Hey fellow Taco lovers,

I've got an '07 Taco with the 4cyl engine. Lately it feels like it's getting hard to shift gears smoothly because the clutch seems to engage/disengage closer to the top of the pedal-stroke. Also, it is sometimes hesitant to go into 1st gear when rolling up onto a stop sign, like the syncro-mesh isn't open all the way. I can always get it to go but I have to be gentle to make it go smooth. I've been noticing it more and more and it is accentuated when the truck is cold, like below freezing.

Is my clutch going? Typically, how long does this occur before the clutch starts to slip? I would take it to the dealership but I'm worried all they're gonna do is drive it, charge a $30 "diagnoses" fee, and say "yup, yer gonna need a new clutch." What is a good way to know for sure the dealership isn't being a "stealership."... I mean, how can I really know for sure the clutch is really going bad? The truck only has 70k on it. I baby it and I never ride the clutch. I guess I'm just surprised its already going out.:unsure3d:

Any suggestions are appreciated.

I would try a fluid change first and go from there, especially since the colder temps seem to make it worse.