Sluggish acceleration?

Hello,

It sounds like there is an issue with transmission engagement. Have you checked the fluid level? I would be interested to see what it looks like. When was the last time the clutch, pressure plate, and pilot bearing were replaced or inspected? Please let us know.

William

Looking from under the vehicle you should be able to see the drain plug, and a filler plug above that. The filler plug you can see from above the car, underneath the air filter box. Should be a 24mm hex bolt for both. You would remove the filler plug and use your finger to check the level, if it reaches your finger then the level is good. Conversely you could drain it and inspect the fluid better and replace it. The system takes 2 quarts. See below:

DRAIN MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL
Remove the manual transmission filler plug and the gasket.
Remove the drain plug sub-assembly and gasket, and then drain the manual transaxle oil.
Install a new gasket and the drain plug sub-assembly.
Torque : 39 Nm (400 kgf-cm, 29 ft-lbf)

The fluid spec is described as "Toyota Genuine Manual Transmission Gear Oil LV", "API GL-4 and SAE 75W" or "API GL-4 and SAE 75W-90"

Hope this helps,
William

Here is a quick test: Start the car, on level ground put it into 2rd gear. Let the clutch out and step on the throttle. Does the engine rev way up to say 3-4K but the car just barely moves like the tires were slipping instead of the engine bogging down like it was going to stall? If so, it's most likely that the clutch is the issue, If the 11,000 miles is correct it's probably not worn out, but it could be that the pilot bearing sleeve is rusty or corroded and it is binding up because of where it stays when parked. If that is the case you can try an old trick, we use on farm equipment that sticks, stomp the clutch all the way down fast and let it up quick to move the bearing on the slide and free it up. Now if the mileage should say 111,000 miles, then it's more likely time for a clutch replacement. Follow the steps to check the fluid as well.
You might be able to check the wear on the clutch by pulling the boot back where the clutch fork goes in or if it has an inspection cover.

No problem. It did sound like an engagement issue. Thank you for using 2carpros. Com, and please tell a friend!
William