New Member - Transmission Shudders

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Joined
May 19, 2024
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1
Messages
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Location
Folsom, CA
Greetings, new member to the forum, long time owner of a 2004 LC100. 2nd owner, originally purchased and kept in Northern CA (Sacramento Valley) it’s entire life. She has ~350k miles on her and just over the past month started shuttering when at ~2k RPM’s in between 35-40MPH. Found a somewhat similar thread on here where a failing coil pack might be a possible remedy but wanted to see if anyone else has found any additional possible causes and corresponding fixes.

Currently throws a P0442 code which is a different annoyance and don’t think it would be related but wanted to share it on the off chance it could be related.
 
If A/T related, it may be due to the ATF level and or condition. There is a TSB on low speed shutter at ~35 MPH during slight ascent, and another came out later on ATF temp change at which Toyota lowered temp to which level is set at. If my 04. I'd flush the full 12 qts. I'd use either Toyota WS ATF or Mobil MV full synthetic approved for Toyota WS. (Note: Mobil is not the same as Mobil 1). Set level at 96F to 115F of A/T 1 temp. I do this, as a base line along with all fluids..

For the P0442. First thing is clear code and check gas cap. Check the seal condition and that cap is turn tight until clicks. Any doubt on gas cap, replace with the Toyota gas cap specific to your year.

Note: Never top fuel tank past the first fueling pump auto shut off.
 
If A/T related, it may be due to the ATF level and or condition. There is a TSB on low speed shutter at ~35 MPH during slight ascent, and another came out later on ATF temp change at which Toyota lowered temp to which level is set at. If my 04. I'd flush the full 12 qts. I'd use either Toyota WS ATF or Mobil MV full synthetic approved for Toyota WS. (Note: Mobil is not the same as Mobil 1). Set level at 96F to 115F of A/T 1 temp. I do this, as a base line along with all fluids..

For the P0442. First thing is clear code and check gas cap. Check the seal condition and that cap is turn tight until clicks. Any doubt on gas cap, replace with the Toyota gas cap specific to your year.

Note: Never top fuel tank past the first fueling pump auto shut off.
I really appreciate the rapid response and specific advisements. I’ll give it a shot. Seems to be doing something similar now at the ~55MPH mark but I could be getting hypersensitive and paranoid.

Definitely need to replace the gas cap with the OEM to get a better seal.
 
If the fresh atf/fluid level doesn’t address it then consider some Instant Shudder fix. Some have had luck with it, in other vehicles with the A750.

I chased a shudder that ended up being CVs….

IMG_3951.jpeg
 
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A few things you can try. If it's shuddering or got death wobble symptoms, I would check a few areas that have a lot of moving spinning parts first:

Look at the propeller shaft (center axle coming out of transfer case). There is shaft going to front diff and rear diff. Check if they're loose, make sure nuts are torque'ed to spec. Lubricate it, there are little holes where you can insert your grease plunger.

Check your wheel bearings. Lift the car up on each wheel, and see if you can wobble the wheel while it's bolted on the hub. If it's wobbling you have a loose bearing. You should replace the bearing and bearing races (new bearings come with the races), repack them, regrease them, and pre-load them properly.

You should check the CV axle. Check the joints, is it spewing a lot of grease everywhere?

Besides changing tranny fluid, you can also replace the front/rear diff and transfer case fluid with 75W-90. It's not hard, just open drain bolt, let it drip out, then fill it from the fill hole until it fills up to the fill hole. I would do everything else first before replacing tranny fluid, as I usually don't want to touch the tran unless you really have no other choice.... It's an expensive part and if you don't get the fluid just right it can cause issues with shifts.

I would definitely check out the ignition coils and spark plugs, as it's not too hard to get to, check their condition to see if there is potential for a mis-fire. It's best to get an ODB reader and scan for messages if you have one first before randomly replacing things. Spark plugs are cheap if you don't know the last time they're replaced can consider replacing them. If your spark plug is looking real burnt up it's time to replace them. Ignition coils are expensive for all 8, you will be able to see their condition when you take them off.
 
ANY Ideas? I own a 2003 LX470 and I have been chasing this 35-40MPH shudder for months now. So far I have:

-balanced all tires
-replaced the drive shaft (this was my mechanics idea)
-done a full transmission fluid replace with Toyota ATF

I did the transmission fluid replace yesterday and was so bummed to have the shudder continue. I want to sell this truck but don't feel right doing so until this is completed

What would be the next step ? I've spent around $2,000 so far ...
 
ANY Ideas? I own a 2003 LX470 and I have been chasing this 35-40MPH shudder for months now. So far I have:

-balanced all tires
-replaced the drive shaft (this was my mechanics idea)
-done a full transmission fluid replace with Toyota ATF

I did the transmission fluid replace yesterday and was so bummed to have the shudder continue. I want to sell this truck but don't feel right doing so until this is completed

What would be the next step ? I've spent around $2,000 so far ...
Hey there, any update on the shudder?
 
I have the same issue with my 06 lx470. If I keep in 4 I never get the shudder, in D I’ll get the shudder with the same rpm, speed and hill conditions as above
 
I don't know if this is helpful information but a shutter can occur on other vehicles.
I have shutter with my 2000 Isuzu Trooper in high gear, around 35mph, on slight incline and when maintain speed.
It goes away when the transmission downshifts.

I put in some shutter fix and it seemed to go away for a while.
I'm wondering it its related to the type of Transmission Fluid .
 

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