HELP!!! Stuck in 4th.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
HELP!!! Stuck in 4th.
I am really hoping this is something minor, but due to my lack of knowledge on the C5 transmission, I am at a loss. I have a 2002 Coupe that is stuck in 4th gear. The clutch still works, drove it all the way home in 4th, but it won't come out of 4th gear. I took the console off and completely removed the shifter, hoping maybe the shifter just bound up, but after pulling off the shifter, it seems to function properly. I have had some problems with the car popping out of reverse, and I read a similiar thread about someone having problems with their car popping out of 6th. There were some debate on if te syncros in the trasmission were starting to go, if there maybe was a bent shift fork, or something with the keys that hold the gear clusters together. Could any of this be the cause of my problem with the car being stuck in 4th? I also have a 1st to 4th bypass on the car, could this be an issue?
Any help in solving this problem would be great. GOOD or BAD. Need some advice.
Thanks!
Any help in solving this problem would be great. GOOD or BAD. Need some advice.
Thanks!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Break out the tools and the money out of the bank! You have internal issues and they need to be addressed!! I would drain the oil and see if you have extra parts floating around!! 
my guess is in deed a bent fork.
I wish I had better news! The reverse problem is excessive wear.
It only get worse from here!
BC
my guess is in deed a bent fork. I wish I had better news! The reverse problem is excessive wear.
It only get worse from here!
BC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,352
Likes: 103
From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
2 possible things.. the 3-4 shift fork is aluminum, alot of the Camaro guys replace theirs with steel viper ones. Most likely the cause are these little bastards: http://www.ddperformance.com/images/billetstruts1.jpg
The stock struts are stamped steel and are prone to breaking, causing trans to be locked in 3rd or 4th gear. D&D sells the set for $100, and they will not break.
When I had the T56 in my SS done, I went through and replaced anything that might possibly break. I was looking at doing the same to my Vette, but instead of $200 for the f-body synchros, Corvette synchros are $550!!
The stock struts are stamped steel and are prone to breaking, causing trans to be locked in 3rd or 4th gear. D&D sells the set for $100, and they will not break.
When I had the T56 in my SS done, I went through and replaced anything that might possibly break. I was looking at doing the same to my Vette, but instead of $200 for the f-body synchros, Corvette synchros are $550!!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
Originally Posted by Mike94ZLT1
2 possible things.. the 3-4 shift fork is aluminum, alot of the Camaro guys replace theirs with steel viper ones. Most likely the cause are these little bastards: http://www.ddperformance.com/images/billetstruts1.jpg
The stock struts are stamped steel and are prone to breaking, causing trans to be locked in 3rd or 4th gear. D&D sells the set for $100, and they will not break.
When I had the T56 in my SS done, I went through and replaced anything that might possibly break. I was looking at doing the same to my Vette, but instead of $200 for the f-body synchros, Corvette synchros are $550!!
The stock struts are stamped steel and are prone to breaking, causing trans to be locked in 3rd or 4th gear. D&D sells the set for $100, and they will not break.
When I had the T56 in my SS done, I went through and replaced anything that might possibly break. I was looking at doing the same to my Vette, but instead of $200 for the f-body synchros, Corvette synchros are $550!!
I agree. When I tore into my tranny late last year to redo- the 3rd gear synchros, I considered putting un beefier parts- gears, shafts, shift forks, synchros. After I had a heart attack at the price of the aftermarket performance parts I said screw it. I kept it stock. So far my tranny is holding up... surprising considering I took it apart and put it back together...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 896
Likes: 1
From: Overland Park KS
Here's the GM TSB on this exact issue...
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....php?qstId=533
I just had this fixed on my car using this TSB as a reference.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....php?qstId=533
I just had this fixed on my car using this TSB as a reference.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,352
Likes: 103
From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
Originally Posted by eRiCdWoNg
I agree. When I tore into my tranny late last year to redo- the 3rd gear synchros, I considered putting un beefier parts- gears, shafts, shift forks, synchros. After I had a heart attack at the price of the aftermarket performance parts I said screw it. I kept it stock. So far my tranny is holding up... surprising considering I took it apart and put it back together...
It isn't terrible, but it is something I want to do at some point. I kinda dont like the fact that I can powershift my Camaro at 6600 rpm without breaking anything but I can't do it to my Vette. A Moser 9" does help that though, this IRS creeps me out.
Steel fork - $50
Billet Struts - $100
New bearings - $150
Synchro rebuild kit - $550 (carbon fiber synchros instead of the stock compressed paper ones)
So $850 plus removal and reinstall and downtime. I can pull the 6 speed in my Camaro in my sleep, by myself in about an hour (I've done it MANY times, I've had 5 f-bodies with 6 speeds
) but the Corvette... I haven't even had it a month it still intimidates me.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
The price of being a proud corvette owner.
Thanks a bunch for all the info guys. It looks like I got a project a head of me. All the info has been great. I will keep you posted as the rebuild begins. I am sure I will have questions, and it is good to know that you all have answers. If anyone has any links to assist in the rebuild, that would be great. Again, thanks for all the help.
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