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3rd Gen Tundra: Pop or clunk under the truck on the first start of the day, hesitation coming to a stop, harsh 1–2 shift

Checks, in order

  1. Check the calibration
    Ask the dealer to confirm the TCM is on the latest calibration and whether the two 2022 bulletins and recall 24V125 have been applied. Reflashes are free under warranty or the recall.
    easy $ · under about $50
  2. Separate transmission from driveline
    A clunk that happens when you shift from Park to Drive or at the first tip-in is often driveline lash. On 2022 trucks, recall 22V445 covered rear axle flange nuts that loosen; a clunk plus a vibration or a wet hub needs the axle checked.
    easy $ · under about $50
  3. Harsh first shift of the day
    Owners report a firm 1–2 on the first drive and a 2–1 clunk coming to a stop, mostly cold, after the reflashes. Document it with dates and temperatures; Toyota has continued to issue software updates for the 10-speed, and a dealer can check for newer ones.
    easy $ · under about $50
  4. Fluid
    The 10-speed uses Toyota WS and is checked at temperature through an overflow plug. A leak at the extension housing on 2WD trucks was covered by tech tip T-TT-0679-21. Low fluid will cause flare and harsh shifts no software fixes.
    medium $ · under about $50

Applies to: 3rd generation Tundra, 2022 on, with the 3.4L twin-turbo V35A-FTS V6 and the 10-speed automatic, including the i-FORCE MAX hybrid. Most items are covered by Toyota's 3 year/36,000 mile basic and 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranties or by an open recall, so the first check on this truck is usually a VIN lookup.

Tools and parts for these checks

Links below are affiliate links: toyotadata earns a commission from VEVOR and, as an Amazon Associate, from qualifying Amazon purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.

ITEMUSED FORBUY
Automatic transmission fluid for your truckTopping off or changing to the factory fluid typeShop on Amazon
ATF fill pump with transmission adapters, 8 LFilling fill-and-check transmissions through the fill plugShop on VEVOR
Bluetooth OBD2 scanner with live dataReading and clearing codes and watching live sensor dataShop on Amazon
Pry bar setChecking ball joints, bushings and tie rod ends for playShop on Amazon

Go deeper

More 3rd Gen Tundra problems

All 8 3rd Gen Tundra symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.