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[Z06] All gears shift weird.

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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 03:06 AM
  #1  
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Default All gears shift weird.

OK, I've done a search for this and didn't really see much. I'm hoping changing the fluid will solve this problem:

When the trans is cold, most of the time it will shift fine... Meaning it will snap right into each gate.

But for some reason, as soon as I've gone a couple miles or it gets hot, it seems I really have to push the shifter into the gate. It doesn't grind at all. Just feels like there's something pushing back and instead of a click going in, it just kind of "smooshes" in.

Any ideas?
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 04:30 AM
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Mine does that too, exactly as you described. My guess is the synchros are toast.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 05:49 AM
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Have you checked your clutch fluid lately? Maybe it's low on fluid.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 12:42 PM
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No. Good idea. I'll check it before I leave today.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 02:27 PM
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Suggest you clean up the clutch fluid by concerted following of the protocol. That's step #1. It's corrupt clutch fluid that impedes proper functioning of the clutch hydraulics.

The approach for the C5 platform is to change the fluid (to DOT4) and then drive the car to mix the fluid. Then swap again and take a drive. A couple weeks of that will normally clean up even the dirtiest clutch fluid.

As step #2, suggest changing the tranny fluid, if that's not been done in the last 12K-15K miles.

Once both those steps are accomplished, let us know if the symptoms continue.

Ranger

Last edited by Ranger; Jul 22, 2009 at 07:16 PM.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 07:07 PM
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I checked my clutch fluid before I left. It's black as night. I'm taking my daily driver over to Autozone right now and picking up some brake fluid. I think the protocol is right on target.

I'll let you know how things go as soon as I'm done.


Thanks guys. I really appreciate the help.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 07:48 PM
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Wouldn't hurt to change the tranny fluid too.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 08:31 PM
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OK. Just finished changing the clutch fluid. Fixed the problem! I had to repeat the protocol about 5 times before it stayed clear. Now it's shifting perfect.

I DO want to change the trans fluid to the Royal Purple synchromax but I don't have a way to get under the car... Any ideas?

I also want to change the gear oil too to RP Gear-Max.
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 10:51 PM
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You can change both trans and diff fluids on ramps. It's tough, you'll make a mess of yourself, but it's possible.
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 08:53 AM
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UPDATE:

The protocol sort of worked. It's definitely shifting easier now, but I'm still getting what feels like clashing in the shifts. I'm going to change the fluid ASAP and hope that takes care of the issue. If it doesn't, I may need a trans rebuild. I'm hoping that's not the case.
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 08:58 AM
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Originally Posted by SCM_Crash
UPDATE:

The protocol sort of worked. It's definitely shifting easier now, but I'm still getting what feels like clashing in the shifts. I'm going to change the fluid ASAP and hope that takes care of the issue. If it doesn't, I may need a trans rebuild. I'm hoping that's not the case.

It may take 10-20 swaps of the reservoir with driving between them to scour the crud out of the hydraulics. Persistence is required unless your pocketbook is unfettered by a desire to avoid what may be unnecessary expense. The clutch fluid is clean and the debris gone once the fluid stays absolutely clean immediately after you drive it >10 miles and then park it and check the reservoir.

Ranger
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 09:00 AM
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Will do. I just drove it about 10 miles. I'm going to get some sleep and I'll check it when I wake up.

Thanks.
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by SCM_Crash
Will do. I just drove it about 10 miles. I'm going to get some sleep and I'll check it when I wake up.

Thanks.
Remember, the particulate settles out when the car is not being driven. So the color of the fluid is only a true-tel when the car is freshly parked.

Ranger
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 03:49 PM
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Oh. Ok. I'll drive her around today and then check it immediately.
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