Car sometimes starts in third gear not first gear?

Hi,

On the contrary, that doesn't sound like a transmission issue at all. It sounds like the shift cable/linkage is worn or the shifter gate is worn.

Were the shift cables and connectors inspected? Unless you ran the transmission dry, they are hard to damage, and I don't suspect that is the problem.

Let me know. Also, I attached an exploded view of the shifter below so you would have a reference. Note it isn't uncommon for the grommets to wear out where the cable attach at both ends. In pic 2, I showed the grommets I'm referring to on the transmission itself.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.

No, it has never been run dry. I know the previous owner, who has done all the work on it himself and it is in great condition.
I do lose about a third of a quart of transmission fluid every 12 months from a small leak. The leak is (previous owner's words) on the driver's side transaxle output seal that is apparently very difficult to get perfectly straight.
I know this is a good mechanic, but he did say he doesn't get a lot of manual transmission Toyotas. I think what he picked up on was just the fact that there was a leak that I don't need fixed.
I will have him inspect what you just sent me and let you know!

PS: I also heard a metal "ping" under the perhaps center middle(?) of my car during the first episode at a stoplight.
It made me actually drive around to the spot where I was stopped looking for a part on the road but I found nothing...

Hi,

I feel the linkage/cables are the shifting issues. The noise, however, is odd. Did the vehicle drive any differently after you heard this?

I hope you had a nice Christmas!!!

Joe

It drove the same. The gears were not grinding. I did notice the actual shifter stick is leaning more toward the driver side when putting it into first meaning it's not as upright as it used to be.

Hi,

The shifter positioning helps confirm a linkage issue. Are you able to check it or do you plan to take it back to the shop? Also, I am 99.9% confident the transmission is not the problem. Don't replace it unless you get another opinion. What you described makes me think it is a linkage cable issue.

Let me know.

Joe

I did take it to our other, regular mechanic on this one. I actually texted the original owner and he texted me back from his vacation confirming his thoughts similar to yours as well. He had banded the cables together to the frame of the car as one of the cabling mounts(?) had come off before. He suggested checking that as well.

They're looking at it today or tomorrow. I described all the issues. I will let you know the outcome for sure!

Solution: turns out the cables were loose. It was this clamp. $60.00 I think it was the grand total with labor.
I so appreciate your input.

Now I have to have a necessary yet tough conversation with the mechanic who's typically spot on but really goofed on this one telling me I needed a whole new transmission; second gear was problematic; the cables were fine.
Part: https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~clip~90468-14016.html
Peace,
Rob

Rob,

You are very welcome. I felt confident it wasn't the transmission. Great that it was an inexpensive repair. Manual transmissions will outlast the vehicle if they aren't abused and serviced. The transmission in this vehicle (if taken care of) will go 500,000 miles.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future. Also, have a Great New Year!!!

Joe