Notchy Gear Change On 2000 Model

[Papillon]

Hi there,

My newly acquired W reg 3 door RAV 4 has very notchy gear change from 1st to 2nd. ( it was notchy during the test drive but everything else about the car was perfect!) I've read the related posts on this website but most are referring to newer models and people are saying it'll get better with age. However I'm guessing a 7 year old RAV 4 should be ok - if it was going to improve... I will try the synthetic oil but any advice for a car this age? Cheers :o

[freestyle]

Hi there,

My newly acquired W reg 3 door RAV 4 has very notchy gear change from 1st to 2nd. ( it was notchy during the test drive but everything else about the car was perfect!) I've read the related posts on this website but most are referring to newer models and people are saying it'll get better with age. However I'm guessing a 7 year old RAV 4 should be ok - if it was going to improve... I will try the synthetic oil but any advice for a car this age? Cheers :o

My 2003 NRG is exactly the same, as was my 1996 GX before it.

[gwilphil]

Hi there,

My newly acquired W reg 3 door RAV 4 has very notchy gear change from 1st to 2nd. ( it was notchy during the test drive but everything else about the car was perfect!) I've read the related posts on this website but most are referring to newer models and people are saying it'll get better with age. However I'm guessing a 7 year old RAV 4 should be ok - if it was going to improve... I will try the synthetic oil but any advice for a car this age? Cheers :o

My 2003 NRG is exactly the same, as was my 1996 GX before it.

So is my 2006 rav . its going for its 1st service on Wednesday we will see what thay have to say

[OldSkoO1]

Dont all toyotas suffer from slightly notchy gear changes?

But dont worry because many cars also suffer the same problems. Its normally caused by a slackening of the gear linkages from the shift stick. The dealer will know more about the linkage but the situation can sometimes be eased by changing the gearbox oil and even adding a weighted knob to counteract the weighted link bar and aid smoother gear change.