Having shifting problems

I have a 2001 2.7ltr 4x4 5 speed tacoma (115kmiles) that recently started having shifting problems in 3rd and 4th gear. The shifter doesnt seem to engage all the way into the slot (feels like about 1/2 way). occasionally it wont engage at all and the gears clash.

I believe it is the bushing at the base of the shifter but I cant depress the little spring loaded cap to inspect it.

Could the bushing be jammed in there and not letting me push it down?

is there a trick I need to know to move the cap? The service manual just shows you putting a rag over the cap, pushing down and spinning it. I have tried all sorts of ways to push that %&*!$@*& thing down and it doesn't budge.

 

Just take the Six bolts off the top, that whole plates comes out and then you can see the Plastic bushing and the Cup in the Trans.

 

nope. the gear oil is 115k miles old. WAAY overdue.

as far as taking the plate off, is that doing the same thing as removing the spring loaded cover?

if that is the case that would be much easier.

 

Thanks, its much better than trying to get the shifter out, plus if the cub did break you can maybe get some of the peaces out.

All you need to do it remove the center console. the rubber boot, then the six bolts. Make sure its in Neutral. then lift strait up. done! should take 15mins top.

My shifter is starting to do the same thing, replacing the pc is next on my list.

 

mine only has 2 bolts. not six. we talking about the same thing? just fore and aft of the cup in this pic.

 

x2

should be 4 or 6 bolts.

 

yeah it is 4 bolts. I had some other image in my head when I typed it out. I looked at it this morning on my way to work (its really really noisy in the cab whith a hole in the hump btw)

I have to go get a new gasket before I pull the cover off.
I'll let you guys know how it goes.

 

I dont think you need a gasket there, if anything just use RTV.

 

Thanks for all the help, I finally got the time to get it replaced. The bushing wasn't craked or worn.

It was an a gazillion pieces.


the paper gasket was still good under the plate so i just used some RTV.

Thanks for the help!

Now to find the time to change the tranny oil.