Tacoma 2013 Clutch Issue

Hi Folks,

New member here, reaching out for the first time over concerns I have had with my 2013 Tacoma (4 door 6 speed manual transmission). I have owned this truck since new and since day one I have noticed a clutch smell under load. I pull a single axle enclosed trailer for my work which is considerably less than the 6,000 lb towing capacity of the truck. I encounter the smell particularly when maneuvering the trailer at low speed but also notice it sometimes when turning on full lock without the trailer. I consider myself mechanically sympathetic and have driven sticks my whole live - some 25 years and never had a problem like this. The clutch operates fine other than this. Some clutch judder on start off on a cold day. The truck has about 40,000 miles but like I said has done this from day one. I have it Dealer maintained and have the issue recorded with them but have not pursued it further than this. Anyone else out there experience this issue on this year of truck. Thanks.

 

No smells but that cold clutch jerk I have bad. Is that normal idk grew up with all kinds of clutches and this is the first to act this way.

 

The cold clutch grab is common with the 6 speeds. When I had one it did it and there are some threads about it. As for the clutch smell, logically the only reason the clutch would burn is if you were slipping the the clutch. If it only happens when under load its probably just slipping slightly more than when you normally drive. Its probably just heating up and you're smelling it. I wouldn't worry about it, unless you are noticing an obvious clutch slip.

 

No clutch slip just the smell. I feel like under those conditions the clutch would slip but I have always backed off when the smell occurs. It's just unnerving especially when the vehicle is brand new. Maybe it's just a change in the properties of the clutch plate. I'll continue to ignore it I guess!