Hi. I'm new to this forum. After a recent snowstorm, my 03 Tacoma (4 cyl, 2WD) began popping out of first gear. It usually happens when I'm stopped and have the clutch in, and when I disengage, it snaps loudly into neutral, sometimes grinds.

It doens't happen all the time, but it's consistent. It's nerve-racking, considering my truck is only 2 years old.

Anyone have any insight into this problem and suggestions?

Thanks,

Nils

Sounds like your linkage is not adjusted correctly. See if adjusting it solves the problem.

I don't think there is any shifter linkage to adjust on a manual transmission Tacoma. All transmission components other the the shifter are enclosed within the transmission housing or tailshaft and have no adjustments. You mentioned it happened after a snowstorm, have you craweled under the truck and carefully looked at the transmission for for signs of oil leakage or any type of damage? Also check that the oil level is correct.

Although I don't think your clutch is the problem it's a good idea to make sure the clutch master cylinder has fluid in it. I think you have an internal transmission problem meaning it has to be removed to correct the problem. Worn or broken parts are probable causes.

I'm assuming your truck isn't out of warranty due to mileage, take it to your dealer, they should repair it under warranty.

Clifton

Hey Clifton,

Thanks for the feedback. I did some extra reading, and discovered a similar problem people were having with fairly new Subaru WRXs. From a number of replies, people suggested that the shift fork was bent and/or the sychros worn out.

I'll set up an apt. with the dealer to get it fixed.

--Nils

What? No linkage? My bad - That reply was from the old days...

Brian; Right, old cars with three on the tree had to have external linkage to connect to the column shifter. NASCAR still uses transmissions with an external linkage.

Clifton

Every standard transmission I've ever owned has had a linkage to the side of the tranny, including floor-mounted shifters (none were Toyotas). Oh, well, time marches on...

Nils.

I had the same problem except that I had the problem at 150,000 miles. I'm into doing the work myself, so I pulled the transmission and started investigating. Your syncros should be fine. The most likely problem is that your shift fork on the 1st gear side is worn. This keeps the transmission from going fully into 1st gear. Then when you start applying power, the transmission slips back into neutral. It'll feel and sound pretty bad. After replacing the shift fork, the problem was gone. I'm now at 182,000 and the shifting is beautiful. Let me know if you need more info or want pics of my shift fork.

Todd

Nils.

I had the same problem except that I had the problem at 150,000 miles. I'm into doing the work myself, so I pulled the transmission and started investigating. Your syncros should be fine. The most likely problem is that your shift fork on the 1st gear side is worn. This keeps the transmission from going fully into 1st gear. Then when you start applying power, the transmission slips back into neutral. It'll feel and sound pretty bad. After replacing the shift fork, the problem was gone. I'm now at 182,000 and the shifting is beautiful. Let me know if you need more info or want pics of my shift fork.

Todd
hey can you send me some pics of the shift fork thanks.my e-mail is mrd_213@hotmail.com