Minimizing Torque Converter Slippage: Toyota Flex-Lock

To improve fuel economy over decades a variety of changes have occurred to transmissions including the torque converter. To minimize converter slippage an array of lockup features has been implemented by the OEMs with varying results. One such system is the Toyota Flex-Lock lockup. Various drivability issues can arise if the system is not working correctly. Computer, converter, valve body or electrical components must all work in unison.
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For more information, be sure to visit:
Transmission Digest: www.transmissi...
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Transtar Industries: www.transtar1....

[@alberttibbets6567]

Good overview of the issues. Thanks. My 2010 RAV4 trani shudders around 40 mph. Dealer wanted to replace the transmission. Fluid change helped for awhile but the shudder came back. Most local mechanics don't want to touch the problem.

[@jimbomorrison7133]

I have the same thing in my 06 tundra. Shuddered at 35,brought it in 3 times before they put a new transmission in it,then radiator cracked and mixed trans fluid with coolant after just 28k miles on rebuilt trans. Shuddered at 40,got new radiator,flushed trans,changed filter,and it worked for a month,so when it shudders I turn the o/d off and it stops. Oh and I went through 5 carrier bearings also.

[@nelsoncopo7529]

@@jimbomorrison7133 exact same problem. I have an 06 tundra also smh

[@jimbomorrison7133]

@@nelsoncopo7529 While your flushing the trans out,shift through the gears cause the torque converter dosent spin or open in park or neutral. Shifting through the gears gets all the contamination out,then put Shudder Fixx in it with a friction additive and maybe it will last longer. I just don’t drive with the O/D on. Surviving so far.

[@joshneeley1651]

My 2014 had the converter replaced and software update at the dealer in 2015 at 20k miles. It’s now back at 145k miles. You can manually shift in sport mode to avoid it. I wish it were possible to just have the converter fully lock at speeds over 50mph. Having lockup apply in third gear under 1500 rpm is a problem.

[@vbidou17]

Thank you ! Very useful information

[@yeouma3676]

Thanks you a lot God Bless You

[@Brujiito333]

Thanks boss

[@daanaliza]

I would like to know if I keep it that way is it really damaging my car or...? Because some people say the use the S-mode and keep it that way...
thank you

[@tjj6583]

Hello. I have a 2013 camry 6 spee d automatic u760e. Currently 100k on the car and no warranty. Sometimes it hutters at aroud 40mph when still lightly acceleraring and epms are low - 1.2k. Would a transmisson oil change help anything.? How about anti slip additives. Heard that it does this when it shifts into overdrive but I cant seem to disable overdrive. I dont want to shift manually unless it had a clutch like the old days. Thank you