on there.

 

[Sandroad]

The firmware update (any of them) does not get erased when disconnecting the battery. And the transmission relearn for shifting is a very subtle thing and does not cause a new shudder. It’s worth asking the shop some details about what they did, but a routine tensioner replacement would not cause a transmission shudder. I suggest taking it to the shop and paying for a simple transmission fluid drain and replace. That will get at least a few quarts of fresh fluid in there and may solve the shudder. It will also be a good way for them to check the fluid level. Make certain they use only Toyota World Service (WS) fluid and no additives.

 

[OneLessThing]

Whats the history on it? Did you run your vin# on the toyota owners website? It'll have all services from dealers that serviced it. I'm sure the update would be mentioned on there.

I have tried for the past couple days to log into the Toyota owners site, but they have been down for maintenance.

 

[OneLessThing]

The firmware update (any of them) does not get erased when disconnecting the battery. And the transmission relearn for shifting is a very subtle thing and does not cause a new shudder. It’s worth asking the shop some details about what they did, but a routine tensioner replacement would not cause a transmission shudder. I suggest taking it to the shop and paying for a simple transmission fluid drain and replace. That will get at least a few quarts of fresh fluid in there and may solve the shudder. It will also be a good way for them to check the fluid level. Make certain they use only Toyota World Service (WS) fluid and no additives.

Was a good idea. Had them change the transmission fluid and also grease the drive shaft. Sadly did not help.

Whats the history on it? Did you run your vin# on the toyota owners website? It'll have all services from dealers that serviced it. I'm sure the update would be mentioned on there.

Update had not been done. Performed TSB last week—but no change. Coasts a little better and sometimes rev-matches correctly but generally the same issue.

 

[Fishinsea]

I wonder if it is just certain LC's, I bought my 2018 with almost 11,000 miles on her and she shifts like butter.

 

[Sandroad]

Was a good idea. Had them change the transmission fluid and also grease the drive shaft. Sadly did not help.

Update had not been done. Performed TSB last week—but no change. Coasts a little better and sometimes rev-matches correctly but generally the same issue.

It seems like you've covered all the simple stuff. You'll probably have to live with it. I doubt a dealer would be able to help, but you might at least have it checked out. One thing you don't want to have is a Toyota dealer writing in the service record something like: "Customer states transmission shift shudder; recommend a replacement transmission." That could greatly lower resale or trade value.

 

[OneLessThing]

One thing you don't want to have is a Toyota dealer writing in the service record something like: "Customer states transmission shift shudder; recommend a replacement transmission." That could greatly lower resale or trade value.

I shudder to think...