Alongside the engine, your Toyota's transmission is one of its most important components, as it is responsible for transferring the power needed to drive the wheels from the engine. Transmissions used in Toyota are produced by the Toyota Motor Corporation, Aisin-Warner, Aisin-AI, or Getrag, depending on the application and model year. Toyota builds transmissions to last and deliver excellent performance. Toyota has constantly improved its automatic and manual transmissions, engineering them for greater fuel efficiency and drivability. But the pride of its transmission lineup is the Dynamic-Shift CVT that does away with all the shortcomings of the Continuously Variable Transmission. In the market for a Toyota transmission? Learn all about this Toyota part and avoid common mistakes when buying it.
Key Features of Toyota Transmissions
Performance
Toyota has designed its transmissions to enhance the driving experience of its vehicles. The low center of gravity increases drive stability in their 8-speed Direct Shift-8AT and 10-speed Direct Shift-10AT. At the same time, the use of widened gears and a newly developed high-performance compact torque converter creates a direct drive feel.
Fuel Efficiency
All Toyota transmissions, automatic and manual, are built to optimize fuel consumption through means such as the use of weight-saving materials.
Durability & Reliability
Toyota transmissions are, on the whole, durable, with their standard automatic and manual transmissions said to last longer than their Dynamic-Shift CVT. Proper care and maintenance should easily bring their transmissions past 150,000 km.
Sourcing Toyota Transmissions (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
When you purchase a brand new Toyota, it comes with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) transmission made by Toyota Motor Corporation, Aisin-Werner, Aisin-AI, or Gertrag. Transmissions made by third-party manufacturers and usable in Toyotas fall under the "Aftermarket" parts category.
Unless the transmission of your Toyota is out of production and impossible to find, we recommend investing in an original Toyota transmission to return your car to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Aftermarket transmission might not only be excluded from Toyota's warranty, but they could also void the warranty and even damage your vehicle when installed. Moreover, they might not even fit into your Toyota properly. When it comes to an expensive part like the transmission, it's prudent to avoid taking chances and to go with the original.
Tips for Verifying the Quality & Condition of Used Transmissions
There are several ways to tell if a used transmission is likely to last:
1. Check that it is free from any leaks, as these could point to faulty seals and o-rings.
2. Be on the lookout for rust, as it could be a sign that some of the transmission's metal parts are corroding.
3. Make sure it comes with all the required documentation showing if it has gone through any major repairs (avoid those that have received any).
If missing, stay clear of it no matter how good it looks.
Types of Toyota Transmissions
Direct-Shift CVT
The CVT, or continuously variable transmission, can change through a never-ending range of gear ratios as opposed to other transmissions that only offer a limited number of gear ratios in fixed steps. This allows it to achieve better fuel efficiency and acceleration.
A shortcoming of traditional CVTs, though, is their spongy feel and the missing pause between the clutch disengaging from the engine power and then re-engaging. Toyota's Direct-Shift CVT does away with this because it has an actual first gear engaged at lower speeds. The Direct-Shift CVT also has different modes, such as sports and manual modes, allowing you complete control of the CVT with its paddle shifters.
Automatic
To change gears, automatic transmissions use a mechanical clutch that is controlled automatically through electronics, pneumatics, or hydraulics instead of manually through a clutch pedal.
Automatic transmissions from Toyota, such as their 8-speed Direct Shift-8AT and 10-speed Direct Shift-10AT, are highly efficient and contribute to a smooth driving experience.
Manual
In manual transmissions, gear shifting is performed manually with a gear stick and clutch. With proper operation, manual transmissions allow vehicles to achieve better performance and fuel efficiency. Manuals come with a learning curve, however.
Toyota is one of the few companies that continues to invest in manual transmission innovation and is also one of the few to offer cars with a manual transmission. Their 6MT is one of the world's smallest manuals, offering superb fuel efficiency and, through the use of iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) controls, delivering smooth gear changing.
Maintenance & Care of Your Toyota Transmission
As mentioned, proper care and maintenance are recommended if you want to get the most out of your Toyota transmission. Send your vehicle for scheduled maintenance, including transmission fluid checks. When driving, ensure that you're in the correct gear (that means not leaving your manual transmission in a low gear for too long) and that you warm up your Toyota before driving so that the oils flow correctly. Ensure that your tires are adequately full, as driving on low tires can strain your transmission unnecessarily. Finally, your Toyota's cooling system is also responsible for cooling the transmission fluid to an appropriate temperature, so make sure it is also in good order.
Common Issues & How to Address Them
Transmission issues are frustrating and, most of the time, require a trained specialist to remedy them. These include delayed shifting, slipping gears, illuminated check engine lights, burning smells, strange noises, and fluid leaks.
Occasionally, as with the case of burning smells and strange noises, the cause might be low transmission fluid or coolant levels. While you can check and top these up on your own, it might be too late, as your transmission has already incurred damage. In such cases, repair or a whole transmission replacement might be necessary.
Are Toyota Transmissions Expensive?
While Toyota transmissions are not expensive compared to those from other brands, the transmission is nonetheless a pricey component, so expect to shell out more than for the average part.
Where to Buy Genuine Toyota Transmissions Online
Brand-new OEM transmissions can be purchased directly from your country's Toyota and OEM parts retailers. If you're looking for savings, consider getting a second-hand Toyota transmission, which offers the same quality at a lower price. You can get these in great condition and at affordable prices here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.
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