2018 Toyota Tacoma - Hard Shifting and Gear Hunting

Question

My 2018 Tacoma has been driving me nuts with the way it shifts. It feels like the transmission can't decide what gear it wants to be in, especially around 40-50 mph. It'll upshift and then immediately downshift if there's even a slight headwind.

Also, when it's cold, the shift from 2nd to 3rd feels like it 'slips' for a second before slamming into gear. There are no check engine lights or codes stored. I've taken it to the dealer and they just say it's 'normal learning behavior' for the 6-speed, but I don't buy it. It didn't do this when it was brand new.

GarageGuyDave · Accepted Answer

✅ Confirmed fix: This is a known software calibration issue with the AC60 transmission. I took it to a different dealership and referenced T-SB-0058-18. They performed a TCM Flash/Update to the latest logic.

The update completely changed the shift points and smoothed out that 2-3 flare. It no longer hunts for 6th gear at 45 mph. If your dealer won't do it, show them the TSB specifically for 'Shift Feeling Enhancements'. It's night and day difference.

JeepJunkieJoe · Answer

Check your Crankshaft Position Sensor. A failing sensor can sometimes cause erratic RPM signals that confuse the TCM without necessarily throwing a code. If the computer doesn't know exactly what the engine speed is, its shift timing calculations will be off.

2018 Toyota Tacoma - Hard Shifting and Gear Hunting

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