Toyota Tacoma Slow Clutch Return

I picked up a 2014 4cyl 5spd Tacoma in August with 1 mile on the odometer. In recent months the cold weather has caused the clutch to return slowly, for periods as long as 30 minutes after the truck is up to operating temperature. Recently, the truck was used in negative temperatures in the moutains. it took the clutch 6-7 seconds to fully engage. I just took the truck in for 5000 mile maintenance, and the Toyota Tech acknowledged that the clutch was slow, but said that Toyota says it's normal for the trucks, and that there is no fix that they will do.

My issue with this is that while it may be common, it shouldn't be "normal". I worry primarily about my safety when driving the truck, as the slow clutch slows shifting, resulting in the truck out of gear longer. Second, I'm worried that the clutch may be getting increased wear from it's slow return, and I don't want to have to put a new clutch in the truck at 30,000 miles. I'm taking the vehicle in for a second look at another dealer in the next week to see if I can't get some movement on this.

This is a link to a video of the clutch when the truck is cold(10 Degrees F)
http://youtu.be/O_kIDhwGIBQ
Here is a video of the truck when it has been warm for 20 mins.
http://youtu.be/0BUOw0LMpU8

 

Bleed the clutch and if that don't fix it maybe slave cylinder. Isn't that under warranty?

 

This happens with the 6 speed manuals also. It is common, but I agree it shouldn't be normal.

 

Did you post the correct video? You mentioned 6 or 7 seconds to return, but I watched both videos and even the first one, which was slower, it only took part of a second.

 

I was in the mountains when it took that long, and I didn't think to record a video at that time.

And yes, the truck is under warranty, but the first dealer told me that since it is considered normal, they won't pay to even take the clutch apart to look at it.

 

Some more info here:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/309574-2013-tacoma-slow-clutch-return.html

 

There is no question that this could increase wear on the clutch. How could you properly coordinate the clutch and throttle? My 2014 5-speed has not noticeably done this and it's been down in the teens (F) but we're supposed to get below zero this week so I will pay attention.

Maybe this is a design feature to keep you off the road in the winter so you don't drive on salted roads and rot your truck's frame.

 

In the video I didn't see any glaring issue... The 6-7 seconds would however be an issue.

I would also take it to another dealer. The hard part will be them getting it to stick when they are looking at it. It should probably be left overnight on a cold night so they can actually see it in action. If they don't suggest this you should.

 

That's exactly what I'm going to do tomorrow. The truck is going to get dropped off tonight at another dealer to look at the issue. Hopefully they have some solution for me.

 

Thank you, this link is very helpful.

 

my 6sp has done it when cold...normal...the fluid is thicker and will not flow as smoothly when the air is colder, creating the delay in the return.

 

I can see it as being normal to a point but it's 9 F here right now and my truck did not noticeably do this.

 

I got a call from the second dealer today. They said that they found problems with multiple components, and will be replacing the master cylinder, slave cylinder, and clutch pedal, all under warranty. The truck should be done by Friday, and I'll see if the symptoms are gone in the cold.

 

I bet it will improve because we have been below 10 F for a couple days (now -5) and while there is some sluggishness in my clutch pedal coming back up for the first few miles of driving, it's not bad enough that it affects how you drive. If it had not been for this thread I probably wouldn't have noticed it.

 

We've been in the -15*F to -10*F range this whole week. My 2014 does return a little slow, but easy to adjust your driving style

 

Mine was sticking big time yesterday At 15 degrees. I was driving for 6 or 8 minutes before it got normal.

 

Mine's like that in sub-zero weather. Turn on the heat in the cab and set it to come out of the lower vents on your feet area. That'll heat up the clutch and it'll be normal after a bit.

 

I no longer own a manual shifter, but am curious.

What fluid is used in the 2nd Gen Tacoma reservoir?

 

probably the same fluid as the brakes I'd assume

 

brake fluid