C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

(ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting...

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Old May 4, 2003 | 09:55 PM
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Default (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting...

My car isn't shifting too smooth. Its not a problem, I can get it into gear, but sometimes it won't let me go into first gear from a stop.
And while shifting it isn't as smooth as other cars i have driven.

Is this just the ZF6 or what? Is a tranny fluid change in order?
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Old May 4, 2003 | 10:02 PM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (Marty McFly)

Relative to not going into 1st...There's actually a blurb in the owner's manual about this, so what you're experiencing is probably normal. The ZF6 isn't exactly the smoothest in the world.

If it hasn't been done in the last year, I'd bleed the clutch fluid. It's basically brake fluid and changing it periodically doesn't hurt.
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Old May 4, 2003 | 10:12 PM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (96GS#007)

Relative to not going into 1st...There's actually a blurb in the owner's manual about this...
Good tip.

Citing the blurb: "If you've come to a complete stop and it's hard to shift into 1, put the shift lever in N and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift in 1.
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Old May 4, 2003 | 10:15 PM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (Oldman)

Wonder why the Zf6 is like that?
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Old May 4, 2003 | 10:32 PM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (Marty McFly)

Wonder why the Zf6 is like that?
Not sure. Seems like I have read something on the subject, but senility has set in. Have you disabled the 1-4 shift lock-out?
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Old May 4, 2003 | 11:13 PM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (Marty McFly)

WHat fixed mine was a fluid change using the correct GM part number fluid.
Made on heck of a difference.
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Old May 4, 2003 | 11:16 PM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (92corvette)

WHat fixed mine was a fluid change using the correct GM part number fluid.
Made on heck of a difference.
This is my next item on my ZF. It's just good maintenance.
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Old May 4, 2003 | 11:16 PM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (92corvette)

WHat fixed mine was a fluid change using the correct GM part number fluid.
Made on heck of a difference.
You get that done at chevy dealer? How much are they charging?
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Old May 4, 2003 | 11:22 PM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (Marty McFly)

I never go to the dealer. My local qwuick lube place did it for somewhere around $40. The lube is pretty expensive just to buy it, so it was a pretty good deal not to have to get under it myself.
JUST MAKE SURE THEY KNOW THE CORRECT FLUID.....

[Modified by 92corvette, 10:23 PM 5/4/2003]


[Modified by 92corvette, 10:25 PM 5/4/2003]
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Old May 4, 2003 | 11:37 PM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (92corvette)

You're playing with fire!!!

Synchros for ZF $680
Labor for swapping them out $400
Shipping transmission to Standardtransmission.com $300
Finding out the tranny is probably okay and it's the hydralic clutch system which may only cost about $400 with labor (priceless).

Read my posts on my tranny and check your hydralic clutch system as you could have problems with your master or slave cylinder. Also, change your fluid in the tranny each year for cheap insurance...

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Old May 5, 2003 | 01:17 AM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (KCvetteowner)

i heard that changing the fluid would make a good difference. how can i do it myself. draining is no prob, but how to get the fluid in teh gear box? can someone please describe in detail how this is done? i'd appreciate it alot. i know that those big ole gm oil bottles aint fittin up there. lol
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Old May 5, 2003 | 01:21 AM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (Clemson Vette)

For changing those types of fluids, I use a pump that screws onto the top of any oil/fluid type container. I got it from the 'boat' department of a walmart type store. It is made to put lower gear drive fluid in boats.
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Old May 5, 2003 | 07:25 AM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (Marty McFly)

Have your master & slave cylinders checked, it is very likely one (or possibly both) have a leak. If thats the case, replace both. Total cost $350 - 400 includes labor. I'm betting on one of the cylinders having a leak :yesnod:
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Old May 5, 2003 | 07:57 AM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (96GS#007)

Relative to not going into 1st...There's actually a blurb in the owner's manual about this, so what you're experiencing is probably normal. The ZF6 isn't exactly the smoothest in the world.
I don't see this in my owner's manual, or my service manual?

My ZF6 shift smooth in all gears.

From the problem description it sure sounds like a hydraulic clutch problem. The clutch is not completely disengaging. Very harmful to the ZF6! I think I would first flush and change the fluid in the clutch system, making sure it's bled properly. If that doesn't fix it then it may be time to change the master/slave cylinder.

To test the hydraulic clutch system, from GM service manual: Run the engine, clutch pedal depressed, shift between 1st and reverse a few times. It should shift smoothly each time with little resistance.

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Old May 5, 2003 | 11:11 AM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (Marty McFly)

Wonder why the Zf6 is like that?
Because it's a truck transmission.
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Old May 5, 2003 | 09:59 PM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (Atok)

Relative to not going into 1st...There's actually a blurb in the owner's manual about this, so what you're experiencing is probably normal. The ZF6 isn't exactly the smoothest in the world.


I don't see this in my owner's manual, or my service manual?
It's on page 2-24, 2nd paragraph, 2nd sentence of the 1996 Owners Manual.

The first time I read it was when I bought my 1990 L98 (sold). Since it was in the '90 Owner's Manual and it's in the '96 Owner's Manual, it's reasonable to expect it to be in the '91 through '95 manuals as well.

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Old May 5, 2003 | 11:19 PM
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Default Re: (ZF6) Non-Smooth Shifting... (96GS#007)

My 96 has the same problem. Slave cylender was replaced about 1000 miles ago. What shoul I check? I have never had a problem getting it in gear.It is just not as smooth as my friends 2000 Vert.
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