SLOW RIDE
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma Sport Trd Slow Ride Z
Question: I have a 2009 Tacoma Sport TRD with the six-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic transmission. While driving and lifting off the accelerator pedal, it feels like the truck is downshifting or braking. There is a sensation of slowing, sometimes very noticeable. It seems to happen at lower speeds (under 40 mph) more than at freeway speeds. The Toyota dealer says this is normal. The truck gets about 14 mpg (I have a heavy foot) and I feel that it might improve a little if the truck freewheeled.
Answer: Any vehicle is going to slow down when you let off the gas, but it should be a somewhat gradual deceleration process with an automatic transmission. When an automatic is manually downshifted (fifth to fourth, fourth to third, etc.), it's a much more dramatic deceleration with engine braking applied. If all four wheels are free (no brakes hanging up), I suggest asking the service department to take you for a ride in another Tacoma. It may be a normal characteristic of the drivetrain that differs a bit from what you were driving previously. If another similar truck does the same thing, don't worry about it. If you can prove to the service department personnel that your truck is decelerating notably faster than the test truck, further diagnosis is required. The techs would probably replace the entire unit if a failure were confirmed.
If you have a technical question regarding your pickup, SUV, or van, feel free to contact Alex, a master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Send a letter to him in care of Truck Trend Garage, 831 S. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245, or e-mail us at trucktrend@sourceinterlink.com. Please include the VIN with your question. Due to the volume of questions received every month, we cannot guarantee that everyone's question will be personally answered or will appear in the magazine.
Can't wait for help with a problem you're having with your Truck or SUV? Ask the expert we trust here at Truck Trend Garage -- visit Alex Steele at www.RealWorldAutomotive.com.
