I have an 09 RAV4 with 180,000 miles. I have a intermittent torque converter shudder around 45mph when lightly accelerating.
My mechanic said to do a transmission flush with a possible shudder additive.
I’m not sure if the trans fluid has ever been changed. It’s a dark brown color. So I think it might’ve been changed before, just not in a long time.
I’m conflicted because I don’t want ruin my transmission (I’ve heard horror stories about changing high mileage trans fluid) but I also want the shudder to go away.
What do I do?
Take it to a transmission shop. Todays transmissions are highly controlled by computer...it could be as simple as a software update.
@heyinway
Man I hope the issue is a software update. I will consider taking it to a trans shop.
@heyinway
Yeah it’s at the Toyota dealership right now for a diagnostics. I should know tomorrow and I will update you.
@heyinway
The dealership charged me $100 to look at it. They said I need a new $5,300 transmission (which includes new torque converter. I'm guessing they are telling me this for two reasons: The first is that they are upselling me and the second is that they couldn't find the exact cause to why it's shuddering so they just said I need a new tranny. So now I have multiple different people telling me multiple different things. So, I've decided to just leave it and not do anything. I'll just live with shuddering. It's not too bad and I just take my foot off the gas if it starts to shudder I'll sell the car in a year or two anyways. I've been really happy with the car so I hope it stays that way.
Definitely do not flush your transmission fluid. Just drain from the bottom and add the same amount. If it did not solve the issue, you may have internal wear. Does the shudder happen at specific gear?
@yaser
Thank you so much for answering. My car is actually at the dealership right now getting diagnosed so I know exactly what the issue is. I will update you.
But to answer your questions. It doesn’t seem to do it in a specific gear. It can be a range from 25mph-55mph, I just have to be lightly accelerating.
I will not do a flush though. I was thinking about doing it but I’m nervous about it so I won’t. I will drain and fill though, most likely.
So would you recommend the shutter additive? I saw in one of Scotty kilmer’s videos he fixed a shudder but adding a non-slip Lucasoil additive into the trans fluid.
Adding the non- slip additive could potentially help.
@yaser
Thank you. I'll probably either drain the fluid and refill it or I will just live with it like I've been doing. I do wonder how long it will be before my torque converter fails. It's been doing it for at least 30,000 miles so probably a long time. In case you are interested, I will include the screenshot of a repair log my mechanic sent me.
6CCE417A-E6A3-4A51-AD22-E493C4C449DE 2.jpeg
Add the additive, baby that car and it will last long time. Do not worry.
@yaser
Thank you, I will.
@yaser
The dealership charged me $100 to look at it. They said I need a new $5,300 transmission (which includes new torque converter. I'm guessing they are telling me this for two reasons: The first is that they are upselling me and the second is that they couldn't find the exact cause to why it's shuddering so they just said I need a new tranny. So now I have multiple different people telling me multiple different things. So, I've decided to just leave it and not do anything. I'll just live with shuddering. It's not too bad and I just take my foot off the gas if it starts to shudder I'll sell the car in a year or two anyways. I've been really happy with the car so I hope it stays that way.
Don't flush it. Way too risky. I would recommend doing a simple drain and refill. That will put some fresh fluid into it. If you are really weary, take it to a transmission specialist. Knowing it's a dark brown color, I would even caution against the drain and refill. It sounds like the fluid was never changed, or there is some type of internal wear that is causing the fluid to become dark. If you can't afford to rebuild or replace, you might have to just live with it. You also might wanna do some research on your gen RAV4. I've heard of them having issues with the torque converter. You can always try a shudder additive. Those can sometimes help. Let us know how you make out!
@toyotaluvr
I've never felt the transmission slip. So I think that is in good condition. I've only had this torque converter shudder since I bought the vehicle at 150,000 miles. I will include an image my mechanic sent to me. It's the fix log of RAV4's that have been fixed through a transmission flush. Btw just in case anyone is wondering I took the car to the dealership because I want a second opinion.
6CCE417A-E6A3-4A51-AD22-E493C4C449DE 2.jpeg
Based on the fix log, it seems like the flush has helped some bit. Still, I would be cautious. Not saying you absolutely can't flush it, but that might cause other problems to arise in the future. I would ask your mechanic if anyone has come back to him with issues. The ultimate fix would be to replace the torque converter, but that's $$$. Start with a drain and refill. You may have to do it a couple of times before noticing a difference. If that doesn't work, I suppose you can flush it. I am no expert, but I do know many mechanics who say flushing is no good. Especially if you have dirty fluid, that will probably increase the chance of clogs in the small passageways inside your transmission.
@toyotaluvr
I have heard the same things as you about flushing your fluid. My mechanic doesn't have a flush machine so that's why he couldn't do it. So I took it to the dealership today so they could do a $150 diagnostics on it. It's a lot of money but it will bother me if I don't know exactly what's wrong with it and how exactly to fix it. I won't flush the fluid though. I would hate for me to ruin the tranny.
Yeah, I see where you are coming from. The transmission in my Honda Civic does this weird thud when going into overdrive.... happens every once in a while and really bugs me! I've changed my fluid twice and it really hasn't helped. I think it might be a software/programming issue. The only way to know is having it diagnosed which will run me about $100. I hope you are able to find an answer through the diagnosis. Keep me updated.
@toyotaluvr
Thank you, I’ll keep you updated. I should get an update from the dealership tomorrow and then I can go from there.
Sweet. Good luck man!
@toyotaluvr
Well for one the dealership probably didnt even do 60% of the work they say they did. And the torque converter is a closed part, you have to drill it open to remove the fluid within it. This could also be a timming belt problem. You need a certain level of power for each shift. You can make it easier on the torque converter by changing drain and filling the trans fluid for the gears and making sure the engine has adequate power but nothing short of replacing the torque converter will truly fix the problem (IF THAT IS REALLY THE PROBLEM)
this forum and the dealership has failed you.
@toyotaluvr
I actually haven’t heard back from the dealership yet. I’m also positive my car has a timing chain, not a belt. I’m guessing the dealership will tell me I need a new torque converter. My mechanic said a new one will cost me $2,100 (parts + labor). So I will probably have to just deal with the shudder. Although, I’m still waiting to hear back from the dealership diagnostics and I should hear back today.
Your RAV4 has a timing chain. And yikes, $2,100 is a lot. If you REALLY want to get rid of the issue, you may have to replace the torque converter. Let me know what the dealership says.
@toyotaluvr
The dealership charged me $100 to look at it. They said I need a new $5,300 transmission (which includes new torque converter. I'm guessing they are telling me this for two reasons: The first is that they are upselling me and the second is that they couldn't find the exact cause to why it's shuddering so they just said I need a new tranny. So now I have multiple different people telling me multiple different things. So, I've decided to just leave it and not do anything. I'll just live with shuddering. It's not too bad and I just take my foot off the gas if it starts to shudder I'll sell the car in a year or two anyways. I've been really happy with the car so I hope it stays that way.
That sucks. Definitely don't put a new trans in it if you plan on buying a new car. Just sell as is. What are you considering for your next vehicle?