Transmission Fault Identified?

[reidsworks]

Rather than continue on the six speed transmission thread that just closed. I thought I'd try to start a new thread with positive information. Mine is a difficult situation that began with brand new Tundra Double cab with transmission rumble @ 32-35 mph and 1200 rpm under acceleration. Already have one transmission replacement waiting for second round.
Dealer Service Director calls today to tell me a brand new Transmission is in route. More importantly, they think they have identified problem causing rumble. Toyota is still testing and compiling data using serial number tracking etc. Right now it appears there is an issue with how the torque converter is assembled and held in place in the transmission housing. Toyota has already implemented the change to correct the problem in new production transmissions. Supposedly, the way it is supposed to work, Once a fix is implemented all in stock units that have already been distributed are recalled and blocked from dealer use.
I am not sure I can express the exact details provided me by the dealer. Suffice to say his explanation made sense and it sounds like my truck will be soon on the road to recovery.
Most importantly I have rekindled hope and confidence in Toyota's exemplary reliability and fine service.

[OTR]

When did you buy your truck? Build date?

[impilot]

That is great news! Next week I am going to follow up with my dealer and see what they say.

[bwalky]

I am waiting for the dealers out here in Oregon get up to speed. I have contacted two dealers and neither has heard of this problem. Has anyone thought that maybe it is as simple as a bad drive shaft or bad ujoint?

[Stripped Honda]

i dont believe anything that comes out of the mouth of a service writer or even a service manager ... they could be just telling you that to make you feel better about your truck ...

[metrictundra]

I think that if it is a wide spread issue Toyota will get it right. They are going to use that tranny in the new Seq. and the land cruiser. With them using it in that many vehicles you can bet it will be right. Good luck with all that has had problems with there trannies and for those who have not. Knock on wood.

[PVTUSMC81]

I just had my transmission changed this week because of the "rumble strip" symptom and got her back last night. I originally just called in my problem to my Service Manager since I live 50 miles from the dealer. He called Toyota verifying the symptoms and ordered me a brand new tranny. Never even took it in for them to drive it. Truck is now perfect. It is a major difference than before. Also, it only took them 2 days to change the tranny. I was the first truck they have sold that required the tranny R & R. One thing that I have read on some of the TS transmission threads is some people saying to just drive it and maybe it would go away. I do not agree at all, and frankly I think that advice is ludicrous. It is not just the fact that my truck cost a great deal, but it negates the reason most of us own Toyotas to begin with, QUALITY! Toyota's historical success was fueled by quality, and if we ever subordinate quality for less than those expectations then Toyota will become second rate. Quality also creates customer loyalty. Loyalty = sales. It is classic Demming management theory. Additionally, Toyota has high expectations with this new Tundra, however they are well smart enough to know that to sell trucks to the folks who make a living with their trucks, the power train has got to be right. Not to mention, many of us like myself who bought the 07 may have came out of a prior model Toyota truck so we are part of that loyalty base that has made Toyota great. If they developed a truck that sold to us and the commercial use folks simultaneoulsy sales would rock! I will say looking at the used inventories on the Toyota dealer lots here in NC there are many used HD diesel big three trucks on the lots that were taken in on trade on new 07 Tundras. So if it was me and you have anything wrong, get your truck fixed like you expected it to run when you bought it.

[reidsworks]

Well said sir.... Your points hit the nail on the head. I am getting tired of the nay sayers indicating they can't trust the product, the dealers or their representatives in service.
Toyota earned my loyalty many years ago and has it still today. I am still waiting for my new transmission to show up but am now more anxious than ever to get the job done. So good to hear yet another success story.
I am curious to know if your service paperwork indicates "REMAN ATM" under description or if it says something different. My dealer claims all replacement transmissions come through the reman program but I have a hard time believing it and have insisted the next replacement be proven "Brand New"
Thanks again for your post. Enjoy driving your Tundra.

[PVTUSMC81]

I will have to check the paperwork, but my SM said it was brand new from factory. With the outstanding customer service I received during this service visit I have nothing but praise for the dealership. I have never had any dealer react and get the ball rolling to just my explanation on the telephone. That was awesome!

[mc71454]

Rather than continue on the six speed transmission thread that just closed. I thought I'd try to start a new thread with positive information. Mine is a difficult situation that began with brand new Tundra Double cab with transmission rumble @ 32-35 mph and 1200 rpm under acceleration. Already have one transmission replacement waiting for second round.
Dealer Service Director calls today to tell me a brand new Transmission is in route. More importantly, they think they have identified problem causing rumble. Toyota is still testing and compiling data using serial number tracking etc. Right now it appears there is an issue with how the torque converter is assembled and held in place in the transmission housing. Toyota has already implemented the change to correct the problem in new production transmissions. Supposedly, the way it is supposed to work, Once a fix is implemented all in stock units that have already been distributed are recalled and blocked from dealer use.
I am not sure I can express the exact details provided me by the dealer. Suffice to say his explanation made sense and it sounds like my truck will be soon on the road to recovery.
Most importantly I have rekindled hope and confidence in Toyota's exemplary reliability and fine service.

I have been noticing a rumble on acceleration just the last couple days. I will be checking it out to see what RPM and mph I am when it happens to see if it is consistent at a certain point.

Thanks for the post...helps with the confidence.

[slackjaw07]

I am curious to know if your service paperwork indicates "REMAN ATM" under description or if it says something different. My dealer claims all replacement transmissions come through the reman program but I have a hard time believing it and have insisted the next replacement be proven "Brand New"

There may be a remanufactured transmission in their system but it would be so in name only....these assemblies will all be brand new until such time that 1) field returns can support such a program, and 2) we ('07 owners) all get well into the factory warranty period or more likely beyond it.

[Lizardking]

What's the rumble strip tranny issue? It like driving down the highway and it feels like you hit the rumble strips?

[impilot]

What's the rumble strip tranny issue? It like driving down the highway and it feels like you hit the rumble strips?

Do a forum search on "rumble strip"....you will find lots of information

[impilot]

One thing that I have read on some of the TS transmission threads is some people saying to just drive it and maybe it would go away. I do not agree at all, and frankly I think that advice is ludicrous.

Problem is...mine did just go away. I am at 3300 miles, and I can not make it rumble, even if I intentionally lug the engine and try to make it happen. Used to happen every time (just about) at 1000 miles....

Now, I don't know what to do. I hate to have the dealer tear into it (even though the offer of a new tranny is still on the table from Toyota) when it is not happening....on the other hand, if there is something amiss...well, you get the point.

[PVTUSMC81]

Problem is...mine did just go away. I am at 3300 miles, and I can not make it rumble, even if I intentionally lug the engine and try to make it happen. Used to happen every time (just about) at 1000 miles....

Now, I don't know what to do. I hate to have the dealer tear into it (even though the offer of a new tranny is still on the table from Toyota) when it is not happening....on the other hand, if there is something amiss...well, you get the point.

Make the best decision you feel is best for you. However, according to the info by reidsworks, in the 1st post of this thread, I am betting Toyota has the cause of the rumble isolated. I was wondering if this may eventually be more widespread and result in a TSB later on?