[Z06] Stick pops out when going in reverse
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 60
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From: Virginia Beach VA
Stick pops out when going in reverse
I bought my '02 Z06 about 3 months ago and its been great so far. However, a couple of problems are coming up. If I don't hold the stick in when going in reverse, the car will pop out of gear and that annoying gear grinding sound will begin. It works fine when I hold it in. I had the same problem with my mustang, so I don't know if it's a normal thing or what. Also, sometimes when I stop at a light or stop sign, I can't get the car into first gear. I'll have to try to push it in, step on the gas a little until something in the trans(?) moves, and then I'll be able to get into first.
Do these problems sound familiar? Is it going to be to technical for a newbie like myself to figure out how to fix? How much do you think this is going to cost?
Thanks!
Chad
Do these problems sound familiar? Is it going to be to technical for a newbie like myself to figure out how to fix? How much do you think this is going to cost?
Thanks!
Chad
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,846
Likes: 5
From: Sandy Ego CA
The early Z06's had aluminum shift forks and they were notorious for bending out of place, I bet this is your problem. The 03 & 04 Z's have metal shift forks, just change the shift fork out to metal ones and I think you will be OK
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Originally Posted by RoHo
The early Z06's had aluminum shift forks and they were notorious for bending out of place, I bet this is your problem. The 03 & 04 Z's have metal shift forks, just change the shift fork out to metal ones and I think you will be OK
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,394
Likes: 6
From: Melbourne FL
Originally Posted by Bill Dearborn
Need some clarification. Since when is aluminum not a metal? What metal are the newer forks made from?
Bill
Bill
I'd bet you've got either a bent shift fork or your synchros are going.
If it were me; I'd try the shifting to first trick and see if that helps.
Mine is very finicky and I almost always have to shift to 2nd before it will go into reverse. But, miine has never popped out.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 60
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From: Virginia Beach VA
Change myself
Would a reverse shifting fork and synchros be something I'd want to try to fix myself? I have a buddy who knows his way around cars, but I have pretty limited experience. I want to learn all I can, but I want to make sure I don't get in over my head on the first job.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
Originally Posted by Rifeman
I bought my '02 Z06 about 3 months ago and its been great so far. However, a couple of problems are coming up. If I don't hold the stick in when going in reverse, the car will pop out of gear and that annoying gear grinding sound will begin. It works fine when I hold it in. I had the same problem with my mustang, so I don't know if it's a normal thing or what. Also, sometimes when I stop at a light or stop sign, I can't get the car into first gear. I'll have to try to push it in, step on the gas a little until something in the trans(?) moves, and then I'll be able to get into first.
Do these problems sound familiar? Is it going to be to technical for a newbie like myself to figure out how to fix? How much do you think this is going to cost?
Thanks!
Chad
Do these problems sound familiar? Is it going to be to technical for a newbie like myself to figure out how to fix? How much do you think this is going to cost?
Thanks!
Chad
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,394
Likes: 6
From: Melbourne FL
Originally Posted by Rifeman
Would a reverse shifting fork and synchros be something I'd want to try to fix myself? I have a buddy who knows his way around cars, but I have pretty limited experience. I want to learn all I can, but I want to make sure I don't get in over my head on the first job.
If you've got a good manual, the space, a lift, and the time to spend possibly on a redo; then by all means do the job yourself. You will learn alot about your car in the process.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,087
Likes: 4
From: granville mass
Take a deep breath before assuming that something is seriously wrong with your tranny, especially if you have an aftermarket shifter. Do a search for adjusting the shifter. It can make a huge difference, and is relatively simple to do (easier than changing the oil).
There's a good posibility that you're not getting full engagement while in the "normal" reverse mode. Note that there are no synchro's to be worn in reverse, and that the shift forks that bend are ususally the 1-2 and 3-4 forks because of power shifts. Unless someone really leaned on the shifter when in reverse, it's fine. Look a little harder for another option before considering taking the car apart.
There's a good posibility that you're not getting full engagement while in the "normal" reverse mode. Note that there are no synchro's to be worn in reverse, and that the shift forks that bend are ususally the 1-2 and 3-4 forks because of power shifts. Unless someone really leaned on the shifter when in reverse, it's fine. Look a little harder for another option before considering taking the car apart.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 22
From: Cary NC
Originally Posted by zulatr
Take a deep breath before assuming that something is seriously wrong with your tranny.........
||||
What he said. I agree. Mine is an 02 Z06 and it doesn't like Reverse first thing in the morning. If I park it in 1st then I have to let the clutch out and let it roll forward a hair. Then it goes in to Reverse. If I park it in Reverse it is fine. Probably needs a tiny adjustment to fix it but I've been too lazy since it is just a minor annoyance.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,748
Likes: 250
From: NJ
Change the trans fluid before you loose any more sleep. If that doesn't fix it check the adjustment on the shifter. I have seen a few threads here where guys switch to synthetic fluid or some other "trick" trans fluid and have a hard time shifting afterwards. I agree that you don't have bent shift forks or bad synchros causing the reverse problem. The only good explanations for popping out in reverse and trouble going into first are as stated fluid or shifter adjustment. Rest easy, IMHO this is a cheap fix. 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
On both my 97 and my Z I would have to hold the shifter in reverse and let the clutch out just a little to let the gears mesh. Once that happened it would stay in reverse. Sometimes the gears are lined up and it goes right in but other times they clash and the tranny isn't really in reverse. That is when you get the grinding sound if you let the clutch out and aren't forcing the gears to mesh. Since I always park the car with the tranny in reverse and do not use the parking brake I have developed the habit of shoving on the shifter and letting the clutch out a little to ensure the car is in reverse just before shutting off the engine.
Bill
Bill
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 66
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From: Monaca Pennsylvania
[QUOTE=Rifeman]I bought my '02 Z06 about 3 months ago and its been great so far. However, a couple of problems are coming up. If I don't hold the stick in when going in reverse, the car will pop out of gear and that annoying gear grinding sound will begin. It works fine when I hold it in. I had the same problem with my mustang, so I don't know if it's a normal thing or what. Also, sometimes when I stop at a light or stop sign, I can't get the car into first gear. I'll have to try to push it in, step on the gas a little until something in the trans(?) moves, and then I'll be able to get into first.
Rifleman - I would suggest that you also review all of the threads on the Forum concerning clutch and clutch cylinder problems. My 04 did about the same thing and the problem was in the clutch, such as fried!!! Stop at a light and you cannot get it into first. Feels like somthing in the tranny, but actually was the clutch. When cold, the tranny still spins because the clutch is not releasing. Installed a new clutch along with slave cylinder and master cylinder. I also am slowly bleeding and feeding synthetic DOT 4 fluid.
Rifleman - I would suggest that you also review all of the threads on the Forum concerning clutch and clutch cylinder problems. My 04 did about the same thing and the problem was in the clutch, such as fried!!! Stop at a light and you cannot get it into first. Feels like somthing in the tranny, but actually was the clutch. When cold, the tranny still spins because the clutch is not releasing. Installed a new clutch along with slave cylinder and master cylinder. I also am slowly bleeding and feeding synthetic DOT 4 fluid.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,337
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From: Whitby Ontario
Rifeman,
I had exactly the same problem. Luckily the car was under warranty. It turned out that the synchrose for 5th and 6th gear was toast. This prevented it from engaging reverse and grinded everytime it went in. It basically needed the gear box to be rebuilt.
I'm no mechanic but know my way around trucks and heavy equipment. I definitely wouldn't tackle this myself. Like I said it was under warranty and fixed properly with a new warranty to boot.
Good luck!!!!
pm me if you need any more info.
Jay
I had exactly the same problem. Luckily the car was under warranty. It turned out that the synchrose for 5th and 6th gear was toast. This prevented it from engaging reverse and grinded everytime it went in. It basically needed the gear box to be rebuilt.
I'm no mechanic but know my way around trucks and heavy equipment. I definitely wouldn't tackle this myself. Like I said it was under warranty and fixed properly with a new warranty to boot.
Good luck!!!!
pm me if you need any more info.
Jay
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,251
Likes: 217
From: 2007 Nat'l Corvette Challenge 11.50 index Champ. New Jersey
To get the trans out, you have to drop the entire rear!
Try the above suggestions first. If this doesn't work, unless you have a lift & your friend has done these cars before, I'd suggest finding the nearest Corvette shop to you & letting the experts do it that do that type of work EVERYDAY!!
Ron
Try the above suggestions first. If this doesn't work, unless you have a lift & your friend has done these cars before, I'd suggest finding the nearest Corvette shop to you & letting the experts do it that do that type of work EVERYDAY!!
Ron
