Shifter feels like molasses

When my 2005 Tundra SR5 sits for more than a week. The next several times I drive, putting it into gear, the shifter feels like molasses. There is resistence. It does shift, but not smoothly. After a few days it returns to normal shifting. Any ideas what is causing this?

 

When was the last time you did a flush on it?

 

I have not had it flushed. Do you think that is what is needed?

 

Are you the original owner and how many miles?

 

Its got 130,000 miles and I am not the original owner. I bought it 2 1/2 years ago.

 

I would definitely start with that. It may never have been done.

 

Plus it gives you an opportunity to see what the fluid looks like coming out. Do you have a magnetised pan?

 

No flush. Drain and refill. That’s what I’ve been told.

 

x2.
Especially with the mileage stated.
Maybe filter change too but no power flush.

 

How could a drain fill fix this shifter issue?

Seems like your shifter linkage is getting corroded when not used or something along those lines.

Couldn't see how old transmission fluid could cause this issue.

 

Let's not be tearing the transmission apart just yet. Plus if it is corroded there will be evidence in the flush.

 

Agree with this but also think a drain+fill is always a good idea. I would do that as part of routine maintenance. I'm not convinced it's going to solve this issue though.

 

I agree with you that it will probably not fix his issue, but it would be my first step in the diagnostic process.

 

Is it the actual shifter if it's a manual transmission, or are you talking about how the automatic transmission shifts after you start moving? If it's the actual shifter, it's because the lubricant in the mechanism is degrading and becoming thicker. My Mother-In-Law had a Toyota pickup back in the 80's. She called and said it was almost impossible to shift. It was a standard transmission with the shifter on the floor. I hosed it down with a good cleaner and then lubricant and it was like new. You didn't mention whether you have a manual or automatic, but in either case all you may need to do is clean the linkage (there may be a cable involved if it's an automatic) and relube everything. Having the transmission serviced (fluid and filter change) is a good idea, but don't let them talk you into a flush. Flushing an automatic transmission is a recipe for disaster. Opinions on this vary, but I've seen too many transmissions that require a replacement or rebuild after a flush.

 

I posted this a while back after having my panels off doing some other work. I reused the factory grease which looked like it pushed itself to the sides (of contact/slippage points). Just wiped the OEM grease off the sides and reinstalled it back where it should be. Smoovvee! 2002 Tundra Automatic 4.7

 

I have this same issue, however mine sat for a few weeks and now it won't shift out of park. I've checked all fuses. Replaced the brake light switch since I had it all opened up anyways. I disconnected the cable from the trans side and it moves fine. Cleaned and Lubed up the shift arm on the trans but I can't get it to move. Any suggestions??

 

Put vehicle up on ramps and wire brush the linkage/cable on transmission and spray with PBlaster. Spray some WD down interior shifter assembly. It should free up.

 

Reviving this. I don't quite have enough grease off to the sides. What grease would be recommended here? Should not be petroleum-based since there is plastic involved, right? Maybe the same thing I use for brake slide pins?

 

PHM has faded from the ether and no longer visits Tundras.com due to being banned. I would probably use a PTFE synthetic grease like SuperLube. Just my two cents.

 

Oh no, where did that all play out?

Good idea about the SuperLube. I think that I have some kicking around somewhere too.

 

You’re late to the party Hal, that happened back in the summer of 2022 I believe. It was due to making inappropriate political comments from what I was told.

 

Truck hasn’t needed work so I haven’t stopped by

Now that the warm times have come, I’ll be sure to stay on top of the gossip.

 

Ooof, my man only stops by when his truck needs work. Suddenly now, we all feel so used.

 

lol darn it

Let me emphasize that it has been winter and I can only work on it outside then.

As a treat, perhaps you can enjoy pinpointing the exact moment my old power steering pump exploded in this short video from a couple of months ago:

https://vimeo.com/807527834

I love this thing. Just need to figure out the rust on one of the cab corners. Looks like Toyota has those body panels back in stock so I might actually be able to deal with it at a reasonable cost.