Manual transmission hard shift when cold

Yep
I’m a n00b. Tranny is a little stiff or difficult to shift when below 35 degrees F. or so. Changed the fluid. Drives perfect when warm. Normal?

 

Yeah. That is normal. The engine in the enrichment cycle has a lot more throttle response and many folks report the first shift or two can be stiff.

 

Its normal as it takes time for the fluid to warm up. I recommend changing fluid to Redline MT90. Its less than 3 quarts and a very easy DIY. As I used to be in the service industry I am always skeptical of claims of smoother shifting and all the usual marketing wank but I was very surprised at how much better shifting became. Especially downshifting from 2nd to 1st. I highly recommend this especially if fluid is due for a change to begin with.

 

Yes.

 

If ya can't find it, grind it.

 

I’ve not noticed any cold related issues except a very sticky clutch below 0F, possibly due to the accumulator. It starts and runs like a champ in the cold.

I had an 1981 Datsun pickup that could barely move after starting it in 0F. I had to use a block heater and then let it warm up a few minutes just to get out the driveway.

 

Much appreciated.

I used some of whatever Toyota recommended from dealership. Spilled a shit load all over the garage. It was fun.

But the old fluid was only 33 k old and was pretty clean. She drives well but these winters get nasty and I assume I’ll be letting her warm up for a little while.

 

My '17 is a bit tough to shift for the first mile or so when cold out. I have Redline in mine but didn't notice that much of a difference between it and the stock fluid. I put Redline in my 1st gen when I had it and it certainly made a world of difference in that trans.