Avensis 2.2L Gear Problem

[krischak]

I recently bought an Avensis D-4D 2.2L diesel from used cars at 60K miles (will be due for service soon) as a first time Toyota owner. After just 2 days I experienced a problem, second gear wont engage easily when I start to drive in the morning. After half hour of driving it works perfectly smoothly. I read some oweners experienced similar problem in Avensis and also in other toyota models. But no one seem to say exactly what solved their problem. Can anyone please tell me if this is a major problem or will it lead to a major problem if not attended.

Also can you please recommend a really competent Toyota service centre near west london to give 60K service and to look at this problem as I did not own a toyota before. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Mistermena]

I recently bought an Avensis D-4D 2.2L diesel from used cars at 60K miles (will be due for service soon) as a first time Toyota owner. After just 2 days I experienced a problem, second gear wont engage easily when I start to drive in the morning. After half hour of driving it works perfectly smoothly. I read some oweners experienced similar problem in Avensis and also in other toyota models. But no one seem to say exactly what solved their problem. Can anyone please tell me if this is a major problem or will it lead to a major problem if not attended.

Also can you please recommend a really competent Toyota service centre near west london to give 60K service and to look at this problem as I did not own a toyota before. Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi,

Okay... So the 1st thing I would do (or have done) is to chech the gearbox oil level. If its low (and like my 2.2 T-180 box) you'll need a straight 75w grade oil. I've just changed mine using silkolene Pro SRG 75 ester racing oil.

Standing infront of the car as you look at it (Nearside) on the front of the gearbox is an oil level nut. When you take it off you should just be able to feel the oil as you put your finger in. Just make sure the car is a level as posible, and you've secured the car properly.

If your unsure about the quality of the oil (either its dark, smells burnt or even of cats wee! I know that bit sounds strange) I'd change it...

[cmia]

have you tried to double clutch the gearbox when its cold?

[krischak]

Hi,

Okay... So the 1st thing I would do (or have done) is to chech the gearbox oil level. If its low (and like my 2.2 T-180 box) you'll need a straight 75w grade oil. I've just changed mine using silkolene Pro SRG 75 ester racing oil.

Standing infront of the car as you look at it (Nearside) on the front of the gearbox is an oil level nut. When you take it off you should just be able to feel the oil as you put your finger in. Just make sure the car is a level as posible, and you've secured the car properly.

If your unsure about the quality of the oil (either its dark, smells burnt or even of cats wee! I know that bit sounds strange) I'd change it...

Hi Mistermena,

Thanks for your response. Though I prefer to do some minor DIY jobs at home/garden, I dont possess any more technical knowledge on cars than an average office worker. Do you think I can do this myself or would need to be taken to a garage. BTW is the oil you mentioned approved by Toyota for this model? I read in some other forum someone say that Toyota has developed a special type of gearbox oil for this problem, but did not mention the name. Not sure if that's true.

[krischak]

have you tried to double clutch the gearbox when its cold?

Hi cmia,

Thanks for your support. I haven't tried it consciously, though normally I typically tend to bring the gear to neutral and rest momentarily before shifting to the next. I will try it when I start off tomorrow morning.

[Pat2u]

How long have you owned it? I would let them sort it if it not long.

[krischak]

How long have you owned it? I would let them sort it if it not long.

Hi Pat2u,

I have been its new owner just for 4 days now and it didn't come with a warranty.

[Pat2u]

How long have you owned it? I would let them sort it if it not long.

Hi Pat2u,

I have been its new owner just for 4 days now and it didn't come with a warranty.

But i am sure you still have rights, as i see it its not sold fit for pupose.

[Mistermena]

If you've only had the car a few days I would do as was mentioned here and take it back to where you bought it from, and let them sort it out. Its a very easy job to check the gearbox oil on the car. You don't need a large amount of tools either.

If I remember you'll need a 22mm socket on a half inch drive would be best. You will find under the car a central jacking point/toe loop. A trolley jack (I used a 2tonne) and some axle stands ect (To secure the car just in case the jack fails) I' also chocked up the rear wheels to help prevent the car from moving (make sure that the handbrake is on)

Under the car on the passenger side is a large black cover held in place with some screws and push spread plastic rivets(I removed all of this to get a good look at the box to check for any leaks)which pop off.

But if this looks like to big a job to do. Find a local garage to check it for you. They really shouldn't charge more than a tennor to do it I'd say.

I've heard of the gearbox oil that you've mentioned. But I've also heard that its not so good when the oil is cold.

Best bet is to have a word with the guys at Opie Oils about gearbox oils and specs. Thats a good place to start. The oil I used was the best that I could put in it so Opie Oils said. And as long as it meets the spec's of Toyota, then I'm more than happy to use it in my car.

My thinking is if its good enough for a race car then its good enough for a road car. Always put the best oils you can fine in then you know that you have the max protction.

But again like said on here. Do a test of the clutch to see if that shows up anything as said in another post. Hope all goes well.

[krischak]

have you tried to double clutch the gearbox when its cold?

I tried double clutching this morning, it definitely made a big difference! I probably need more practice to use it in busy traffic.

[krischak]

If you've only had the car a few days I would do as was mentioned here and take it back to where you bought it from, and let them sort it out. Its a very easy job to check the gearbox oil on the car. You don't need a large amount of tools either.

If I remember you'll need a 22mm socket on a half inch drive would be best. You will find under the car a central jacking point/toe loop. A trolley jack (I used a 2tonne) and some axle stands ect (To secure the car just in case the jack fails) I' also chocked up the rear wheels to help prevent the car from moving (make sure that the handbrake is on)

Under the car on the passenger side is a large black cover held in place with some screws and push spread plastic rivets(I removed all of this to get a good look at the box to check for any leaks)which pop off.

But if this looks like to big a job to do. Find a local garage to check it for you. They really shouldn't charge more than a tennor to do it I'd say.

I've heard of the gearbox oil that you've mentioned. But I've also heard that its not so good when the oil is cold.

Best bet is to have a word with the guys at Opie oils about gearbox oils and specs. Thats a good place to start. The oil I used was the best that I could put in it so Opie oils said. And as long as it meets the spec's of Toyota, then I'm more than happy to use it in my car.

My thinking is if its good enough for a race car then its good enough for a road car. Always put the best oils you can fine in then you know that you have the max protction.

But again like said on here. Do a test of the clutch to see if that shows up anything as said in another post. Hope all goes well.

Thanks for your patience in writing a detailed response. I am going to try this over the weekend and let you know if it helped. If it looked too much for me, will take to a garage and get it checked. Will keep you posted.

[Mistermena]

If you've only had the car a few days I would do as was mentioned here and take it back to where you bought it from, and let them sort it out. Its a very easy job to check the gearbox oil on the car. You don't need a large amount of tools either.

If I remember you'll need a 22mm socket on a half inch drive would be best. You will find under the car a central jacking point/toe loop. A trolley jack (I used a 2tonne) and some axle stands ect (To secure the car just in case the jack fails) I' also chocked up the rear wheels to help prevent the car from moving (make sure that the handbrake is on)

Under the car on the passenger side is a large black cover held in place with some screws and push spread plastic rivets(I removed all of this to get a good look at the box to check for any leaks)which pop off.

But if this looks like to big a job to do. Find a local garage to check it for you. They really shouldn't charge more than a tennor to do it I'd say.

I've heard of the gearbox oil that you've mentioned. But I've also heard that its not so good when the oil is cold.

Best bet is to have a word with the guys at Opie oils about gearbox oils and specs. Thats a good place to start. The oil I used was the best that I could put in it so Opie oils said. And as long as it meets the spec's of Toyota, then I'm more than happy to use it in my car.

My thinking is if its good enough for a race car then its good enough for a road car. Always put the best oils you can fine in then you know that you have the max protction.

But again like said on here. Do a test of the clutch to see if that shows up anything as said in another post. Hope all goes well.

Thanks for your patience in writing a detailed response. I am going to try this over the weekend and let you know if it helped. If it looked too much for me, will take to a garage and get it checked. Will keep you posted.

Not a problem mate. Hope all goes well. If you lived nearer I could have shown you exactly how to do it. Keep us informed of how you get on. I'd get the gear oil in ready so if you need to drain the box its ready for you.

Btw. The drain plug is on the bottom side of the gearbox, closest the the engine. Dead easy mate.

[cmia]

have you tried to double clutch the gearbox when its cold?

I tried double clutching this morning, it definitely made a big difference! I probably need more practice to use it in busy traffic.

If thats the case,

Fluid needs to be changed.

Its only hard to change gear if its cold, as the bearings and gears have not been lubricated.

Nothing wrong with the box or clutch.

[krischak]

have you tried to double clutch the gearbox when its cold?

I tried double clutching this morning, it definitely made a big difference! I probably need more practice to use it in busy traffic.

If thats the case,

Fluid needs to be changed.

Its only hard to change gear if its cold, as the bearings and gears have not been lubricated.

Nothing wrong with the box or clutch.

what a relief! Thanks for delivering me this good news cmia. Look forward to getting this sorted over the weekend. Cheers.

[Mistermena]

have you tried to double clutch the gearbox when its cold?

I tried double clutching this morning, it definitely made a big difference! I probably need more practice to use it in busy traffic.

If thats the case,

Fluid needs to be changed.

Its only hard to change gear if its cold, as the bearings and gears have not been lubricated.

Nothing wrong with the box or clutch.

what a relief! Thanks for delivering me this good news cmia. Look forward to getting this sorted over the weekend. Cheers.

The gearbox oil I used was called Silkolene Pro SRG 75 full-synthetic ester racing oil. Its a straight 75w grade. I think I paid about £15 a ltr (from Opie Oils but you may find it cheaper on the net) and the box took about 2.3 ltr to fill after being drained of the old fluid.

What engine oil are you going to use for the service? I use Mobil 1 ESP 5w-30 (C2 spec) There are others that use a semi-synthetic oils. But for me I'd always go for a full syn.

[cmia]

have you tried to double clutch the gearbox when its cold?

I tried double clutching this morning, it definitely made a big difference! I probably need more practice to use it in busy traffic.

If thats the case,

Fluid needs to be changed.

Its only hard to change gear if its cold, as the bearings and gears have not been lubricated.

Nothing wrong with the box or clutch.

what a relief! Thanks for delivering me this good news cmia. Look forward to getting this sorted over the weekend. Cheers.

The gearbox oil I used was called Silkolene Pro SRG 75 full-synthetic ester racing oil. Its a straight 75w grade. I think I paid about £15 a ltr (from Opie Oils but you may find it cheaper on the net) and the box took about 2.3 ltr to fill after being drained of the old fluid.

to change oil, vacum pump based system needs to be used, as all the oil will not be removed.

call toyota, give them your car reg and get the right grade oil information.

Wrong oil would and will damaged your box in the long term.

[Mistermena]

have you tried to double clutch the gearbox when its cold?

I tried double clutching this morning, it definitely made a big difference! I probably need more practice to use it in busy traffic.

If thats the case,

Fluid needs to be changed.

Its only hard to change gear if its cold, as the bearings and gears have not been lubricated.

Nothing wrong with the box or clutch.

what a relief! Thanks for delivering me this good news cmia. Look forward to getting this sorted over the weekend. Cheers.

The gearbox oil I used was called Silkolene Pro SRG 75 full-synthetic ester racing oil. Its a straight 75w grade. I think I paid about £15 a ltr (from Opie Oils but you may find it cheaper on the net) and the box took about 2.3 ltr to fill after being drained of the old fluid.

to change oil, vacum pump based system needs to be used, as all the oil will not be removed.

call toyota, give them your car reg and get the right grade oil information.

Wrong oil would and will damaged your box in the long term.

I'm not sure about the vacum based system is needed. If you have one (which I have to change the engine oil with) then there's no reason why not to use it. But I checked in both my owners manuel and on the Opie oil site and Toyota main dealers exactly what grade and quantity I needed for my gearbox. 2.3ltr came out and 2.4ltr (If I remember correctly) went back in.

But just a point of note. I called one of my local main dealers to ask about the grade of the oil for my car, and I was told by the service dept that a 75w-80 grade is what they used. But after looking on this forum I'd seen that a straight 75w grade was what to use. So I called another two main dealers and they both confirmed that a 75w grade was what I needed.

I called the dealer who gave me the wrong info and asked them again what was the correct oil. I was then told (By a different person) it was a 75w grade. They apologised for the wrong info that I was given.

But as said, always contact your main dealer to findout exactly what grade/spec and quantity you need for your car, using your reg or chassis number.

[krischak]

have you tried to double clutch the gearbox when its cold?

I tried double clutching this morning, it definitely made a big difference! I probably need more practice to use it in busy traffic.

If thats the case,

Fluid needs to be changed.

Its only hard to change gear if its cold, as the bearings and gears have not been lubricated.

Nothing wrong with the box or clutch.

what a relief! Thanks for delivering me this good news cmia. Look forward to getting this sorted over the weekend. Cheers.

The gearbox oil I used was called Silkolene Pro SRG 75 full-synthetic ester racing oil. Its a straight 75w grade. I think I paid about £15 a ltr (from Opie Oils but you may find it cheaper on the net) and the box took about 2.3 ltr to fill after being drained of the old fluid.

to change oil, vacum pump based system needs to be used, as all the oil will not be removed.

call toyota, give them your car reg and get the right grade oil information.

Wrong oil would and will damaged your box in the long term.

I'm not sure about the vacum based system is needed. If you have one (which I have to change the engine oil with) then there's no reason why not to use it. But I checked in both my owners manuel and on the Opie oil site and Toyota main dealers exactly what grade and quantity I needed for my gearbox. 2.3ltr came out and 2.4ltr (If I remember correctly) went back in.

But just a point of note. I called one of my local main dealers to ask about the grade of the oil for my car, and I was told by the service dept that a 75w-80 grade is what they used. But after looking on this forum I'd seen that a straight 75w grade was what to use. So I called another two main dealers and they both confirmed that a 75w grade was what I needed.

I called the dealer who gave me the wrong info and asked them again what was the correct oil. I was then told (By a different person) it was a 75w grade. They apologised for the wrong info that I was given.

But as said, always contact your main dealer to findout exactly what grade/spec and quantity you need for your car, using your reg or chassis number.

Hi all,

Finally I had the oil changed by a Toyota authorised service centre. It works fine now (though i am not completely happy with the outcome). They said they had changed oil for this problem in other models and worked fine. Thanks for all those who took interest and helped.

Just that this problem is out of my mind, another one popped out of the blue. The service centre who serviced says that my aircon compressor locking wheel (apparently the one that keeps the compressor from slipping out of place) has broken off and that it is dangerous to drive without it. The problem really is it doesn't come as a part, the whole compressor need to be replaced at 1K. Does anyone know if that part is sold separately or who should i contact to get this done. Thanks for any help.