Tacoma "grind" noise shifting from second to third gear [video]

It is slightly hard to hear in the videos, and only happens intermittently. A lot of it comes from feeling it through the shifter while also hearing the corresponding noise. While every other gear sounds/feels like its passing through two smooth pieces of metal before landing, third gear sounds/feels like it's passing thought two jagged pieces of metal before landing.

2021 Tacoma TRD Sport, ~33,000 miles. Bought it used last year, has been doing this since I purchased it. I took it to the dealership once, and wasn't able to reproduce it as loud as it is sometimes. They noted it in my file but said they couldn't do anything about it.

I showed them the videos, and have a few more now where it is more pronounced. I have an appointment to take it to the dealership again on Friday, but was wondering if anyone had any more insight on the issue, as I'd rather not waste another 1.5hr round trip for nothing.

I have found some threads online about other people experiencing this specific issue on 3rd gens, and some on 2nd gens. One post said the dealership eventually replaced the entire transmission.

I can't figure out what conditions cause it to happen. Happens with the clutch fully depressed, at different RPM's, etc. Every other gear does not make the noise.

 

Did u check the fluid levels ? Maybe the synchro’s are damaged . Any recent fluid changes to it . Some dealerships are using the gl5 transmission fluid which is a big no no on the manual.

 

I did not check the transmission fluid levels due to it being a closed system, from what I read. Also, it had the entire service done before I bought it for the Toyota Pre-owned Certified deal.

I have read people suggest using Redline MT90 fluid, or Redline Shockproof, to help with the issue. I can ask for them to check the records to see if they changed the transmission fluid with GL5 before I bought it though. Thanks for the insight.

 

I've read that 3rd is the first gear that only has a single cone brass synchro, so it requires a bit more sympathy than the 1-2 shift. Especially when the transmission is cold.

My truck made similar noises/feelings after I grinded 3rd pretty badly one day when was out on a trail in 4 Low. Clutch was in but the gear just decided it didn't want to budge. haha.

I was super easy on the 3rd gear shift for a couple months and things eventually smoothed back out. I started doing an old trick that a buddy with an interwar car taught me, if you hold the gearstick just shy of the click into gear, you'll give the synchro time to spin up and fully mesh the gears. Then the stick will just kind of pop itself into the gear. Being extra gentle helped me, but you're mileage may vary. I understand it's kind of vague advice and it's not really an active solution.

 

I can definitely hear (and feel it) in the 1st video.

Interestingly I've only experienced this with the 1-2 shift when cold.

 

Try changing to Motorcraft XT-M5-QS, it meets the Toyota specifications and has a reputation as a "problem solver" fluid for balky manual transmissions in sports car groups.

I don't shift (or drive) very fast and had experienced occasional first gear blocking and also a "crunchy" second gear shift. I was also frequently conscious of the syncromesh "working" when shifting, I could feel it in the stick, it wouldn't grind but you knew it was there.

The first trip around the block with the Motrocraft fluid was a stunning improvement.
I changed at 30K, now at 80K and it still shifts perfectly.


Motorcraft data sheet:

https://fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/products/transmission-fluid/productdetails?id=1

Rock Auto had the best price.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/motorcraft,XTM5QS,transmission+fluid,13630

 

It isn't a "closed" system, it is a plain old manual transmission with a fill/level plug and a drain plug.

I personally wouldn't trust the dealer service department when it comes to a manual transmission, they see so few of them anymore many of the younger people don't know how to drive one much less the need for a GL 4 rated oil vs the GL 5 they "always use" in axles & transfer cases.

 

I wonder if they will at least try swapping out the fluid based on the videos at least. Hoping it will do it while a tech is with me, but of course, last time I took it up, it didn't lol. Maybe because it was warmed up?

I'd be happy if they made sure it had GL 4 in it with a fluid replacement, or even try the

$33 XT-M5-QS Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid - 1 Quart , black

XT-M5-QS, but I doubt a dealership would put that in for me if it's not what Toyota puts out, especially since it's still in their warranty.

Appreciate the insight!