Hi Everyone.

I have a 2004 Solara SE Sport 5 speed manual 4 cyl with 23k on the odometer. I bought it used back in May. When I upshift from 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 3rd it feels like something "grabs" or "catches" in the gear box. This occurs maybe 80% of the time. It appears to be worse as the weather gets colder or until the transmissions warms up some. I've tested it shifting at different RPM's, shifting quicker, slower, but it still is not silky smooth like it is from 3rd to 4th and 4th to 5th. I cannot isolate and attribute this to any one condition. It will not "catch" while downshifting into any gear. I've had one dealer look at it so far and after test driving it, the tech said and in writing "what the customer is most likely feeling is the gears lining up. Normal at this time". Then the service advisor said that I shouldn't worry about it because I have a 100k warranty on it. It still does not feel right though...

Is this normal with other Solara's ? If so, wouldn't it "catch" while I upshift through any gear ?

Thank you,

DJJ

Had the same problem. Saw there was a TSB (TC003 - 05) out there and told the dealer, said they couldn't duplicate what I was saying. Took it to the dealer I bought it from (hour away vice 15 minutes). They told me there was a TSB (never told them) and they applied it and it took care of the problem. Basically it is a reprograming of the ECU for the transmission.

Good luck.

Ops, that TSB was for 6 cyl only. Sorry, no help