7.5

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,500 miles

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problem #1

Nov 102003

Tundra 4WD 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 6,500 miles
2003 Tundra RPM hang-up - safety issue hello all:I have a 2003 Toyota Tundra 3.4, V6, 4X4, 5 speed. While traveling at highway speeds, if I have to brake hard the RPM's are maintained for up to 1.5 seconds before the RPM starts to drop. This occurs with and without cruise control being on. I'd like to also note that my last truck was a T-100 with the 3.4 V6 engine - so I am very familiar with how this engine should, in theory, respond. Dealer claims this a computer issue and Toyota has not issued a tsb. Dealer also claims that this feature was added to reduce jerky feeling when shifting gears. The issue presents a serious safety issue. When traveling at highway speeds, in an emergency, you can't afford to loose 1.5 seconds of braking time. Additionally, there is the added wear on your front disk brake pads due to the engine trying to maintain RPM while brakes are trying to stop the truck. This issue has been reproduced at the dealer. To check a truck, cruise at 55 or 65 mph, note the RPM - then if you have to brake hard try to note if the RPM drops immediately or, hangs up for a second or two. Another way to check this is, while parked, race engine to 2500-3000 RPM then switch foot from gas to brake pedal quickly-simulating an emergency stop. Note the RPM and engine sound. You will find the engine still maintaining that 2500-3000 RPM for 1-1.5 seconds. Also, dealer pointed out that unless there are more complaints, Toyota 'will not' do anything about this problem. Personally I would like this issue resolved before incident(s) forces us to look seriously at this. Thanks to all mike laudano.

- Deale, MD, USA