97 DX 5spd Transmission issues

[xrh600]

Attempting to fix a 97 corolla my mother threw my way, and it seems to be sticking in the first and second gear 30% of the time. Also will refuse to go into gear until clutch is depressed 5 or 6 times on occasion. Was wondering what might be causing this, clutch was installed about a year ago, someone mentioned it might be low on gear oil. This wouldn't surprise me as it was out of power steering, oil, and brake fluid when i got it. Would like to know if this might be the case, or if it needs a new tranny or clutch i'd just strip it for parts.

[Kiwi-Corolla]

Welcome to the forums. It could be something as simple as air in the hydraulic clutch lines, in which case you'll just have to bleed the system. Also, pop the cap off the clutch master cylinder in the engine bay and see if there is the right level of fluid in it. If the problem is happening in every gear then this will more than likely be your issue. As you mentioned, it would pay to check the gearbox oil level too. Just undo the fill plug when you're parked on a flat surface and put one of your fingers inside the hole. The level should be just below the hole.

I had a car a few years ago that had a problem like that. I had to pump the hell out of the clutch every time I changed gear. It's good for your leg muscles but not good for your clutch, lol. Let us know how you get on.

[1jzdreamer]

I agree, bleed the clutch line, make sure the slave cylinder, the clutch master, and the rubber section of line between the trans and firewall are not leaking. I doubt the clutch failed, and only think a simpler component is to blame.

[speedy25]

One more + for checking your clutch release system. Usually in the symptoms you describe the clutch and trans are NOT to blame.

-SP

[Suprawillis]

Make sure that the fluids are current in the tranny. It is just 10w30 oil that is in the tranny, but if it is low then the gears will stick. The fill nut is on top of the tranny, under the airbox. And it is 17mm. The drain is at the lower-front of the tranny if you were facing the engine. And that is a 23mm drain nut.

[1jzdreamer]

Originally Posted by Suprawillis

Make sure that the fluids are current in the tranny. It is just 10w30 oil that is in the tranny, but if it is low then the gears will stick. The fill nut is on top of the tranny, under the airbox. And it is 17mm. The drain is at the lower-front of the tranny if you were facing the engine. And that is a 23mm drain nut.

Im wondering where you got your info?
Honda's use 10w30 oil.
The C series toyota transmission was 75w90 Gear oil.

[Suprawillis]

Originally Posted by 1jzdreamer

Im wondering where you got your info?
Honda's use 10w30 oil.
The C series toyota transmission was 75w90 Gear oil.

I got my information from the computer system at our local autozone. Yikes! Sure enough the computer says 2 quarts of 10w30 but the manual indeed states 75w90. I have been using 10w30 in the tranny for the last 250k miles/4 years

[speedy25]

Honda uses their own MTF oil. Regular motor oil doesnt have enough high pressure additives to withstand being squished between transmission gears.

Besides the typical 75-90 gear oil there are a number of good lubes that will work well in manual transmissions.

-SP