# 2018 Toyota Tacoma - Shifts hard. Odd dealer explanation

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2018-toyota-tacoma-shifts-hard-odd-dealer-explanation/181506>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** toyota\
**Created:** [December 28, 2021, 6:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2018-toyota-tacoma-shifts-hard-odd-dealer-explanation/181506 "2021-12-28T18:33:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![DanB55](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eb8c5e/32.png) [@DanB55](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DanB55)\
**Post date:** [December 28, 2021, 6:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2018-toyota-tacoma-shifts-hard-odd-dealer-explanation/181506/1 "2021-12-28T18:33:57Z")

</div>

Transmission hard shifting as it goes up through the gears (real bad. 1 to 2) Dealer says knock senser.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\
**Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 1:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2018-toyota-tacoma-shifts-hard-odd-dealer-explanation/181506/2 "2021-12-29T01:53:02Z")

</div>

How would knock sensor affect transmission shifting?  
No matter what, if you have not exceeded the mileage, should be covered under your power train warranty.

From [Toyota.com](http://Toyota.com):  
**Knock Sensor - Repair or Replace**  
A failed Knock Sensor will often have no noticeable symptoms beyond a check engine light or engine ping or knock, but it does cause your 2018 Toyota Tacoma to operate inefficiently and produce higher emissions. Our technicians have access to manufacturer-approved repair processes and Toyota genuine parts.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![davepsinbox\_157004](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@davepsinbox\_157004](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davepsinbox_157004)\
**Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 2:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2018-toyota-tacoma-shifts-hard-odd-dealer-explanation/181506/3 "2021-12-29T02:41:30Z")

</div>

Is the check engine light on? A bad knock sensor can cause the ignition timing to be off and the engine to run poorly. A badly running engine might cause rough shifts but it seems to me there would be other symptoms. OTOH, you might need a fresh BS sensor. If the dealer us fixing it under warranty, go for it. If not, get a second opinion.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\
**Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 5:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2018-toyota-tacoma-shifts-hard-odd-dealer-explanation/181506/4 "2021-12-29T05:02:28Z")

</div>

Knock sensor failure will cause drivability issues. When P0327 or P0328 knock sensor faults are set, the computer will go into fail-safe mode. Ignition timing will be in full retard and a loss of power will be noticeable, this can be misidentified as a transmission issue.

Engine sensors are only covered by the 3 year/36,000 mile basic warranty, not covered by the powertrain warranty.