On my 2017 4x4 manual trans, not smooth shifting to 3rd gear.

I have been driving clutch forever and on my new 2017, I am having issues shifting into third gear. Every gear is smooth and clean where it moves inside the shifter, but going from 2nd to 3rd the shifter just doesn't hit the spot. It seems to scrape and not go in smoothly. I have tried everything to find the sweet spot, and it seems the only way it shifts smooth is if the RPM's are very high (over 3000). Any slower driving while not shifting like a speed demon leaves the rough spot in third. It downshifts smoothly however. Every gear is smooth as silk except 3rd.

I have had the truck for 3 weeks and been back to the dealer a few times and they said it was a matter of getting used to finding the right spot and it will wear in as I drive. Something just isn't right here. Any thoughts or ideas?

 

Ah a manual transmission. Calling @BeaverNation

 

Ya... so... 3 weeks... what 1500miles?!?

Everything is new, it goes in smoother with a bit more wear and tear. Tolerances are really tight to begin with.

21000kms don't have issues. First three weeks of mine I had issues getting into first. (A total of 4 times) once I past first month never happened again.

Not saying you don't have issues, but relax. It'll wear in.

 

Could look into this too: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/manual-transmission-getting-stuck-in-gear.415438/

 

First welcome to TW . Unfortunately or well fortunately I can't say I have this issue with my 6spd - I heard 6th getting stuck, but have not had that issue either. Keep us updated. Unless super annoying, I'd keep driving it. This is the smoothest manual I have driven - besides broken in high mileage vehicles.

 

I guess I will give it more time. I only have 900 miles on it so far. Most of the time I like to shift around 2200, nice and clean and smooth (in ALL other gears up and down), but it seems odd to have to go over 3000 to find the right spot from 2nd into 3rd.

I also own a 2004 4-Runner limited V8 (automatic), so I switch between vehicles. The Tacoma is my "fun" truck.

 

Should be as simple as pushing it straight forward and letting the centering spring move the stick over to get the third gate. Meaning you should put no side to side pressure on it and just let it find the gate.

I find the shifts to be quite smooth. Sometimes when the transmission is cold, I can feel the 2nd or 3rd gear syncros roll over one syncro chevron before meshing. Not a grind or anything, but basically it gives a slight resistance before falling in to gear. As with all manuals, I never force the issue, just moderate pressure and let the syncros do their job.

Reverse is the PITA for me, usually takes 3-4 tries to get reverse in the cool mornings. Again, I never force, just let the clutch out and try again if it doesn't want to go. When warm, there is no issue.

 

I'm at ~17k miles. 3rd is still a little notchy for me sometimes. I think it's normal....

 

Mine shifts buttery smooth and almost falls into each gear compared to my old 2nd Gens, that said Reverse never goes in on the first try and is the only problem gear.

 

Yes it does help to pause from 2nd, and let the shifter spring into the right "neutral" no pressure spot before going into third. But this definitely stops the smooth and quick upshifting as I accelerate.

 

its interesting...my shift from 2 to 3 (at any RPM) is done with the back of my middle finger on the back of the shift ball. Its a slight flick of the wrist movement and its butter. All my gears shift nicely, the only shifts I make that I actually grasp the ball in my hand is 4-5 and 5-6 because of the centering spring.

oh, and reverse just due to the detent...

Welcome to TW, dont get disconcerted, enjoy the wheelz...you did well getting the MT

 

1. Its a new vehicle, let it break in for a bit.
2. Every manual gearbox works and feels a little different.
3. Patience Iago. This is one of the few times where the guy at the dealership was right.

 

Try different gear oil? It's known to affect shift feel. Maybe Redline MT-90.

 

Thanks for all the helpful thoughts so far. So then I guess my question at this point is this...should I continue to "baby" 3rd gear and let it snap to a neutral position first and then shift (avoiding the scrape feeling), or shift normally, as I would normally and endure the scraping from 2nd to 3rd to wait for it to break in? I will give it time either way and see what happens.

 

My .02 cents? Drive the truck the way you want to drive the truck, and let the truck mold to you...otherwise, you will be molding to it

 

Every manual I've driven has been like this, granted they've all been Toyotas...but reverse is always a "might work on the first try, might work on the 3rd" kind of gear. I always think about what it would be like if I were to ever get into a high speed chase and needed to quickly throw it into reverse to elude capture...alas only to have reverse act up and I get nabbed. Damn you Toyota!

Anyway OP I'd give it some more time to break in before you call it a problem. If it helps your peace of mind, you can check the fluid level of the trans yourself (at least I think you can on the 3rd gen manuals).

 

meh, we dont worry about re-back during police chases in Canada!

 

Let it break in. Mine was the same way when it was new.

 

1800 miles and that 2-3 shift is still notchy. no big deal but it's noticeable indeed.

getting my taller shift knob helps with the throw in gear. it's not much heavier if any compared to stock knob weight but much more comfortable to drive.

 

Yeah l don't consider it a problem, both of my 2nd Gens were the same way with Reverse. The only time it is an issue is when l need to back in somewhere and there are other cars waiting.