1st Gear Issue
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
1st Gear Issue
First, I'd like to say, this is my first post, so hey y'all!
I'm looking at buying a new to me C5. It's a '98 with the T56 tranny. The issue is this: When at a complete stop, putting the car into first gear is a bit of a pain. I noticed the car had to roll just a little bit in order for the gear to not pop out and grind. Is this most likely a synchro problem? Maybe a bent finger on the pressure plate? What are the best and worst-case scenarios? Do I want to come back with an offer, or wait for a better ride? (Obviously that one is up to me, but you get the idea...)
Otherwise the car is in decent shape. It has both tops, the oil pressure was good, the headlights function properly, power better than my grandfather's auto C5, the miles are low, and the price is right. The biggest gripe is the first gear, and also a little whistle at speed with the glass top on the passenger side.
Thanks for your help in advance!
-MMM
I'm looking at buying a new to me C5. It's a '98 with the T56 tranny. The issue is this: When at a complete stop, putting the car into first gear is a bit of a pain. I noticed the car had to roll just a little bit in order for the gear to not pop out and grind. Is this most likely a synchro problem? Maybe a bent finger on the pressure plate? What are the best and worst-case scenarios? Do I want to come back with an offer, or wait for a better ride? (Obviously that one is up to me, but you get the idea...)
Otherwise the car is in decent shape. It has both tops, the oil pressure was good, the headlights function properly, power better than my grandfather's auto C5, the miles are low, and the price is right. The biggest gripe is the first gear, and also a little whistle at speed with the glass top on the passenger side.
Thanks for your help in advance!
-MMM
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
Welcome to the Forum !
The first gear(and usually reverse) thing is a common complaint with the C5 MN6-they just seem to do that.
Putting it in second,then back to first seems to help a bit -or holding forward on the lever as you let out the clutch will make it pop in to first,instead of out.
I changed the tranny fluid to the GM recommended Dexron III(from Mobil1 synthetic),and it helped a lot,but it still does it from time to time.
The top hold-downs are adjustable in 3 places,so it's possible to adjust the "whistle" out of it,unless the whistle is actually coming from the door window,which is also adjustable from an access hole in the bottom of the door.
Using the search function on the forum will bring up answers to any and all questions you may have about the C5-lotsa knowledge and experience here!
The first gear(and usually reverse) thing is a common complaint with the C5 MN6-they just seem to do that.
Putting it in second,then back to first seems to help a bit -or holding forward on the lever as you let out the clutch will make it pop in to first,instead of out.
I changed the tranny fluid to the GM recommended Dexron III(from Mobil1 synthetic),and it helped a lot,but it still does it from time to time.
The top hold-downs are adjustable in 3 places,so it's possible to adjust the "whistle" out of it,unless the whistle is actually coming from the door window,which is also adjustable from an access hole in the bottom of the door.
Using the search function on the forum will bring up answers to any and all questions you may have about the C5-lotsa knowledge and experience here!
Last edited by Carcass; Feb 17, 2010 at 08:06 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Welcome to the forum! I'll speak about the shifter. There is a simple alignment procedure that you can try if you buy the car which takes about 20 minutes or so to do. If it fixes it, you're done otherwise there are other issues developing. Know that you will probably have a BorgWarner transmission in there and you must not use Mobil1 ATF in it. Good stuff but not in that tranny due to the paper blocking rings. Regular ATF only otherwise you'll be shelling out a whole lot for a new tranny. I found out the hard way.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 347
Likes: 1
From: Martinez GA
had the exact same problem with my 98 when i test drove and bought it......thought i was just rusty since i haven't owned a manual since the late 90's ......not the case, searched the forum found that the fluid is dexIII, stupid me before that i figured it was gear dope like most other manuals
changed the fluid by following a post and yep my fluid was horrible
.....used dexIII due to paper issues in trans. also flushed my clutch several times using "rangers" method and gm fluid.
granted i have only put maybe 600-800 miles on it but it is like butter comparing to when i first bought it in nov 2009
......every now and then it may still have a moment or two where it feels like it is not quite in 1st and i use the 2nd to 1st trick to make sure, but it is nothing like when i first bought it.
good luck
changed the fluid by following a post and yep my fluid was horrible
.....used dexIII due to paper issues in trans. also flushed my clutch several times using "rangers" method and gm fluid.granted i have only put maybe 600-800 miles on it but it is like butter comparing to when i first bought it in nov 2009
......every now and then it may still have a moment or two where it feels like it is not quite in 1st and i use the 2nd to 1st trick to make sure, but it is nothing like when i first bought it.good luck
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 418
Likes: 5
From: Anderson Indiana
http://rpmtransmissions.com/files/c5...adjustment.pdf
Here is the shifter adjustment procedure. You might try adjusting it, but these are the first signs of a clutch issue whether it be hydraulics or just wear.
Here is the shifter adjustment procedure. You might try adjusting it, but these are the first signs of a clutch issue whether it be hydraulics or just wear.
