2011 Tacoma Possible Issues!

Hi, guys. I’m new to the forum, so I apologize if I’m posting this in the wrong category. In any case, I just bought a 2011 Tacoma 2WD base model (you know, the one that looks like it could be given away on “The Price is Right”). It’s the one that is like 16k brand new. I bought the vehicle around 3 weeks ago with 14 miles on it, and since then, I’ve noticed a few little things that I’m concerned about. (I should say that this is my first new vehicle, and I’ve never owned a Toyota before.)

1) The vehicle is a manual transmission, and I’ve noticed a slight, metal-on-metal grind when shifting from first to second. It happens regardless of RPM, vehicle temperature, and shift speed. It does NOT happen when I downshift third to second, or even when I shift neutral to second -- only first to second. The noise lasts less than a second, and I hear it when I’m 2/3 through the shift. It never pops out of second, and all the other gears shift just fine. I’m wondering: should I be concerned? Is this part of the "break in" period? Should I take the truck in and have it checked out? Could I be damaging the vehicle worse driving it like this? (I should say I’ve been driving a stick for years, so I know that it’s not me causing the grinding.

2) Sometimes, when I go to start the vehicle, it won’t turn over at all -- not even a noise (like a dead battery). Then I have to take the key out, give it a few seconds, and then try again. This only happens 1/25 times starting it, and it always starts the second or third try, but WTF, this is why I bought a “new” vehicle -- that is, because I didn’t want to have to deal with this.

Anyway, I thank you in advance for your wisdom, and hopefully I didn’t by a lemon ;(

 

^ First and for most. I can't stand the MT in these Tacomas. I come from driving MT vehicles and when I test drove one. I was not happy with it and went with the AT. I love the AT in this and glad I didn't get a MT version. I love just relaxing in my truck and not having to worry about shifting.

The turning over part, wow. You have a new truck and that shouldn't happen on any new vehicle.

I would take it back to dealer you bought it from and have them look at it. Its best to have it recorded into your service history that you addressed the issue right away.

Even if they send you on your merry way. Get a receipt and copy of the concerns. Document the persons name who took care of you and log it. If it continues, do the same dam thing if I were you. Basically, keep a paper trail and you have 36K worth of warranty. They can't say shit when you present all your evidence when the time comes.

Good luck and don't stress too much. You got an amazing truck. ​

 

It may sound crazy but make sure you have the clutch all the way down. My dad always has problems starting my truck. My wifes aunt got stuck at lowes due to the same problem. As for the noise i have no idea. Had a 2008 and 2011 with a MT and did not have the problem.

 

I get that grinding sound when I down shift from 2 to 1 the first one or two times when leaving for work in the morning. It just takes a little warming up/breaking in, and it should be fine. But I agree that the MT in these trucks leaves a LOT to be desired.

As for the starting issue, are you simply plugging in the key and cranking it to START? If so, try going to ON, then wait for a second or 2 and the to START. That should give the fuel pump enough time to fire up, and at the very least, it will eliminate or identify that as a problem (or not)

 

could be the chip in the key

 

Hey welcome to TW. I just bought an '11 Tacoma myself. The only thing that I have had go wrong with it so far is a squeaky bearing in the blower fan motor. Started acting up around 11k miles. I've heard it is covered in your waranty but there are also a couple thread's on how to take it out and lube it up.

 

A couple others offered the same suggestion. When you put the key in, turn it to the on position and wait a second for the key transponder to register, then turn it over. It will take a little while to train yourself, but once you do, you shouldn't have this problem anymore.

 

I called the dealer earlier today. The service guy didn’t seem that concerned about the grinding noise. He told me to monitor it and let him know if it gets worse. He then told me he’d check it out when I get the oil changed, but that’s like 5 months and a few thousands miles away. Like RAD said, I should at least document the problem with Toyota. I just had no idea if any of you have experienced this same problem, but it sounds like I’m in the minority.

Secondly, I am actually just plugging in the key and cranking it to start. (I thought that’s what everybody does!) I didn’t consider trying cranking it to the “on” position and waiting a few seconds. I’ll try that.

One more question: The dealership told me this 2011 Tacoma didn’t arrive until December, and I guess it was just built in November of 2011 (this, according to the salesman), and I’m wondering: if this is true, why would Toyota do this? Shouldn’t they be cranking out the 2012’s at this point? Thanks again for the help!!

 

You can look inside the door. It will give an exact build date. Month/Year.

 

Smart to have Toyota document that u adressed the unknown issue early. Make sure u get a copy and name oof the service manager. I'd keep going back and to different dealers.
That way toyota corporate can't say shit to u when something goes wrong.

Try using your spare key to see if that helps in any way oon the start up issue. That will eliminate the keys chip idea.

You shouldn't have to wait a few seconds in the on position to turn your truck on. That's so odd.

 

Do what you want but I’d call back. It doesn’t matter whether you bought a new stripped down basic four banger on a stick or a new, fully optioned, dealer lifted show truck, the critical word there is NEW! Who paid for the truck, you or the service manager? He’s not concerned with the grinding noise from your trans or the fact that your truck won’t start? So what! The only opinion that matters is yours, right? Call him back and tell him you ARE concerned and you’d like to have the truck inspected and the problems addressed now, not months from now. Tell him it’s important to you to get these issued documented NOW in case you end up needing to invoke the lemon law. See if he’s concerned then.

 

You're seriously throwing around the "Lemon Law" like it's candy? This is hardly anywhere NEAR that serious.

 

I'm not throwing anything around likecandy. The OP called with an issue and as far as I'm concerned wasdismissed. The dealership needs to acknowledge they've got anunhappy customer and should step up. Saying he wants to document theproblems with his BRAND NEW truck “just in case” isn't the samething as initiating the lemon law.

 

Tusk: Thanks for the advice. I'm going to setup an appointment to have the truck checked out next week. You'd think if a customer called about any grinding noise on a new vehicle they'd want to look at that vehicle right away -- but I guess not. I just needed to find out if this was something that occurs during the "break in" period, but I now know that the noise isn't normal. I'll update when I take the vehicle in.

 

It's entirely possible that both issues are related to the clutch pedal. If you are not engaging the clutch far enough, it will not disengage the ignition lock out. There are several threads here that describe similar issues. I personally added a rubber grommet to the end of the ingition lock out switch to ensure I get the button pushed far enough to disengage, and let the ignition work. And, of course, if the clutch is not being completed engaged for your shift points, you may be getting shifting without full benefit of the clutch. If I were you, I'd at least take a look at your pedal travel and verify you are actually getting full clutch action.

 

Highly probable....funky switch?.

 

Jere,

I was just thinking that very thing, the common link for both problems, Good idea.

 

Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one who's truck doesn't START!

It's not starting more often lately; It will start when wet or damp but not when it's dry most of the time, now. Thank God it has been starting using the clutch cancel button depressed or I would have been walking a long time ago.

I figure it'll end up being clutch start switch or relay but I'm seeing how long I can stand it for.

Ah, the fun just keeps on keeping on.....