Second gear not working, looking for advice
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
Solution found, please read! Second gear not working, looking for advice
I have a 2001 z06 with 32k miles, bought the car used from the original owner about 4 months ago. So couple of days ago i let my cousin drive and he missed second gear. Now when i drive the car i cannot for the life of me get it into second. If I rev the car to about 4k rpm and shift hard into second it works, if i'm just driving normally and shift at 2-3k rpm it pops out of gear, or will not go in, or even grinds. Every other gear works perfectly. I cannot figure out what the hell is going on so any ideas from somebody with a similar experience would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by dmitry_1998; Jul 30, 2007 at 04:30 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 66
From: SoCal
Sounds like a syncro in 2nd gear has gone bad. When he missed the shift it probably went out. Sounds like the trans will need to be gone thru. You can try changing out the oil in the trans and see if it gets better. Although that will be a temp fix at best until you replace the syncro. Good Luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
One missed shift is not likely to trash the synchronizer. A missed shift with a lot of force behind it can bend a shift fork.
Things to file away in the memory cache:
1. Resist the temptation to speed shift with the OEM shifter.
2. Don't let the cousin sit in the passenger seat, let alone touch the shifter, EVER again.
Charlie
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 161
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From: Idaho
I don't think its the synchro, when the car is sitting still and i try to put it into second it will not go in... it almost seems like something is in the way of it popping into gear. Is it possible that a malfunction with the "skip shift" could be causing this???
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 32
From: Central Florida
May be a shift fork then. Either way, seems the tranny will need to be opened and inspected.
Ranger
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
Charlie
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 161
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From: Idaho
I'm glad to say that the repair for my problem cost be $0. It wasn't a synchro or a bent shift fork...it was the stupid torque tube. If any of you have ever pulled the shifter you notice that there is gaping whole below. In this open space there is a steel base that leads to the transmission. On this base there are two big "star" screws that are adjustable (which I didn't know). Somehow the screws came loose enough for this whole assemble to move towards the dash slightly, about 2 cm. I reajusted and tightened the screws and now second gear is back to normal. I'm just glad that I thought to check it out before ordering a new tranny, preventing unnecessary expenditures and a ton of labor.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 32
From: Central Florida
Glad you found a simple solution, dmitry_1998. They are the best kind.
Here is the shifter cradle adjustment procedure, courtesy of RPM Transmissions.
Ranger
Here is the shifter cradle adjustment procedure, courtesy of RPM Transmissions.
Ranger
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2005
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I am having a similar problem with my 2001 Z06 w/40k miles. My problem is that it shifts fine under 3K rpm and I don't try to speed shift it but anything above 3K and it wants to grind going between 1st and 2nd. Am I looking at a similar problem or do you think the syncro is on it way out?
Brad
Brad
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 32
From: Central Florida
I am having a similar problem with my 2001 Z06 w/40k miles. My problem is that it shifts fine under 3K rpm and I don't try to speed shift it but anything above 3K and it wants to grind going between 1st and 2nd. Am I looking at a similar problem or do you think the syncro is on it way out?
Brad
Brad
Ranger