Notchy into first when parked...sometimes

[ClarkB]

I've got a 2000 Toyota Tacoma, 5-speed manual. When I bought it last spring the owner had the transmission fluid changed right before he sold it to me. He had the receipt for it so I believe it was done at that time.

The only "problem" I've had with it is like the subject line says. When parked, it will sometimes be a little difficult to put it into first, sort of like things aren't quite lined up right. Notchy some might call it. There is sometimes a little bit of noise associated with this sometimes problem.

Any ideas?

Clark

 

[crinkles]

try putting the clutch in a gain a few times it hsould solve it.

 

[Popinski]

Try putting it into other gears than back to 1st.

Also, synthetic transmission oil does the trick too. Amsoil MTG or somethin equivalent

 

[pcoxe]

The gears probably need to be turning internally for the synchronizers to work. When you are stopped, clutch pedal down, prior to shifting into first, there may not be enough momentum on the input shaft to keep things going for synchronization. Bump ,the clutch in neutral just before shifting to stir things up, or try a synthetic lube like someone else suggested.

 

[hate2work]

My introduction to Amsoil was because of this exact problem I was having 20 years ago with a Toyota truck I had back then. My mechanic recommended Amsoil in the gearbox and it made a huge difference in how it shifted.

Besides the Amsoil, try shifting into second gear and then into first. Not sure what that does, but it helped me sometimes.

 

[kd5byb]

I've had the same thing happen on every manual transmission I've ever driven. Solution is to put the clutch in, go into second, then back into first. Works like a charm.

later,
b

 

[mechtech2]

This usually happens with non synchro gears. Like an older car with a non synchro first gear, or many modern ones with non synchro reverse gears.
First, get your clutch adjustments correct. Even hydraulic clutches have adjustments, as well as bleeding. I assume the system is OK, otherwise.
Good gear oil is next. A modern synthetic fluid designed for manual transmissions helps a lot, esp. when it it cold out.

Technique? Try going into second gear, then up into first.
I hope you don't need a special technique - that would be rare if everything else is in order.

 

[ClarkB]

Thanks for the tips. It seems as if I've tried throwing the clutch a time or two, must not work all the time otherwise I'd be doing that more often. I'll try the 2-1 shift as that seems to be the consensus.

Clark

 

[unDummy]

Having the fluid changed means nothing if the wrong fluid was used.

It would be a good idea to change "ALL" fluids in this vehicle so that you know what you have.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: unDummy
Having the fluid changed means nothing if the wrong fluid was used.

It would be a good idea to change "ALL" fluids in this vehicle so that you know what you have.



^^I agree with unDummy 200% on this one! Drain the transmission and install either Redline MT90 or Amsoil MTG. Choose one of these two fluids,drive it around a few days,and you`ll notice a day and night difference. I`m willing to bet the guy you bought it from used some off the shelf gear oil that`s not a manual transmission specific fluid.

 

[ClarkB]

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Originally Posted By: unDummy
Having the fluid changed means nothing if the wrong fluid was used.

It would be a good idea to change "ALL" fluids in this vehicle so that you know what you have.



^^I agree with unDummy 200% on this one! Drain the transmission and install either Redline MT90 or Amsoil MTG. Choose one of these two fluids,drive it around a few days,and you`ll notice a day and night difference. I`m willing to bet the guy you bought it from used some off the shelf gear oil that`s not a manual transmission specific fluid.


Actually he had a receipt from Oil Can Henry's, a quickie-lube place. I recall seeing that the fluid was for a manual transmission or at least marked so on the receipt. I know, I know, I'm living dangerously after all the horror stories on BITOG about how awful such places are.

Clark

 

[wantin150]

Toyotas like Redline. Try a mix of MT90 and MTL, 2 to 1. My mothers 5 speed Camry had that issue. She had to shift into N, let the clutch out, and then shift into 1st.

 

[Gary Allan]

Quote:
Any ideas?



Tell us what happens if you tried to put it in reverse instead.

Over many years of being here and other message boards I have yet to see someone even suggest this. It happened to me and I can't believe that I'm the only human on the planet to have this occur.

My pressure plate was shot. The fingers would move ..but the springs wouldn't move the plate enough to stop the drag. You would feel a "thunk-thunk" and it wouldn't go into gear. You didn't hear grinding due to the sync's ..but reverse would just sit there and kinknkkknknknkn all day if you didn't work quick.

At first you thought you needed a clutch adjustment (you could adjust the pedal on this one) ..but you could adjust it so that the pedal had no free play ..and still get the problem

While moving this wasn't an issue.

Now since I'm the only guy on the planet to ever have this occur. Let your foot out before shifting. That is, interrupt your normal clutch in ..start engine (foot still on clutch) and attempting to put in gear. Release ..then try (which it appears you have - but).

 

[mechtech2]

Gary Allen - Huh? I don't quite get it.

 

[ClarkB]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Gary Allen - Huh? I don't quite get it.


x2

I know the very basics of manuals...once names of parts are thrown around I'm lost.

Clark