2013 MT shifting problems

I added Redline at about 40,000Kms after reading several threads on how it improves shifting and longevity.

Perhaps "awful" in my previous post was a bit over the top, Its a truck after all and it shifts like a truck. Things could be better though, the R150f and the tough as nails H55F shift much faster and are known to be more durable. There were upgrades made to the 6speed for the 2016 model year that related to shift quality.

The E throttle delay, clutch accumulator, throttle mapping and axle wrap associated with these trucks don't help matters when it comes to shifting these things smoothly and I feel these issues aren't doing the 6speeds reputation (or longevity) any favors.

All that said, a worn synchro or grinding gears could point to signs of abuse, poor driving habits, I don't have these issues with my truck. I added the MT90 and Lucas a preventative/performance improving measure.

Ive deleted the clutch accumulator, had JustDSM sort me out with a better tune (much better throttle mapping) and upgraded the rear springs to help minimize axle wrap. Soon I will be adding Trac bar to eliminate the latter altogether. All of this has made a world of difference and I think things are as good as they are going to get for this platform.

The OP was asking about a grinding problem and what I've mentioned is more preventive so I and others don't find themselves in his situation down the road.

My suggestion to the OP:

1: Check the ball and seat in the top hat for slop... it's not likely at that milage but its a cheap fix.

2: Do an oil analysis and determine if you have an unacceptable level of bronze, brass in your transmission gear oil, my guess is you do and all the "additives" in the world won't help. Its either rebuild or replace. If it were me I'd hunt down a low milage used unit and start with the above preventative measures.

At least you have time on your side, live with what you have until a well priced used one comes available then swap it when you have time. I feel for you man, you got a shit deal on that tranny.

 

Yeah it was a used truck and possible it was abused, but typically Toyotas can take a bunch of abuse with no issues. I've had my 2004 going over 100 on a beach, been 3-4 feet in the air on many occasions, smoked the clutch a few times and zero issues in 280k miles. I replaced the clutch at 270k because I got a new car (Scion) and realized just how heavy the clutch pedal had become. I changed the fluid at around 100k, 200k, and 270k. It shifts smooth and fast. I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and use the money I get from the 2004 to get a new tranny. About $3300 from Toyota of Dallas. Sucks but it is what it is. Not doing this bullshit again. Again, thanks immensely to everyone who has offered suggestions.

-Dan

 

Not a bad route.

I really suggest some good fluid for the new box right off the bat. If you want to go further... delete the clutch accumulater.

Remapping the throttle is a great mod as well but it costs a few pennies (HP Tuner and a sweet tune from JustDSM)

Good luck.

 

I use this as well, its worked great. Its also nice just being able to go to the Ford dealership and grab it.

 

Curious what you were able to get it for per quart. Cheapest I’ve found is on rockauto

 

Sorry you’re having issues OP. I don’t mind the notchy shifting on this MT and actually like the rev hang when I’m towing.

I run fresh fluid in the MT, boxes & t-case every 30k. Heavier weight in the rear for sure. I scaled at 6200 on my last trip

 

A short throw core/Hurst or TRD shifter helps a lot. As mentioned, Hptuners (JustDSM) tuning and the clutch accumulator delete helps a ton. The rev hang is scalable with this option.

For the throw out bearing this seems to be the latest option and sounds like a permanent cure. Have one and going to install in the near future.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-manual-transmission-fix.624299/

 

These transmissions don't like fast shifting. I had a buddy with a 300+ HP X-Runner. All XRs are 6 speeds. He was heavily involved in XR community and that was the consensus. Shift them slowly and deliberately and they are pretty robust. Shift them fast and you get grinding and synchronizer wear. It's just not a performance gear box.

It's possible that the previous owner spent years slamming it from gear to gear and damaged the syncros

 

The newer M/T are nothing like the older ones,no wonder Toyota is doing away with them,since they cant remember how too build quality trucks anymore,what a shame.

 

If anything their quality has continued to increase, especially in their Aisin transmissions that they implement.

 

I don't believe that one bit, at least for overall quality of the trucks. This is based on owning an 89, 99, and 2004 before this. I can't outrun the transmission on my 2004. I've been driving it like a sports car for 250k miles now and I shift really fast. No screwed up synchros and it shifts smooth. There's really no comparison in feel for sure between the two, but I also can't imagine how someone could "make" a synchro go bad within 100k miles on a well designed transmission. I don't think I could do it on my 2004 if I tried.

-Dan

 

I disliked the 6-speed MT in my 2013 so much that I traded it within 7 months for an automatic of the same year and color (going DCSB at the same time was a plus).

I was coming from 4 years of driving a WRX STI with a beat transmission that would grind on its 4-5 shift because of years of abuse. I found the Tacoma to overall just feel like crap with it sloppy bushings (try pressing in the clutch while rolling at 5mph in 1st. It shudders hard), the heavy flywheel and that obnoxious rev hang that seems to be built in. It's like they designed it for you to just slip the clutch to hell while doing a down shift instead of rev matching like any experienced driver would do.

Anyway, I sold the MT truck for an AT, which lived with me for 4 years despite it being generally underpowered and unintelligent with its shifting as well.

Overall, Toyota is a big fail for me when it comes to transmissions. A similarly powered v6 wrangler with a 5-speed auto was a far better performer and far better tuned. It's a shame Toyota lets this part of their product line hold them back. I can't speak for the 3rd gens, maybe it got better?

 

Unfortunately I lack the income to do something like that so I'm stuck with it but this will be my last MT. Every car I've owned has been MT because I've gone out of my way to find them, including this one. I could have got a much nicer truck with the TRD OR package and even picked the color I wanted with an AT, lol. I made several compromises to get MT and it's a turd. Pretty upset with Toyota. When I sell this one in 6-8 years I won't be exclusively looking at Toyota like I have in the past. I'm not convinced they are any better than Ford at this point.

-Dan

 

Sorry, but I also disagree. Here's my Aisin 5 speed at ~110k miles; 5th gear has moved on the output shaft and blocked shifting to reverse. The press fit on the gear was inadequate, as was the spacer strength. This is totally unacceptable from both the weak design of the spacer and manufacturing- press fit.



.

 

No issues with my 6 speed and I tow with it. Granted it's only got 135K on it but after about a week driving the truck new I figured out how to drive it. Trying to compare a 6 speed toyota box to a 5 speed is kind of ridiculous they are not remotely the same completely different gearing ratios and no direct 1 to 1. Want to complain about 4X4 Toyota transmissions look no further than an early iron case 5 speed.

 

I think you're on the right path, but I'd seriously consider something like a Tundra next time around if you're able to. The additional power makes the automatic gear spacing much more tolerable.

I'd probably have gotten a Tundra, but they are a little undersized for the towing I have in mind... Unfortunately, even in a very highly optioned truck from Ram, the grass isn't always greener. It's capable, but has it's own problems that don't belong in this thread.

Definitely don't wait 6-8 years to do something different if you're not happy with your truck. They hold value like crazy and you'll be able to get nearly as much as you have into it out. Obviously you'll eat the sales tax and if you financed, your credit rating has a short-term impact from the additional set of inquiries. Otherwise though you don't leave much on the table as there's plenty of people that really want a manual Tacoma that you can resell to.

 

Old 97 dually diesel Dodge 2 door 5 speed manual no problem with 16,000# lbs + on the gooseneck but that has nothing to do with a Tacoma.

 

This is all news to me, my tranny shifts fine (128,000 miles). My only complaint is the noisey throw out bearing

 

Yah that TOB is a pain. I'll likely go 200k on this clutch and upon replacement do a clutchmasters tob fix that is all the rage right now.

 

I plan on selling my Tacoma for a 2015 If I can find one at 200k. But if not, ill see how bad everything is and go from there.