5spd won't shift into 1st - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

toyotacamry1 · 11-29-2005, 10:06 PM

I have a 1996 toyota camry 5spd coupe. Just recently i am no longer able to downshift into first unless i am going 1mph. This has become a problem going up seattle hills and other situations. I have tried to shift like i use to but all i can do is kind of grind it into gear after major pressure. Any ideas why it is suddenly like this and what might be wrong. I am hoping it won't be an expensive fix as an engine tune up has drained my money.

foompla · 11-29-2005, 10:15 PM

aounds like a syncro

Grayguy · 11-29-2005, 10:35 PM

Yeah, I tend to have the same issue. I Just rev it up in neutral and try to get it the right rpm and dump it in...but sometimes it doesn't work and still grinds. Also hard if you are trying to keep up momentum like on a hill or sliding sideways or what not

toyotacamry1 · 11-29-2005, 10:46 PM

so does that mean i have to replace the whole trans or what? And if so how much is this going to run me? If it is not a critical problem i would prefer to live with it till i get some cash.

Grayguy · 11-29-2005, 11:00 PM

Well mines been doing it for the last 5-10K miles...so you have a while I guess if it just started. In theory, it is actaully possible to drive a car with out any syncros, it's just a huge PITA.

Tom 2000 · 11-30-2005, 02:30 AM

When was the last time you changed the transmission fluid? It may need changing.

It's gotten quite chilly around here in the past week, hasn't it?

warlock · 11-30-2005, 02:51 AM

you are saying that you are going from 2nd to 1st (downshift) you realy shouldnt have to do that anyways. most cars i have driven i need to be under 5 mph to shift to that. if i cant go up a hill in 2nd with speed going in to it i'm not going to make it.
never sean the hill you are talking about but hell i drive trucks with heave loads. you might have something eles to look at

Grayguy · 11-30-2005, 07:44 AM

I don't know when the last time the fluid was changed...I'll look into that. the only time it really bothers me is while playing in icey parking lots. Thats the only time I "need" to go from 2nd to 1st

foompla · 11-30-2005, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warlock

most cars i have driven i need to be under 5 mph to shift to that.

me too. thats probably why its messed up.

lemme clear myself

*

Grayguy · 11-30-2005, 07:44 PM

^did you quote the wrong person, cause if you didn't, I'm confused.

and for the record, I just figured that it was a camry thing, cause my mom's 96' does the exact same thing and only had 90k miles on it when she go it.

drunken_panda · 11-30-2005, 07:50 PM

You could try double clutching. Step in the cluth, shift into netural. Release the cluthc, step in the clutch again and then try to shift.

stir_fry_boy · 11-30-2005, 08:03 PM

1st thing I would do is CHANGE THE TRANNY FLUID!! Call the dealership and see what they use. Changing it is not hard, just like changing your oil. If the level is not right, the syncros are not lubed, and you will get this problem, then if you don't make sure it is full, then you will wear out your tranny in a hurry if the level is low. It only takes about 1-2 qt is all. I believe that Toyota uses a 80w90 gear oil for the tranny. If this does not fix it, then plan on spending about 1500 to get the syncro replaced.

ian721 · 11-30-2005, 10:03 PM

Not that you shouldn't be able to do it if you want to, but you're probably better off not downshifting to first too often. Just my 2 cents, I'll shut up now.