GR Yaris Help: Can not engage 1st and 2nd gear anymore

tamasd8

tamasd8

New member
Oct 29, 2025
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Hi All,
Sorry if this has been asked before and that I didn't do my research, I'm a little bit at the edge of panic here.

Edit: made a short video about it:

I have a 2023. GR Yaris Circuit pack with 9600km / 6000miles, bought it in November with 8600km/5300miles, so pretty new (EU LHD)
Today I went to pick up my girlfriend, all good, just regular traffic flow in the city, not even a hard pull or anything.
I got home, parked at the apartment, wanted to correct it a bit by reversing. After that I couldn't put the car into 1st or 2nd gear anymore.
It feels like the gear lever hits something as it moves left and up, not following the "usual" path.
3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and reverse are all working fine.
I hope someone has an idea what this could be. Clutch? Fluids? Gear linkage? Can I fix it by myself? Any help is appreciated.

Also I noticed lately that when I am in neutral (at a red light for example) and clutch in then select 1st gear, the car moves (like you see it with race cars) - not sure if it is related though.
 
Last edited:
A short video about it here
Tried pumping the clutch, revving the engine a bit, then a bit more, but nothing helped.
Called my dealer but they don't really have any free appointments for this year... so much about visiting the family at Christmas.
 
Your clutch seems not disengage correctly. Look for something blocking your clutch pedal (something like a carpet?). Can you shift into first when the engine is off? That means shifting mechanism is fine and it's a clutch problem.

Bye for now Fred
 
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Thanks for the reply!

I can't shift into 1st or 2nd whether the engine is running, or not. It is not grinding, even when I force it.
The carpet is fine, the pedal is hitting the bottom point.
Every other gear works fine, even reverse. I think it is the gear linkage for 1st and 2nd.
The car is on its way to the dealer now through Toyota Assistance. They seemed to kinda know about the possible issue on the phone.

We'll see, I'll update this thread.

Looks good on a trailer though :(

PXL_20251219_145904918.MP.webp
 
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I got the car back today. The issue didn't happen at the dealer...
The mechanic drove it for like 20 km and there no problems. I also drove it home, transmission works perfectly.
I really hate when this happens, we don't know the cause. But we agreed that if it happens again, I bring the car back and they look into it. Will be covered under warranty.
Now let's hope it doesn't happen during Christmas, while I'm in the middle of nowhere...
 
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