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Old Jul 17, 2007 | 04:38 PM
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Default Shifting problem

I have a '06 Z51 6sp and have had a shifting problem when doing a full throttle upshift to 3rd gear. The shifter appears to have moved into 3rd gear position, but doesn't actually make it into gear. Seems to almost be in-between gears. Someone also noted that when that happens my rear reverse lights came on. Has anyone experienced anything like this??
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Old Jul 17, 2007 | 06:37 PM
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Do a search on Ranger's posts for how to shift, how to practice shifting, and how to master the art of shifting the C6 MN6 transmission.
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Old Jul 17, 2007 | 06:48 PM
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Where Can I Find Ranger's Post?
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Old Jul 17, 2007 | 07:16 PM
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I will make this very simple. I say simple because it is. When you go to shift to 3rd, just lightly cup the **** in your palm and push straight up to the radio (not left or right) straight up and firmly. The shifter is designed to center on 3rd, your attempts to grip the **** and guide it into 3rd is what causes the problem. Believe me it works, practice with the car off and the clutch pressed in.

Last edited by Pipedreams; Jul 17, 2007 at 07:19 PM.
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Old Jul 17, 2007 | 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Pipedreams
I will make this very simple. I say simple because it is. When you go to shift to 3rd, just lightly cup the **** in you palm and push straight up to the radio (not left or right) straight up and firmly. The shifter is designed to center on 3rd, your attempts to grip the **** and guide it into 3rd is what causes the problem. Believe me it works, practice with the car off and the clutch pressed in.
that'll do it!
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Old Jul 17, 2007 | 07:29 PM
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I had the same problemn untill i got a new callway shifter!
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Old Jul 17, 2007 | 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by baddbilt1
I had the same problemn untill i got a new callway shifter!
I glad that worked for you. If you installed the shifter yourself you noticed the shifter has no gates so it has almost zero to do with the shifter
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Old Jul 17, 2007 | 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by rs46246
I have a '06 Z51 6sp and have had a shifting problem when doing a full throttle upshift to 3rd gear. The shifter appears to have moved into 3rd gear position, but doesn't actually make it into gear. Seems to almost be in-between gears. Someone also noted that when that happens my rear reverse lights came on. Has anyone experienced anything like this??
Originally Posted by WoodChuck2
Where Can I Find Ranger's Post?
No need for an aftermarket shifter. Just need to adjust hand position on the shifter and do some practice to embed the movement in muscle memory. It's an ongoing problem that is easily solved.

I don't miss shifts and my measured shift speed for the 2-3 is slightly faster than the 1-2 and 3-4. The reason is doing these shifting drills. I'll put it in a page on my site when I get a chance.

Ranger
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Old Jul 17, 2007 | 09:09 PM
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Take a look at this: Shifting
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Old Jul 17, 2007 | 09:22 PM
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Default Thanx, Ranger

Thanx for checking in with the link to your post. I have downloaded it to my hard drive. I am VERY disappointed that the moderators have not made this easy to find in the FAQ sticky - it is great information and training for all of us MN6 drivers.
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Old Jul 17, 2007 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by clevitekid
Thanx for checking in with the link to your post. I have downloaded it to my hard drive. I am VERY disappointed that the moderators have not made this easy to find in the FAQ sticky - it is great information and training for all of us MN6 drivers.

I second your frustration.
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Old Jul 18, 2007 | 12:13 AM
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When I first got my C6 I 'locked' the 2nd-3rd shift at WOT a couple times. IMO you're likely way too tense and trying to 'force' the shift. Relax! As others mentioned use more of the palm/crotch of your hand and don't try to put the shifter into 3rd....push forward with the slightest 'suggestion' towards 3rd and it will 'find its own way' into gear. Practice.
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Old Jul 18, 2007 | 12:15 AM
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The reason I didn't attribute it to a poor shift is that the shifter does move forward (north of neutral) as if it is in 3rd but it isn't in any gear - if I let the clutch out I'm not in any gear, but I need to pull the shifter back downward to bring it to a normal neutral position. Is it really possible that it is just a missed shift and not a linkage type problem?
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Old Jul 18, 2007 | 06:30 AM
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Originally Posted by rs46246
...Is it really possible that it is just a missed shift and not a linkage type problem?
It's a very common problem among drivers that grip the shifter tightly with five fingers, including the thumb. That hand position is sometimes called the "five finger death grip." It causes strong tension in the wrist and forearm that provoke lateral movement when none is intended. That grip is a root cause of missed shifts.

Again, this is a common problem almost always solved by a change in hand position described in these shifting drills.

Ranger

Last edited by Ranger; Jul 18, 2007 at 06:32 AM.
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Old Jul 18, 2007 | 09:34 AM
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Thanks to Ranger and all on the feedback - time to work on a smoother shift while everything around me is screaming
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Old Jul 18, 2007 | 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted by rs46246
Thanks to Ranger and all on the feedback - time to work on a smoother shift while everything around me is screaming
That's exactly the reason that I do my shifting drills in the garage with the motor off (warm oil and tranny fluid). Embed muscle memory before you attempt it during max acceleration.

As an aside, fast driving is a sport. It requires techniques that can be learned, refined, and embedded through practice. Some of that practice can be done with the engine off to reduce wear-and-tare and lessen driver pressure for initial perfection.

Ranger
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Old Jul 18, 2007 | 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Ranger
...I'll put it in a page on my site when I get a chance....
Done. Improved Shifting

Ranger
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Old Jul 18, 2007 | 06:37 PM
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Tips for 1-2 and 3-4 shifts: Keep the elbow squared off and not dropped. this allows you to pull straight back.

For 2-3-> I like to almost palm shift allowing the shifter to take its own path, ie a fast but gentle push, keeping elbow squared off as much as poss.

Make sure your clutch is as fast as your are.
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