TSB: Hybrid Tacoma Now Included in Transmission Failure Issues & Replacement (October 2024)

[DarkVet]

Well, well, well....

I have a TRD Sport + (MT). At 4000 KM while backing in my driveway, I noted an acrid smell coming from the engine compartment. It did it again at 6000 KM (twice). At 8000 KM, while merging onto the highway, that same smell but way more intense (it took a few minutes will all windows open driving at 100KM/h to clear the smell). I got home and started to look in the engine compartment for a melted wire/belt/rubber part. etc. Finally I found out that Tacomas may have transmission issues. Checked the VIN# against the TSB and sure enough I am well within the range (3TYLE5JNXRT009051). Will go to the dealer today and have a chat with the service manager. I downloaded the TSB from the NHTSA and will bring that along. I have an Ancel scanner so will scan for any code first.

Anyone with a MT that falls within the range of the TSB with the same issue?

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[DarkVet]

Well, well, well....

I have a TRD Sport + (MT). At 4000 KM while backing in my driveway, I noted an acrid smell coming from the engine compartment. It did it again at 6000 KM (twice). At 8000 KM, while merging onto the highway, that same smell but way more intense (it took a few minutes will all windows open driving at 100KM/h to clear the smell). I got home and started to look in the engine compartment for a melted wire/belt/rubber part. etc. Finally I found out that Tacomas may have transmission issues. Checked the VIN# against the TSB and sure enough I am well within the range (3TYLE5JNXRT009051). Will go to the dealer today and have a chat with the service manager. I downloaded the TSB from the NHTSA and will bring that along. I have an Ancel scanner so will scan for any code first.

Anyone with a MT that falls within the range of the TSB with the same issue?

In addition, the TSB does not mention repairs protocol for MT .....

 

[TacoFreak]

That TSB is only for 8-speed automatic Tacos, not manuals.

It sounds like something is seriously wrong with your truck, but it can't be the problems or fixes detailed in this TSB.

 

[DarkVet]

That TSB is only for 8-speed automatic Tacos, not manuals.

It sounds like something is seriously wrong with your truck, but it can't be the problems or fixes detailed in this TSB.

I disagree, if you look closely at the TSB on page two (T-BS-0094-24), VINs starting with 3TYLE5JN refer to sport and off roads with manual transmission.

I am almost certainly sure its the clutch but will see.....

 

[timetoeatpotatoes]

Yeah sounds like the clutch isn't doing something right and is burning itself up.

 

[DarkVet]

Just came back from the dealer and the service manager told me that my vehicle is part of that Service Bulletin....but he cant do anything until the codes appears in the truck.

Note to Canadian owners: the service bulletin number in Canada is: T-TCI-6053 good luck finding it anywhere because the dealers are forbidden to share it with Canadian owners ( I was told), unlike our friends to the south (TOYOTA USA) who post the information on the NHTSA site for USA customers...... what a load of crap IMO.

Power train is garantee 5 years or 100K Km, I hope the tranny goes out before then so that I can get it replaced. That or Toyota Canada is pressured to launch a full recall which will lead to the same outcome.

Frustrating.......

 

[TacoFreak]

Well now I am completely confused - not that is being confused is all that unusual for me.

But the codes in the TSB refer to shift solenoids getting stuck, and you are the shift solenoid in a manual. I don't see how you would ever get those codes. Saying you don't have them sounds like a move to fart you off to me.

But yeah - I've been a manual driver for long time, and it sounds like your clutch is slipping like crazy. I have seen that caused by clutch slave cylinder leakage, getting hydraulic fluid on the fiction disc, so I hope your dealer checks that out. They don't need a code to diagnose a slipping clutch, just some common sense and mechanical knowledge.

 

[DarkVet]

Well now I am completely confused - not that is being confused is all that unusual for me.

But the codes in the TSB refer to shift solenoids getting stuck, and you are the shift solenoid in a manual. I don't see how you would ever get those codes. Saying you don't have them sounds like a move to fart you off to me.

But yeah - I've been a manual driver for long time, and it sounds like your clutch is slipping like crazy. I have seen that caused by clutch slave cylinder leakage, getting hydraulic fluid on the fiction disc, so I hope your dealer checks that out. They don't need a code to diagnose a slipping clutch, just some common sense and mechanical knowledge.

I think the problem was that residue from the casting was left in the transmission when being assembled that is why the the actuators in the automatic transmission were stuck. I agree with you that the actuators in the manual transmission is the driver, therefore I have to assume that debris were left in the manual transmissions as well causing the same type of issues. I am not sure if the codes in the TSB will ever show up in the manual transmission.

 

[DarkVet]

Well now I am completely confused - not that is being confused is all that unusual for me.

But the codes in the TSB refer to shift solenoids getting stuck, and you are the shift solenoid in a manual. I don't see how you would ever get those codes. Saying you don't have them sounds like a move to fart you off to me.

But yeah - I've been a manual driver for long time, and it sounds like your clutch is slipping like crazy. I have seen that caused by clutch slave cylinder leakage, getting hydraulic fluid on the fiction disc, so I hope your dealer checks that out. They don't need a code to diagnose a slipping clutch, just some common sense and mechanical knowledge.

It would be very nice to know from Toyota why those actuators were stuck. I suspect debris from the casting/milling process were left in the transmissions while being assembled and blocking the actuators from doing their jobs.

 

[maxx075]

It would be very nice to know from Toyota why those actuators were stuck. I suspect debris from the casting/milling process were left in the transmissions while being assembled and blocking the actuators from doing their jobs.

Thats precisely it...

 

[TacoFreak]

@DarkVet Thanks for that clarification. It makes sense that the same poor manufacturing process was used in the manuals as well as the automatics. That is even more pitiful IMO because manual transmission are fairly simple machines compared to a modern automatic. If Toyota can't even get that right it is pretty lame.

I have no idea if there are any codes associated with your problem and I hope you get that fixed soon. Your description sounded like a lot of clutch material was burned when you had that problem and that kind of stuff can kill a clutch pretty fast if it keeps happening.

Good luck and let us know how that turns out.

 

[BorealTaco]

I hope Toyota doesn’t delay the repair, DarkVet.

I opened a case with Toyota Brand Engagement and filed a complaint with NHTSA to try and cover as many bases as possible. Initially TBE told me that because my hometown dealer (where my truck ended up) couldn’t get my truck to throw the same codes that were cleared at a dealership much further away from my home - my hometown dealer was not authorized to order the replacement parts… TBE verified that the codes were indeed thrown and subsequently cleared by the first dealership, so I told them that it made no sense that my hometown dealer couldn’t order the replacement parts if there’s a verified record of the TSB codes being thrown. To their credit TBE took an extra day to look into the problem and agreed with me and my replacement transmission has been shipped. All in all, Toyota Brand Engagement has been really responsive and hopefully this will be the last major problem that I encounter with my Trailhunter. I’m trying to create as much of a “paper trail” as I can in case something else fails and I need to try and claim Lemon Law.

 

[TheGreatWhiteNorth]

Well, well, well....

I have a TRD Sport + (MT). At 4000 KM while backing in my driveway, I noted an acrid smell coming from the engine compartment. It did it again at 6000 KM (twice). At 8000 KM, while merging onto the highway, that same smell but way more intense (it took a few minutes will all windows open driving at 100KM/h to clear the smell). I got home and started to look in the engine compartment for a melted wire/belt/rubber part. etc. Finally I found out that Tacomas may have transmission issues. Checked the VIN# against the TSB and sure enough I am well within the range (3TYLE5JNXRT009051). Will go to the dealer today and have a chat with the service manager. I downloaded the TSB from the NHTSA and will bring that along. I have an Ancel scanner so will scan for any code first.

Anyone with a MT that falls within the range of the TSB with the same issue?

I think the problem was that residue from the casting was left in the transmission when being assembled that is why the the actuators in the automatic transmission were stuck. I agree with you that the actuators in the manual transmission is the driver, therefore I have to assume that debris were left in the manual transmissions as well causing the same type of issues. I am not sure if the codes in the TSB will ever show up in the manual transmission.

The transmission is entirely different, and the sand castings wouldnt affect a manual transmission the same it would an Automatic.

Now, for discussions sake, lets say there was casting material left inside the gearbox of the manual transmissions as well. The exteral "acrid" smell you would have noticed couldnt or wouldnt realistically be in any way related to some sand inside a sealed gearbox. The gears would most likely pulverize the tiny bits of sand. The tiny breather also wouldnt push a smell out so strong you would smell it on the highway. In that event, you would feel the trans failing if it had gotten that bad.

Also, sand particles in a clutch housing would also be highly unlikely to cause an acrid smell. If you burned up a clutch enough to cause a smell, it wouldnt be just a smell, youd feel your clutch slipping as well.

None of this makes much sense, as all you have going now is a smell.

Now for arguments sake, ive been a heavy machinery mechanic for almost 30 years now. Ive been diagnosing machinery, including light duty vehicles for long time.

Im just going by a written post here, but To make a realistic assessment, id have to have the vehicle in front if me to feel it. ....but everything your saying doesnt add up.

Id have to see that portion of the TSB that says the manual is somehow related to it, but we're talking about two entirely different machines.

Thats like saying theres a TSB for a blower motor, but my brake caliper seized up. Its in the same vin range....Get what im saying?

 

[DarkVet]

I hope Toyota doesn’t delay the repair, DarkVet.

I opened a case with Toyota Brand Engagement and filed a complaint with NHTSA to try and cover as many bases as possible. Initially TBE told me that because my hometown dealer (where my truck ended up) couldn’t get my truck to throw the same codes that were cleared at a dealership much further away from my home - my hometown dealer was not authorized to order the replacement parts… TBE verified that the codes were indeed thrown and subsequently cleared by the first dealership, so I told them that it made no sense that my hometown dealer couldn’t order the replacement parts if there’s a verified record of the TSB codes being thrown. To their credit TBE took an extra day to look into the problem and agreed with me and my replacement transmission has been shipped. All in all, Toyota Brand Engagement has been really responsive and hopefully this will be the last major problem that I encounter with my Trailhunter. I’m trying to create as much of a “paper trail” as I can in case something else fails and I need to try and claim Lemon Law.

I am glad that your issue(s) got cleared up and hopefully your transmission will be replaced and no further issues with your truck. At the price level we are paying for these trucks, Toyota should be lot more pro-active in informing truck owners when these problems occur and what the source of the problems are.

 

[DarkVet]

The transmission is entirely different, and the sand castings wouldnt affect a manual transmission the same it would an Automatic.

Now, for discussions sake, lets say there was casting material left inside the gearbox of the manual transmissions as well. The exteral "acrid" smell you would have noticed couldnt or wouldnt realistically be in any way related to some sand inside a sealed gearbox. The gears would most likely pulverize the tiny bits of sand. The tiny breather also wouldnt push a smell out so strong you would smell it on the highway. In that event, you would feel the trans failing if it had gotten that bad.

Also, sand particles in a clutch housing would also be highly unlikely to cause an acrid smell. If you burned up a clutch enough to cause a smell, it wouldnt be just a smell, youd feel your clutch slipping as well.

None of this makes much sense, as all you have going now is a smell.

Now for arguments sake, ive been a heavy machinery mechanic for almost 30 years now. Ive been diagnosing machinery, including light duty vehicles for long time.

Im just going by a written post here, but To make a realistic assessment, id have to have the vehicle in front if me to feel it. ....but everything your saying doesnt add up.

Id have to see that portion of the TSB that says the manual is somehow related to it, but we're talking about two entirely different machines.

Thats like saying theres a TSB for a blower motor, but my brake caliper seized up. Its in the same vin range....Get what im saying?

I am a bit confused by it all myself, as one other member on this forum pointed out. Those codes are for automatic transmission as solenoids don't exist in a manual transmission. The chance of me actually having a MIL ON with any of these codes is non existent. IMV, throwing a TSB out there with VIN numbers for a manual transmission is an indication of a bigger problem. I have driven manual transmission vehicles for over 45 years. I have never smelled, what seem so me a burnt out cluch on a vehicle that has less than 6000 miles. But like you said it does not appear to be slipping, yet....

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