Avensis '02 Hard to engage 1st & 2nd gear

Chimerical32 · 25-02-2012 3:55pm #1

Hi there,
I have a 2002 Toyota Avensis. I'm finding it hard to engage 1st and 2nd gears when the car is cold. This can be a nightmare at roundabouts when I'm heading to work early in the morning. My father tried it yesterday and was left sitting in a panic twice on a roundabout.
Has anyone any suggestions as to what might be the problem and what I could check? It happens both down shifting and up. Is it a common problem and will I have to spend a lot of money? Should I take it to a Toyota dealer and have them check it out? It passed the NCT yesterday but I would doubt they check this kind of thing.
Does it sound like a simple gearbox oil change or could it need an entirely new gearbox? ....so many questions...

Thank you very much for your time.

cadaliac · 25-02-2012 4:14pm

It sounds like your gearbox I'm afraid. No need to bring to a Toyota dealer, a normal mechanic will sort you out. It is a common problem. Lots and lots of Avensis have their boxes reconditioned. Get it fixed before you need a new one.
A recon can be from €400 up.
Get it checked asap.

Hopefully it's something else, but I would doubt it, sorry.

Chimerical32 · 25-02-2012 4:17pm

Thanks very much Cadaliac. I'll have it checked. Do you reckon that sort of job would take long for a mechanic to do? (hours, days, weeks?)

Patrick2010 · 25-02-2012 4:19pm

Can you change gear easily if the ignition is off?. If so it could be just the clutch fluid is low.Same problem happened to me a while ago. Topped up fluid and problem solved.

Chimerical32 · 25-02-2012 4:22pm

Thanks Patrick2010... changing the gears with the engine off is a breeze. And once the engine is warm it is also a lot easier. Perhaps it is the oil after all...Maybe that should be my first port of call as it would be the cheapest. Did you change it yourself? If so how did you raise the car and did you manage to keep it level and was it a two man job or did you manage it yourself?

Patrick2010 · 25-02-2012 5:20pm

I don't know about the Avensis but in my accord it was just a matter of finding the clutch fluid reservoir under the bonnet and topping up to the max level. About as easy as a job as topping up your windscreen washer fluid!. You can get clutch fluid in most garages.
Might not solve it for you but definitely worth a go. Like you when the car heated up I was ok but starting off was difficult!

CJhaughey · 25-02-2012 11:26pm

When was the Gearbox oil last changed? Its worth doing as it is only 2.2 litres .
It made a big difference to the shifting on my 99 Avensis

Avensis '02 Hard to engage 1st & 2nd gear

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