I inherited the V6 2006 Highlander Limited 2WD from my wifes new vehicle purchase and just hate the transmission. Is there any kind of software upgrade available from Toyota for this vehicle since we bought it in January of 2006? And, if there is, any idea on price?
My major complaint is the hesitation when it tries to decide what gear to be in when accelerating at low speeds, like when you slow down to corner then accelerate.
Reply 1 : 2006 LTD Transmission program?
Hi Plaaaaaaane haha
This is a common problem with the 1st generation highlander -- do a search on the forums and you'll see heaps of threads about it. Also check out www.carsurvey.org look for Highlander and you'll see how common it is.
Unfortunately it seems to happen to some highlanders and not others. I've heard of people having no issues, then getting the software upgraded on their ECU at a service and getting the problem quite badly. It's software related due to the transmission being electronically controlled.
It is also present in the Lexus RX330 which uses the same engine and transmission set up.
I've had two Klugers (Highlanders) -- my previous one had it sometimes, especially when coming up to traffic lights and then accelerating before stopping, or when turning a corner and accelerating. My current one has not had any issues (touch wood). I use 98 RON premium unleaded (not sure what they call it in the states) -- this may help it (so I've heard).
It's annoying, but you can learn to live with it if you change your driving style slightly. Rather than gunning it, go easy (unless in an emergency situation).
Cheers
Matt
Reply 2 : 2006 LTD Transmission program?
Once I reset my ECU it pretty much eliminated the issue for me. Then again, I'm generally a mellow driver too so that I seldom am in "punch it" situations where the transmission would be stressed like that.
Reply 3 : 2006 LTD Transmission program?
Have same issue in my 05. Was a trans flash available that I was told might fix it but flash was NOT reversible. Had it done, no improvement in lag time but hardened the shifts in some circumstances. I wish I had never taken the update. Soon after I got the car (new), I filed a compalint with the NTSB (National Traffic Safety Board), saw other complaints about it, but never heard anything from it. I guess not enough people have complained about it so Toyota has not come up with a software fix. People have to complain, as "the squeaky wheel gets the grease".
Reply 4 : 2006 LTD Transmission program?
For the replies. Actually, I am always accused of driving like an old man... my friends just don't appreciate steadiness and linear acceleration. They're like the people who turn their air conditioning set temperature lower because it's taking too long to cool to the previous setting. I can force it into picking a gear at slower speeds but I just visualize an incredible amount of instantaneous fuel waste. This Highlander is relegated to secondary status now (mine) since wife got a 2010 FX35.... seven auto- gears so smooth I can't feel it shift as driver or pax, so live with it the way it is I will!
Reply 5 : 2006 LTD Transmission program?
status now (mine) since wife got a 2010 FX35.... seven auto- gears so smooth I can't feel it shift as driver or pax, so live with it the way it is I will!
I saw a posting by you in an edmunds.com newsgroup, surrounded by reports of people being upset with the operation of their FX35 transmissions. I have also heard about LOTS of problems with Nissan CV transmissions (Constant Velocity Transmission) and I personally know several people that have had theirs replaced. Good luck to you, my friend.
Reply 6 : 2006 LTD Transmission program?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by lqueral 
I saw a posting by you in an edmunds.com newsgroup, surrounded by reports of people being upset with the operation of their FX35 transmissions. I have also heard about LOTS of problems with Nissan CV transmissions (Constant Velocity Transmission) and I personally know several people that have had theirs replaced. Good luck to you, my friend. |
Indeed, my friend, I was dissuaded from purchasing any CV transmission because Acura, Nissan, EVERYONE seems to have a problem. I do appreciate your wish of luck with my Toyota Highlander transmission. With the gunking up reputation of the horrible trany, the oil sludge in the engines, etc. from Toyota EVERYONE that buys a Toyota truly needs all the luck we can get, and again I appreciate your wish of luck to me with this unfortunate manufacturer. Who knows though, maybe mine will be the Japanese car that killed a few whales.
Reply 7 : 2006 LTD Transmission program?
Call me old-fashioned, but I WANT GEARS, not CVT's. I've driven 'em and don't like 'em. I think Toyota only uses them in the Prius. They kinda seem like they're revving all the time. I heard that some automakers are actually trying to make them more "gear-like". Don't ask me how <grin>. As for the Highlander trans lag, gotta complain to a regulating agency like the US's NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Agency). What I'm afraid of is that our cars that have these issues might soon be considered too old to care about. Sad.
Reply 8 : 2006 LTD Transmission program?
CVT is Continuously Variable Transmission, not Constant Velocity Transmission
Reply 9 : 2006 LTD Transmission program?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by typesix
CVT is Continuously Variable Transmission, not Constant Velocity Transmission
|
Reply 10 : 2006 LTD Transmission program?
I changed my ATF and it helped a little.
No comments:
Post a Comment