Downshifting into 2nd a problem
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Fl
Downshifting into 2nd a problem
Hello to all and thanks for having a place where a guy can come to for some answers. I recently purchased a 99 Vette that was GM certified from the dealer. Its my first Vette, and it seems to be in good condition. The engine runs strong and everything feels good except when downshifting I sometimes have problems getting it to downshift into 2nd gear. It will grind or go in then pop back out. I can bypass it and drop into 1st no problem. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated - is it me or does it need to be adjusted?
Hooaahhhh
Hooaahhhh
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 5
From: Atlantis
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Downshifting into 2nd a problem (RangerBarrow)
No adjustment is going to 'fix' it.
2nd gear syncronizer ring is shot... seems to be a pretty common problem on these things...
See if the dealer you bought it from will help you get it repaired, particularly since if you'd KNOWN it needed this when you bought it they would have had to fix it first or cut the price to cover it.
^$#&^$Q#$ CAR DEALERS.... Modern Day Horse Traders... read into that statement what you like!!!!!!
2nd gear syncronizer ring is shot... seems to be a pretty common problem on these things...
See if the dealer you bought it from will help you get it repaired, particularly since if you'd KNOWN it needed this when you bought it they would have had to fix it first or cut the price to cover it.
^$#&^$Q#$ CAR DEALERS.... Modern Day Horse Traders... read into that statement what you like!!!!!!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Fl
Re: Downshifting into 2nd a problem (VetNutJim)
Thanks for the response I will give the dealership a call. I think I did pretty good on the price so I am not sweating it. 99 Coupe with 43,000 miles, seats look great, Z51 option, Polished Wheels, Sport Seats, Dual Power seats, Borla Stinger Dual tip exhaust, Breathless Performance Vortex Rammer, Carbon Fiber Airbridge and Coupler, Z06 front screens, and new tires all for $24,100 (before tax,tags, license) I am happy with it. Got the Major Guard warranty so maybe the dealership will take care of it. Love the sound of the Borla Exhaust, someone put some money into it, I wish it had HUD but the other goodies make up for it and are more desirable to me anyways.
I do wonder why if the ring is shot it is only a problem in Downshifting and not a problem upshifting?
Hooaahhh
[Modified by RangerBarrow, 10:27 PM 10/21/2003]
I do wonder why if the ring is shot it is only a problem in Downshifting and not a problem upshifting?
Hooaahhh
[Modified by RangerBarrow, 10:27 PM 10/21/2003]
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 40,995
Likes: 9,759
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: Downshifting into 2nd a problem (RangerBarrow)
If you have the GMPP Major Guard there should be no discussion except when you want to schedule the repair.
Bill
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,891
Likes: 1,829
From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Downshifting into 2nd a problem (RangerBarrow)
I do wonder why if the ring is shot it is only a problem in Downshifting and not a problem upshifting?
I agree with the above: it's probably the synchros, and also your extended warrenty should cover it no problem.
Have a good one,
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,251
Likes: 217
From: 2007 Nat'l Corvette Challenge 11.50 index Champ. New Jersey
Re: Downshifting into 2nd a problem (VetteDrmr)
I do wonder why if the ring is shot it is only a problem in Downshifting and not a problem upshifting?
Because the engine rpm is naturally dropping during the upshift, so it's much closer to the rpm needed to match the gears up. Downshifting the engine rpm is going the opposite way (i.e. it's getting farther away from the rpm needed to match the gears).
I agree with the above: it's probably the synchros, and also your extended warrenty should cover it no problem.
Have a good one,
Mike
Because the engine rpm is naturally dropping during the upshift, so it's much closer to the rpm needed to match the gears up. Downshifting the engine rpm is going the opposite way (i.e. it's getting farther away from the rpm needed to match the gears).
I agree with the above: it's probably the synchros, and also your extended warrenty should cover it no problem.
Have a good one,
Mike
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Fl
Re: Downshifting into 2nd a problem (Dr.Ron)
Thanks alot guys, your help is much appreciated. I have an appointment tommorow with the dealership to see "if they can replicate the problem" --- Thanks to this forum I have learned alot - checked the battery and its not the stock AC Delco everyone seems to be talking about on here - instead its a Duracell -- Just joking its a Duralast 78-D so thats good to go. I will let you all know what happens with the dealership - here's a few pics by the way -
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 320
Likes: 1
From: Jeffersonville IN
Re: Downshifting into 2nd a problem (RangerBarrow)
I think I've got this problem in my 98 but I don't have a warranty. it's kind of weird, some days the car shifts sweet, and others I have a hard time getting it into 1st and 2nd.
What am I looking at cost wise when this thing gets intolerable? Any other suggestions? Are there rebuild kits available for these transmissions? I've never rebuilt a manual tranny, but I'm guessing there's gotta be less parts than an automatic, and I have done those.
Thanks in advance guys
Luke
What am I looking at cost wise when this thing gets intolerable? Any other suggestions? Are there rebuild kits available for these transmissions? I've never rebuilt a manual tranny, but I'm guessing there's gotta be less parts than an automatic, and I have done those.
Thanks in advance guys
Luke
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 1
From: the West is the best
Re: Downshifting into 2nd a problem (RangerBarrow)
I always cringe when "they have to replicate the problem" . Somehow that translates into" ok to abuse until we replicate the problem" Good luck.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Fl
Re: Downshifting into 2nd a problem (2ndVette)
Well its Tueday and I am really missing my Vette :cry
Its still in the shop - they told me on Thursday - when I took it in that the Service manager took it for a spin and was able to replicate the problem - he took a look at it and was unable to figure it out so he gave it to a Transmisson Tech. They told me they would start on it some Friday - then the weekend off - then heavy on monday. Called them today and they had no real answers except that the tech had the transmisson completely apart and that he was figuring out the prices of the replacement parts and they would call me in the morning after they talked to my warranty company. Can't wait to get it back - just wish they would tell me what is wrong with it.
Its still in the shop - they told me on Thursday - when I took it in that the Service manager took it for a spin and was able to replicate the problem - he took a look at it and was unable to figure it out so he gave it to a Transmisson Tech. They told me they would start on it some Friday - then the weekend off - then heavy on monday. Called them today and they had no real answers except that the tech had the transmisson completely apart and that he was figuring out the prices of the replacement parts and they would call me in the morning after they talked to my warranty company. Can't wait to get it back - just wish they would tell me what is wrong with it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 1
From: Deerfield beach Fl
Re: Downshifting into 2nd a problem (RangerBarrow)
You do what now? you can bypass second and drop it into first? Thats impressive, I hope your stopped when your doing that otherwise you must be mashing that transmission up pretty good. Mine did the same thing although it popped out of 2nd during normal shifting. If I double clutched and downshifted it went in nice and smoothly. The dealer supposedly fixed it. Its a little better though not all that much better. Looks like a tear down is in order or maybe try some different shift fluid. Whatever you do, don't expect miracles. :( It just ain't that great of a transmission I'm afraid.
Rob
Rob
Hello to all and thanks for having a place where a guy can come to for some answers. I recently purchased a 99 Vette that was GM certified from the dealer. Its my first Vette, and it seems to be in good condition. The engine runs strong and everything feels good except when downshifting I sometimes have problems getting it to downshift into 2nd gear. It will grind or go in then pop back out. I can bypass it and drop into 1st no problem. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated - is it me or does it need to be adjusted?
Hooaahhhh
Hooaahhhh
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Fl
Re: Downshifting into 2nd a problem (robl45)
You do what now? you can bypass second and drop it into first? Thats impressive, I hope your stopped when your doing that otherwise you must be mashing that transmission up pretty good.
Droppin it into first while moving was no problem at all, no mashing or grinding. Acording to the manual you can drop it into first as long as you are under 40 mph. Like I said the problem with 2nd was an on again off again thing - usually after the car was well warmed up. Going from 3rd to 1st was never a problem. Double clutching didnt help for droping it down into 2nd either.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Fl
Re: Downshifting into 2nd a problem (RangerBarrow)
Talked to the Service dept today, they told me everything is under warranty and they are looking at about $2,500 in parts and 10 hours of labor so It was a good thing I bought the warranty. The Sales manager did not have the slip in front of him so he was not able to give me good insight into exactly what was wrong - except that the shift forks for 1st and 2nd where messed up and causing other problems.
They also offered to replace the Clutch plate and other parts while they were at it for $700 - The clutch is fine so this would be a preventative measure - he told me it is a total kit deal with the Clutch plate and a bunch of other parts. Anyone got any input on this????? I told him no -- but should I rethink it?
They also offered to replace the Clutch plate and other parts while they were at it for $700 - The clutch is fine so this would be a preventative measure - he told me it is a total kit deal with the Clutch plate and a bunch of other parts. Anyone got any input on this????? I told him no -- but should I rethink it?
