I wonder if 2016+ 200s with the 8-speed experience this shudder/hesitation?
Shudder/Hesitation in Powertrain - Toyota & Dealership Say...
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Just chiming in (since this has been bugging me for a while) to say that (unfortunately) my 2013 LX with 67K miles seems to be exhibiting some of the same characteristics. 1-2 shift that feels a jumbled/serrated and a drive line jolt when getting on or off of light-to-moderate throttle while traveling between ~20-40mph. These things do not occur all of the time, i.e. not every single 1-2 shift, and there seems to be no consistent set of circumstances or conditions that trigger the behavior. The 1-2 shift feeling "stumbly" can occur both very light or moderate/high throttle input amounts. The 1-2 shift feels a bit strange in low range as well. The only thing that I have done to possibly address this is greasing of driveline zerks a couple of times with no noticeable behavior change. At a dealer visit I also let a tech drive with me riding shotgun, and he agreed that something felt a bit off but wanted to drive another LX to verify.....there were no pre;-2016's around that day. I was hoping that it maybe had something to do with the transmission fluid level...since I have not checked it, but the response above by SQRRRL seems to maybe rule that out.
More likely the non-premium gas you were running before was just bad gas - or maybe just marginal.
32cls6speedmt
SILVER Star
Run some bg 44 k or red Line (60103) Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner Gas and Injector Additive Treatment-15 oz Bottle
Make sure u are top tier gasoline.
Make sure u are top tier gasoline.
The ONLY fuel system cleaner that i use the Chevron Techron Fuel System cleaner.
"I don't always use fuel system cleaner, but when I do, I prefer Chevron."
SQRRRL
SILVER Star
How about fuel with 10% ethanol in California? Could be the cause? Any kind of fuel additive recommended?
Doubt it was bad gas as this had been the case for many tankfuls. Manual said regular petrol was fine so just used that *shrug* but I guess it does prefer the better stuff. I’m not in California
Toyota fuel system cleaner was used before the last service c 4 months back, but will give this Chevron stuff a try
If it idles smoothly, pulls fine when not shifting, and doesn’t knock under WOT then there’s not much indication that it’s fuel or engine management.
I would start with the simple: disconnect your battery for 30 minutes or longer to allow the ECU to fully reset. You’ll know this has happened if upon start it catches and then immediately turns off. The 2nd start will be normal. See if this causes the computer to recalibrate the shifts. And then as others have stated run the trans in power mode. That will elevate the shift points and if it’s rpm related you should see a difference.
I would start with the simple: disconnect your battery for 30 minutes or longer to allow the ECU to fully reset. You’ll know this has happened if upon start it catches and then immediately turns off. The 2nd start will be normal. See if this causes the computer to recalibrate the shifts. And then as others have stated run the trans in power mode. That will elevate the shift points and if it’s rpm related you should see a difference.
This is somewhat telling and the symptoms you're experiencing is not normal. There's something going on within one or multiple combustion chambers related pre-ignition/knock, that higher octane fuel is helping with. A scanner or techstream may be able to help localize which cylinders this is.
As for the cause, can be multiple things. Yes, could be as simple as spark plugs and would be something to try. Could also be an injector, deposits, or defect/degradation/damage within the cylinder causing hotspots that cause pre-ignition.
I'd have them do a major tune-up including combustion and EFI cleaning service. New plugs. And then give it an Italian tune-up.
If it's under warranty, be firm and insist this is not normal. Let them figure out how to fix it.
SQRRRL
SILVER Star
My warranty has expired but I reported it when it was under warranty. They chose not to look at it.
I think I have a leg to stand on if it’s documented.
I think I have a leg to stand on if it’s documented.
Interesting. Perhaps my conclusion was premature as the shudder seems to have returned very slightly - it happens when shifting into the upper gears at those speeds, while holding a light throttle - sub 2k rpm. Moderate to firm acceleration is perfectly smooth, as is idle at all temps, in hot and cold ambient conditions. The shudder itself is never severe and feels as if it coming from the drivetrain somewhere rather than the engine.
I guess a full transmission fluid change (due soon anyway), sparks/tune up and perhaps the battery disconnection are the next logical steps. Not sure if any of this can be picked up by the dealer's computers as there have been no engine warning lights etc coming on.
I think you do if it's documented.
I had similar situation on our RX for a sticky dashboard campaign. I reported it, service advisor said it was fine, two years later they replaced it after it had expired.
Today I dropped my 14 LX with 67k at the dealer for scheduled oil service, to address the shudder, and a couple of other warranty related items.
A senior tech drove it today and he was able to experience the shudder/hesitation. He said it was slight, and recommended to grease all the fittings and consider trying a different brand premium fuel. I currently use Costco premium.
He said if it does not improve, then to consider having the transmission fluid changed. He acknowledged it's supposed to be lifetime fluid, but still suggested it.
I will report back in a few days.
A senior tech drove it today and he was able to experience the shudder/hesitation. He said it was slight, and recommended to grease all the fittings and consider trying a different brand premium fuel. I currently use Costco premium.
He said if it does not improve, then to consider having the transmission fluid changed. He acknowledged it's supposed to be lifetime fluid, but still suggested it.
I will report back in a few days.
My slight shudder is definitely still there, despite the earlier post about premium fuel making a difference. It really does feel like it's coming from the drivetrain and not the engine. I think the next step is a transmission fluid change at the next service - it is recommended in my manual at 50k miles, and I am at 46k.
I have no such recommendation in my manual. Are you sure?
Yes 100%. I am based in the Gulf and perhaps have a different manual to the US.
Out of curiosity, do you have the 6-speed automatic?
Yes, I believe it is the AB60F gearbox