3rd gear problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
3rd gear problem
Its only happened a few times since Ive had the car but it always seems to happen at the worst possible times. When I shift hard from 2nd to 3rd its like the gear is just gone. It feels like the shifter goes an inch or two past the gears. When I pull the shifter down into N then back into 3rd everything works fine. The stealership wont do anything about it because they cant duplicate the problem. Has anybody else had this problem? How do you fix it?
Last edited by Gothikka; Nov 6, 2007 at 05:59 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,345
Likes: 2
From: Houston 06 C6 Ysi SC 402 fgd TX
someone else had this same situation
responses varied, but what has happened to me with the stock shifter is rushing the shifter ahead of the clutch at the top of the rpm. to me it seems that the shifter cant get there fast enough and I let out on the clutch too soon.
I like my breathless shifter so far..........
responses varied, but what has happened to me with the stock shifter is rushing the shifter ahead of the clutch at the top of the rpm. to me it seems that the shifter cant get there fast enough and I let out on the clutch too soon.
I like my breathless shifter so far..........
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Your description is different but.....maybe you are experiencing what others have. On the 2-3 shift, you may be grabbing, cupping, guiding, the shifter, forcing it through the gate into 3rd. Most have solved the problem by changing technique. Rather than grab and man handle the shifter, just push it straight forward with an open palm, let the spring in the mechanism move it over for the 3rd gear position. Almost everyone has reported that the technique solved their 2-3 problems.
If this in any way sounds like what you are doing then this may be worth a try. Good luck.
BTW, from what you describe, it doesn't sound like a mechanical problem with the trans but the info you provided is not comprehensive.
If this in any way sounds like what you are doing then this may be worth a try. Good luck.
BTW, from what you describe, it doesn't sound like a mechanical problem with the trans but the info you provided is not comprehensive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,566
Likes: 2
From: Goleta CA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I've done it twice, when the car was fairly new. You just need to calm down, and not try to shift as fast as humanly possible. When you rush, you tend to push the shifter to the side a bit, instead of just straight forward.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,888
Likes: 4,342
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Your description is different but.....maybe you are experiencing what others have. On the 2-3 shift, you may be grabbing, cupping, guiding, the shifter, forcing it through the gate into 3rd. Most have solved the problem by changing technique. Rather than grab and man handle the shifter, just push it straight forward with an open palm, let the spring in the mechanism move it over for the 3rd gear position. Almost everyone has reported that the technique solved their 2-3 problems.
If this in any way sounds like what you are doing then this may be worth a try. Good luck. BTW, from what you describe, it doesn't sound like a mechanical problem with the trans but the info you provided is not comprehensive.
If this in any way sounds like what you are doing then this may be worth a try. Good luck.
BTW, from what you describe, it doesn't sound like a mechanical problem with the trans but the info you provided is not comprehensive.
Been there, done that.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
Ive missed the 2nd to 3rd shift before but what is happening to me is different. The shifter goes into 3rd gear but the trans is still in N. I cant pull shifter out of 3rd without the clutch but the car is not actually in gear...its very strange.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
That is exceedingly strange. Haven't heard that one before. You need to keep this thread at the top until the mechanical experts see it. Maybe retry a new thread tomorrow. Activity here seems slow tonight. Sorry. Good luck.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 4
From: Mililani HI
Now you are talking about a problem with the trans and not your shifting as the trans should be in either 3rd or 5th gear. I agree on the not forcing the shifter into what you think is third. Did that many a times with my Viper and ended up in 5th gear. Let the spring in the shifter do it's job.
BTW on your situation I would try to talk to a GM rep. or go to another dealership. But they are right to fix a problem it must happen to them and I wouldn't let them drive my vette and power shift the trans.
Good luck and let us know if anything is found which is causing the trans to be in neutral rather then in gear.
BTW on your situation I would try to talk to a GM rep. or go to another dealership. But they are right to fix a problem it must happen to them and I wouldn't let them drive my vette and power shift the trans.
Good luck and let us know if anything is found which is causing the trans to be in neutral rather then in gear.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,566
Likes: 2
From: Goleta CA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
That's exactly what we're talking about. The shifter appears to be in 3rd, but the shift didn't feel quite right, and it acts like neutral. It's your technique.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
Thanks for all they replys. Ive PMed some C6 gurus and I'll be sure to keep you guys posted
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,457
Likes: 144
From: NC
This is what I call "the gear that doesn't exist" when people are asking if the 08 tranny is better. I reply that it seems the same other than the fact that the "gear that doesn't exist" is no longer present. Pretty hard to explain it to people to tell you the truth but I now see after reading this post that I am not nuts. I used to have this problem that you are talking about when I had my 05 but am yet to have it occur in my 08.
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 85
Likes: 1
From: kansas city mo
it sounds to me that this only happens when you shift aggressively from 2nd to 3rd,but i bet when you pull it back from 3rd to neutral you push it back to third you do it easily and it goes in.would this be true?.if so it sounds like you are pushing the gear past it's normal de-tent position,maybe due to a bent shift fork,or something has come out of adjustment in the linkage.i've re-built many of my race motorcycle trannies and found this problem from hard shifting.i should say i am not an expert on the c6 tranny so i don't know if the mechanisms are similar,but it may be something to investigate.good luck and keep us updated
bob.t
bob.t
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
This is what I call "the gear that doesn't exist" when people are asking if the 08 tranny is better. I reply that it seems the same other than the fact that the "gear that doesn't exist" is no longer present. Pretty hard to explain it to people to tell you the truth but I now see after reading this post that I am not nuts. I used to have this problem that you are talking about when I had my 05 but am yet to have it occur in my 08.
Exactly!!!! Its not a huge problem but I seem to find the non-gear at the worst possible times. Like 1/8 mile down a 1/4 track. lol