2017 MT Tacoma shifting issues?

So I recently purchased a 2017 Tacoma sport MT. I’ve put about 1200 miles on it and I am noticing some difficulty when shifting between gears. I have driven a few MT cars and it seems a lot smoother when changing gears than in my truck. It almost feels like when switching from first gear to second you need to wait a second and like click it into gear. It is not a smooth pull down it feels like there’s is a small pause between the gears. I realize that you bypass neutral when switching gears but I’m a bit confused as to why it’s not a smooth pull. One of my friends who drives big trucks says they are all that way also. So I’m wondering if this is normal and it only feel a strange because this is the first MT truck I have ever driven. It is not super difficult to switch just a bit noticeable and like I said it is almost like a pause in neutral then clicks into gear. When not moving or engine off it feels very smooth but not as much while driving. Thoughts?

 

It's just a truck. There are a few times when I throw it in reverse but need to let the clutch out slowly before it catches. Never in any other gears though

 

So you’re saying that’s normal right? It’s not grinding or anything just a different feel than a car

 

It's not going to shift as smooth as a car, but it is smooth as silk compared to previous Toyota Trucks.

 

I've got a 2017 MT Pro and haven't had any issues shifting......definitely nothing like you've described, and definitely nothing having to do with the shifter.

only thing I'd say is different than the small cars / sport cars I've driven in the past (things like Imprezas and Mustangs) is that this truck needs a little more gas when you shift to be very smooth. I initially had some trouble and was making "clunky" shifts, but once I realized I just needed to be a little puncher on the gas, she started to shift great and feel much more engaging to drive.

 

What you are describing sounds normal.

These MT's are really pretty smooth if you ask me.

 

Don't forget, these transmissions are a bit more "heavy duty" than car Mts because they're built to handle more towing load than those cars.

I think if you try giving it a bit more gas during the shifts it'll smoothen out

 

Ok that’s reassuring. I do think it’s a super nice ride and pretty smooth, I feel like I am just focusing in way too much on every little thing since its brand new lol. Thanks for the insight everyone!

 

Also keep in mind that the shifter is directly in the transmission. Some cars use cables so the feel is a bit more "muted".

 

1st to 2nd is a large spread in ratio. 1st is a very low gear for taking off when towing. The syncros need time to work and match the speed (that pause you feel). Don't try and force it. I think it gets better after a few thousand miles. I typically short shift to 2nd, only reving to 2,000 to 2,500 rpm. Easier time for the syncro to match 2nd. Then 2nd is good for accelerating longer.

 

Mine isn't smooth from first into second, or from second into third. I have to be very deliberate with those first two shifts, especially when the tranny is cold, or it'll grind a bit. The other gear changes feel as smooth as any other vehicle I've driven.

I changed the tranny fluid to Redline MT90, since I've had good luck with in the past, but it didn't improve the feel of the first two gear shifts.

 

Yes shirt that is exactly what I am talking about @ShirtTucker .Couldn’t be more spot on! Feels good to know that is normal though I was getting a little nervous about it.. but @pjensen641 that makes a lot of sense. I find myself only using first when really needed. If I am at any sort of rolling stop I typically stay in second and just give it a little bit more gas when coming off just because of that gap between the gears. The short shift is very useful too and makes it much smoother. Thanks guys!

 

As stated it's a truck not a sports car. When I first got the truck, I was shifting low in the rpm and it felt and still feels clunky. I recently discovered shifting above 3k on the tach produces real smooth shifts. Experiment with your shifts at different rpms and you'll find a happy place. I have 14k on my truck now, and I love the way it drives!

 

Exactly, also getting up in the Revs lands you into the powerband.

 

My 2017 SR 2.7L 5spd manual, with 500 miles and counting, behaves exactly as described by the OP.

 

Is it possible that the trans might fluid level might be low from factory?

I get that this is a heavier duty trans and the shifter is linked directly into the transmission, but I still feel something is off.

the shifting is smooth for what it is, but it seems to hit hard.. The only thing I can compare it to is my 86 LandCruiser 5 speed and even that shifts much smoother although it's more wobbly, then there's my neighbors 201x 4cyl 5speed which feels like i'm driving a car.

 

I would check the tranny oil as it may be low. My MT TRD Sport is much smoother shifting than any Jeep JK I have owned by a long shot!

 

1st to 2nd is a big rev drop (thats usually slow as fuck too...) with our tranny so if you're trying to shift to 2nd really fast you're gonna hit alot of resistance while the synchros try to do their job. Wait half a second in neutral and it will be smoother. Or just gently push on the gate until the revs line up and it falls into gear on its own (protip: do this anyway, it's the least wear+tear way to drive a stick)

 

Same truck here. First to second can be bad ; feels as if I'm trying to shift with no clutch at all. Cold weather and lower speeds make it worse. Gonna drop and refill the mt fluid in the spring. Can't hurt and easy enough to do.