Needed: SR5 Manual trans or repair tips

[Escarbo70]

I have a 1986 Tercel sr5 with the 5 speed transmission. However I no longer have 1st gear (haven't had it for bout 6 months now actually). I drive it everyday and as much as almost 400 miles in a day with no real issues. I don't know if I need a new one or if I can fix this one. When I try to shift into first from stop it won't stay in gear whatsoever. If you have any ideas or know of any transmission in central or northern California please let me know...

[Petros]

welcome to the list. the trans can be rebuilt, sounds like the parts are just worn out. But a rebuild is pretty costly, if you remove the trans and take it to a shop you are looking at about $1000. Usually cheaper to find another used one from a wrecking yard, it can be done, but many of the trans in these cars also have high miles on them. they have not made this car, nor the trans for it, for over 25 years.

A properly rebuilt trans should last you 100-200k miles more, so if you intend to keep it that long it is worth the price. A used one, take care of, may or may not last a long time. but it costs much less if you can find a good one.

[toyotaman]

my car has been doing the same thing but ive found out if i put it in gear before im stopped and dont take it out it usually stays in when i start moving again. not a fail safe but i dont get as annoyed at first gear as i used to especially in the city when im sitting in a series of lights on a hill.