STarting in 2nd gear?

Searched and didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

I have been skip shifting a lot recently and mostly starting off in 2nd gear. It's a convenience thing of not having to row each gear all the time, especially considering what a joke 1st gear is on my 6 speed.

I feather the clutch a bit to avoid the vibrations. Figured even with the feathering, the clutch is getting used the same amount since you avoid an entire shift in the process. Added benefit of keeping the engine under 2k rpms for longer.

Does this sound OK to folks? Anyone do the same and noticed any ill effects?

 

i had no idea it was an inconvenience to shift.

 

Thanks for a comment that adds no value to my question. This isn't a thread about the merits/demerits of a stick shift, it was a simple question.

 

I have no idea how low geared the Tacoma stick shift is, but I used to do the same thing frequently with other trucks if I was on a flat or downhill. As long as you're not riding the clutch, it won't do anything to the truck. I was usually more apt to start in first and skip second but that obviously depends on how the truck's gearing is set-up.

 

I do the same and for the same reason as you. The car didn't bog or anything so I figured it was okay to do it. I've done it in the past with other cars and had no problems.

But then it was said to me, "Why do you want to keep it around 2k rpm when the red line is waaaay up there? It won't hurt it to be at 3k or 3.5k." Made me think a little bit so I started to use first again and shifting at 2.5 or 3k. I'm getting used to it.

But other than that, I've had no ill effects on any of my cars.

 

if I need the torque, I'll start of in 1st. otherwise, I leave it in 2nd as much as possible because 1st gear is sooooooo short.

 

If it's flat or downhill, I will start in 2nd. Even with my 33's. Anything uphill or if I'm hauling or towing I will use 1st.

 

I do the same thing.

I skip down from 5th to 3rd as well.

As for the "keeping it under 2,000 rpm" thing. That's strictly for fuel economy, as the higher rpms, the more gas is being used.

 

I don't skip 1st, unless the truck is rolling. I do skip 3 and 5 th.

 

Most of the time I skip 1st unless I'm starting uphill.

 

Thanks for all the opinions. No contest that slight slipping of clutch is necessary to get going from 2nd, but doesn't skipping an entire gear sort of make up for it? Use it more, but use it half the time deal.

Just for the record, I have motorcycles (which are all manual gear shifts in case that needed explanation), I grew up overseas where stick shift is the norm and most of my car history has involved manuals by choice. I am not an anti-stick shift guy. Quite the opposite. I am, however, anti-non sensical, half-ass implementation of stick shift- guy. There is absolutely no reason for a 4000lb truck that makes a piddly 236 HP to have such closely spaced gear ratios. The damn thing doesn't even make any power past 4k rpms anyway, so why bother with such close ratios? And what the eff is up with the RPM hang? Whatever the explanation (minimizing emmissions and drive line clunk etc.), its just completely unacceptable for a product to get through design, QA and production with such an idiotic flaw. From my own experience, I think an Acura/Honda 6 speed is the definition of what a stick shift/clutch combination should feel and operate like. On the same count, I think the Tacoma 6 speed is the anti-thesis of what a stick shift should be like.

Entirely my fault for not researching the 6speed before buying it. I went into the dealership and couldn't pass up on the smoking deal on this left over so I bought it and I will make my peace with it. Doesn't mean I can't call a donkey a donkey.

 

The only vehicle you should skip first is any with a "granny" first gear. And trust me, the tacoma has, and never will have that. It's mainly reserved for full size trucks.

so no, you should not skip first, you're wearing out the clutch faster.

 

Just thought y'all should know, I am now feeling guilty for my second gear start.

First gear it is from now on.

 

Any time you are slipping the clutch you are generating heat. Any time you are generating heat you are accelerating the wear. Any time you accelerate wear you increase your cost per mile.

YMMV

My last three vehicles have been automatics but I had various manuals before that and typically only used the clutch to get the vehicle moving. Then I gently waited on the synchros to align and let the transmission snick into the next gear. I used the clutch for downshifts. You can downshift by matching RPMs up but it is harder to get it right w/o grinding.

Just be glad we have synchros now. I was originally taught to double clutch on each shift.

 

strangely, I agree with your first two ideas...I'm worried now.
Extra clutch spin while starting in second is the worst thing you can do to the clutch....it gets almost no wear if you match revs correctly between gears.
All the clutch wear is during the slippage while starting.
The reverse gear is another ridiculous ratio in the 6sp box.

 

OK, good to know. Thank you for that explanation.

Overpowered??? You are the one that must be kidding. If you are coming from something slower, the 236 may seem like a lot, but some of us do have different standards.

No, I don't wonder why a transport rig has 18 ratios. The Tacoma is a light truck, and by that definition, it is not exclusively meant to pull heavy loads. It is meant to also do grocery duty and be used for other everyday commuting needs. If pulling loads was the only thing a light truck was judged by, you wouldn't need an Access cab or double cab or any of the creature comforts we get on the Tacoma. The 6 speed falls severely short on those counts.

Good for you.

 

I have started in 2nd or 3rd but accident but not plan. I think 1st shoule not be skipped, just feels wierd

 

ok, from now on...

full stop = pop clutch 1st gear

rolling stop = feather clutch 2nd gear

rev hang does suck!

Our trucks are NOT sports cars and any tranny comparisons is apples to oranges.

Now where did I leave my keys?

 

I don't see why this bothers so many people

I don't even notice the rev hang anymore Sure it was weird the first week I had the truck but it's really not that big of a deal.

 

correct