Trevor,
thanks for the response but can you clarify how you inferred that I am confused between shift action and clutch action?

I am having the same shifting issues when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear during first 10 minutes when the car is started for the first time in the day.

 

Your comment focused on the "shifter", but when you refer to height, that is more likely a clutch engagement issue (the pedal) than the shifter. So reading your post, the two sound confused.

 

oh ok, I was referring to the fact that the scion xb shifter is installed much higher from floor than other cars implying that more linkages are in place to accomplish the shifting.

 

I didn't like the pitch of the clutch. Didn't really like the way it shifted either. My two corollas shift much better I thought.

 

If you want to view the linkage, the shift console covers are reasonably easy to remove. I also own an early Eclipse manual and although the xB throw is a little longer, I don't find the feel to be all that much different. However, the clutch feels very different, a distinctly higher engagement/disengagement point from the Eclipse -- though I'm able to move fairly quickly between them at this point. Nothing like practice !

 

I've got the same problem, but now, my shift from 1st to 2nd grinds. Also going into reverse when cold. Also, 4th to 5th is rough and/or grinds at higher speeds (70mph). I barely ever drive "hard". In fact, most of the grinding is during stop and go for the 1-2 shift, or when I'm driving slow. The dealership wants $840 to "teardown" to see if it's the synchros (warranty, which I'm sure it is) or the clutch, which the mechanic guesses it is ($$$$). The grinding happens when the clutch is fully engaged. Either way, I'm disappointed, because that's pretty early for either, considering how calm I drive, and the fact that I've been driving stick for over 20 years, without similar problems on any other cars. I might just have to dump it if Scion doesn't cover it under warranty. Which sucks, because everything else if just fine. Just ranting, but I've got a Lexus, Toyota, and a Scion, and will be certain never to own a Toyota brand again if they don't take care of this.

 

If the clutch is even partially engaged, you shouldn't be trying to change gears. Gear change should only be performed with the clutch fully disengaged. (Presuming the clutch pedal and master cylinder actuator are adjusted correctly, fully disengaged is with the clutch pedal fully to the floor.)