Rav4 Diesel - Poor Gear Changes

[xt4crunchcrunch]

Had seen some other postings - thought i would share my experience... The car is brand new!

Love the car but had problems of noisy/violent gear changes between 1st and 2nd.

Complained to main dealer - car was eventually examined. Told that a new 'release bearing' was required.

Car was handed over for work to be done. Car wing was damaged during repair - they 'fixed it'.

Gear changes as previously mentioned are no better - any thoughts anyone?

Not a happy bunny!

[Steve@Aberdeen]

Had seen some other postings - thought i would share my experience... The car is brand new!

Love the car but had problems of noisy/violent gear changes between 1st and 2nd.

Complained to main dealer - car was eventually examined. Told that a new 'release bearing' was required.

Car was handed over for work to be done. Car wing was damaged during repair - they 'fixed it'.

Gear changes as previously mentioned are no better - any thoughts anyone?

Not a happy bunny!

I've found many boxes to be difficult engaging 1st and my XT4 is no different - for a day or two, 2nd felt quite stiff, although that cleared before I was able to get anything checked. 3rd/4th and 5th/6th have always been really smooth. The notchiness on 1st/2nd is noticeable but not anything that bothers me - in fact, I think it's a very nice box to use. If there was anything I'd like to improve, it would be the clutch - it still takes me by surprise on occasions and engages so quick I stall!

[anchorman]

I rejected my first new RAV 4.3 for exactly the same problem. I refused to have any remedial work done on it because I don't like the principle of a new car being "opened up" because it never goes back quite the same while folk are rushing around on bonus. The fact that yours was damaged goes some way toward proving my point. How on earth they concluded it was the release bearing is a mystery to me.

You've given them one chance and that is all you are required to do. Go back to the dealer manager and formally reject it.

Now a word of caution. My second car is infinitely better than the first but be warned that they are all notchy between 1st and 2nd. You can ease the problem by taking your time when changing. It is a sophisticated box with triple synchros on 1st and 2nd but I can't help but think that maybe the synthetic straight 75 oil is possibly too good and causing the synchros to slip. When I asked them about changing the grade they will only follow Toyota recommendations so it stays like it is while under warranty.

Like Steve I struggle with the clutch being a bit fierce as well.

Good luck

[Frank Ashworth]

The gear change does get better I hardly notice any abnormality's now, It was terrible when new, maybe Ive got used to it? interestingly my wife has never passed any comments about the gear change and she drives the vehicle regularly.

We have never had any problems with the clutch it engages very smoothly.

I have recently driven a Citroen C4 and a Suzuki Grand Vitara both diesels with six speed boxes, both had notchy 1st to 2nd gear changes. (just a comment)

[Steve@Aberdeen]

Of course I should have added that I rarely use 1st or 2nd other than pulling away. The D-4D has enough low-down torque to manage most hills or sharp bends in 3rd or higher - though I think I dropped to 2nd on Porlock at Easter ('cos the car in front slowed down).

[Sussex_Paul]

I'd agree with Anchorman on this one, they are definately not the smoothest between 1st and 2nd gears, especially with more than a few thousand revs.

I find it easier to literally use 1st just to get moving then snick straight to 2nd for pulling away. The changes from then on are much smoother. Although I must admit to being lazy using the engine's torque to miss out gears if possible.

Hardly use 5th these days........................

[stv1x]

It does improve, or at least that's my experience after just clocking up 1k miles.

Stick with it

Steve

[dave.m]

Hi all,

Re your gear change woes, in the 20 odd cars I've had in the past, all a variety of makes, I would say that 70% had a rough 1st to 2nd change. My own Rav is a bit rough as well, but worst still is engaging reverse. Sometimes need 2 or 3 goes. Just a trait I think and you just get used/learn to live with it.

Cheers,

Dave.

[chatman]

Hi all,

Re your gear change woes, in the 20 odd cars I've had in the past, all a variety of makes, I would say that 70% had a rough 1st to 2nd change. My own Rav is a bit rough as well, but worst still is engaging reverse. Sometimes need 2 or 3 goes. Just a trait I think and you just get used/learn to live with it.

Cheers,

Dave.

My D4D just clocked past 72k now and 1st to 2nd first thing is always a bit stiff, but after about 10 mins all smooth again.....Clutch still catches me out some times as well...............

[Manxrav]

Hi all,

Re your gear change woes, in the 20 odd cars I've had in the past, all a variety of makes, I would say that 70% had a rough 1st to 2nd change. My own Rav is a bit rough as well, but worst still is engaging reverse. Sometimes need 2 or 3 goes. Just a trait I think and you just get used/learn to live with it.

Cheers,

Dave.

My D4D just clocked past 72k now and 1st to 2nd first thing is always a bit stiff, but after about 10 mins all smooth again.....Clutch still catches me out some times as well...............

Chatman good looking Rav for 72k

Clare

[chatman]

Chatman good looking Rav for 72k

Clare

It's the way I polish it that keeps it all shinny.....................O and the money spent on services.......

[NMaria]

Most cars are notchy from 1st to 2nd; my RAV is no different. Changing very slowly helps, particularly when the box is very cold, and changing at low revs helps, too. Changing back from 2nd to 1st I only ever do when I'm practically stationary. Clutch, box, suspension, everything has become more supple after a few thousand miles.

Husband has a fairly new Octavia; RAV box is much nicer and smoother.

[anchorman]

Now you have had all sorts of opinions so you probably won't know if you're coming or going.

I have had a 4.3 with an unacceptable gearbox and no amount of bedding in or change of driving practice was going to change it so I reiterate that if you are confident that the box is not right that you formally reject the car before it is too late. The passage of time will make it more difficult for you.

It's up to you.

Regards