Trouble in First and Second Gears
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Trouble in First and Second Gears
I have noticed that first and second gears have gotten very tough to get into, either moving or not. I am not a big mechanic, I drive fast cars, not fix them... but I was hoping there could be a few easy things I could try before spending a ton of cash at the shop to just have them add some fluid somewhere.
Does anyone know of a simple fluid addition that may help, or a few other tricks of the trade to try? Or am I just gonna have to bite the bullet and take the girl to the shop.
Thanks
-EMTEKCIT- '98 Nassau Blue Coupe
C5Jedi@aol.com
[Modified by EMTEKCIT, 3:33 PM 5/8/2003]
Does anyone know of a simple fluid addition that may help, or a few other tricks of the trade to try? Or am I just gonna have to bite the bullet and take the girl to the shop.
Thanks
-EMTEKCIT- '98 Nassau Blue Coupe
C5Jedi@aol.com
[Modified by EMTEKCIT, 3:33 PM 5/8/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,910
Likes: 1,858
From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Trouble in First and Second Gears (EMTEKCIT)
Honestly, about the only thing you can do easily is change the fluid out. Synthetics are universally liked, the brand is up to you (Mobil 1, Redline, Amsoil, etc.). Make sure you use Dextron/Mercon III auto transmission fluid, NOT gear lube!
If all of the other gears (including reverse) are easy to shift into, then you might have a bent shift fork. It could also be the clutch is worn out and not disengaging completely, causing grinding trying to go into gear. If that's the case, then reverse should be tough as well. Also, if once you've got the car moving it's much easier to get into 1st or 2nd, that could point to the clutch.
In any case, other than a fluid change, not much you can do to these transmissions and clutches that aren't fairly involved.
Hope this helps, and have a good one,
Mike
If all of the other gears (including reverse) are easy to shift into, then you might have a bent shift fork. It could also be the clutch is worn out and not disengaging completely, causing grinding trying to go into gear. If that's the case, then reverse should be tough as well. Also, if once you've got the car moving it's much easier to get into 1st or 2nd, that could point to the clutch.
In any case, other than a fluid change, not much you can do to these transmissions and clutches that aren't fairly involved.
Hope this helps, and have a good one,
Mike
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
Re: Trouble in First and Second Gears (EMTEKCIT)
I just changed my fluid out to GM Synchromesh and my tranny feels great...
It sounds like you have synchro problems though...Try the fluid change 1st.. you never know..
Also..If you double clutch do you still have probs getting into the 2nd? if not then it's synchos..
It sounds like you have synchro problems though...Try the fluid change 1st.. you never know..
Also..If you double clutch do you still have probs getting into the 2nd? if not then it's synchos..
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Re: Trouble in First and Second Gears
Now, as for changing out the fluid ....
I hate sounding like a novice mechanic .. but I am, Id have to admit.
Where exactly do I drain and replace the fluid. Will I need to lift the vehicle, or is there a way to do from above.
I dont notice any dipstick or resvoir floating around under the hood at first glance.
Thanks
I hate sounding like a novice mechanic .. but I am, Id have to admit.
Where exactly do I drain and replace the fluid. Will I need to lift the vehicle, or is there a way to do from above.
I dont notice any dipstick or resvoir floating around under the hood at first glance.
Thanks
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Re: Trouble in First and Second Gears (EMTEKCIT)
FYI, I had a similar problem except it was usually only going into 3rd. Went through the dealer drill: lubricate the shifter components, change the fluid, etc. - - didn't fix it. It appears that the blocker ring was out-of-round. They also changed syncros and 3rd gear. I THINK it's OK now. Time will tell.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,910
Likes: 1,858
From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Trouble in First and Second Gears (EMTEKCIT)
Take a read through the C5 DIY articles at this link: http://www.idavette.net/writers.htm You'll find a ton of good info there for the new DIYer.
Have a good one,
Mike
Have a good one,
Mike
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Re: Trouble in First and Second Gears (VetteDrmr)
Wow! Lots of into in that link, Thanks for the website .. based on what I read .. Im gonna have to take the girl into the shop ... seems im a lil over the mileage anyhow .. should have it checked out a little more than just swapping out the fluid ...
