My car has always had a problem with the 1-2 shift. The transmission is very rough when going into second gear, even though the clutch pedal is fully depressed. It essentially feels like I am changing gears with the clutch still engaged. I use the Ranger method to change my clutch fluid routinely, but that never solves the issue. It gets better to a certain point, but it is still rough. I have gotten to the point where I change my clutch fluid weekly, and I still notice rough shifting.

Last week I drove up to New Jersey to visit some family and friends and I've noticed the problem is even more pronounced. During regular driving, the transmission will occaisionally grind into second gear. I blamed this on the cold weather, but this even happens after the engine/transmission are fully warmed up. In the last two days, leisurely taking off from red lights and shifting around 2500-3000 RPM, the car pops out of second gear. It's not the skip shift, the car actually will not go into second gear, or will go in for a second and pop out back into neutral, causing me to shift into third gear instead.

What do you guys think the cause of these issues could be? The car is an 08 Coupe with 29k miles. I am planning on calling the dealership and scheduling an appointment anyway since my bumper to bumper is will expire soon, even though this is a powertrain issue I assume.

Any help is appreciated guys!

 

When its cold out I cant use second gear. Maybe the problem has become more of a real problem from fighting 2nd gear when its been cold.

 

I would say the 2nd gear syncro is chipped or worn out prematurely!!

 

I would have the dealer fix it under warranty, as right now it sounds like a mechanical issue.

My 2006 Z51 sounded like it was ready to strip the gear clean when it was cold, once it warmed up it went away but there was a little click even when it was warm.

The 6060's still do it, if not even a little worse when cold but it should not be doing what you are seeing. I would say something is wrong with the syncro or keys, especially if it will not stay in gear.

 

I have an 09 and was having the same problem, so I had my dealership change my fluid with Royal Purple Syncromax fluid that I provided. It made a world of difference. If you are changing fluide that often I would suggest trying the Royal Purple Syncromax. It will still be a little notchy when cold but is like butter when it comes up to temp.

 

#1 your manual tranny uses ATF, cold weather has little or no effect! take it in!

 

My 09 has the same problem...thought it was "operator error", but have driven stick my whole life. VERY FRUSTRATING, but does seem better when shifting at higher RPMs...only happens between1st and second.. WONT CHANGE MY LOVE FOR THE CAR THO.

 

I had an '84 camaro 5spd. I used to power shift alot because I was young and stupid. Turns out I broke the shifter fork (along with some other damage) and and the car kept jumping out of 1st gear. I suspect the OP has a similar problem.

But then according to a few tech's I have spoken with the vette tranny has internal stop bolts to prevent overtravel (which prevents broken shifter forks and worn parts associated with overtravel). So I am stumped as to how his tranny is doing that. But stop bolts wont prevent chipped gears since he said he hears grinding ocassionally. He may have possibly chipped a tooth on a gear...

One way to check is to look at the tranny fluid.. If its a grayish color then that is the sign of metal in the fluid.

 

My experince says you need 2nd gear syn replaced. Number 2 get a skip shift eliminator it will help some with 1st to 2nd shift some times the solenoid for skip shift does not fully disengage. My 09 coupe before I bought my Z06 would hangup between 1st and 2nd or maybe it was doing the skip shift thing. I would keep clutch in and coast to side of road cut car off and restart and all is well.Amsoil is good also for trans.
z51vett

 

good advice above; take it in. hopefully, you've got a good Corv. technician working at your nearest dealership. if not, keep looking until you find.

 

It depends where you are and what sort of mechanic/ Dealer you use
. I had the same problem. Left it too long to get fixed and had to have 2nd and 3rd gear replaced. I got the two gears done plus labour for under ÂŁ600.

I you have the knowledge then you could save yourself quite a bit on labour if you remove the engine yourself
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If it's popping out of second gear it means it's not fully engaged. I'd suspect a linkage problem. Take it to the dealer before you do more damage to the gears.

 

Scheduling an appointment with the dealer tomorrow now that I am back home. I will definitely keep this post updated!

 

Gears should not grind going 1-2, even when cold. Mine does get notchy when it's cold, but never a grind. It sounds like the clutch is not releasing all the way

Jim

 

Did you ever resolve this problem, OP? I've got the same issue in my '07 and it's really driving me insane. It makes me want to vomit every time the damned thing grinds into second. I want to have it fixed at my dealer as I'm fairly certain it will be covered under warranty, but I know the nature of the job and how long it will take to do it and that makes me dread bringing it to the dealer. I know that they'll want to keep it for weeks because it's a non-paying job and I can't do that, since my 'Vette is my DD.

In addition to the second gear transition problem, I notice that my gearbox seems to be very rough and notchy in contrast to other cars I've driven. Is that normal for Z51s? The car's only got 17,000 miles on it.

I drive my father's 2006 Z06 pretty often and I don't have anything even remotely close to this problem. The gearbox is smooth as butter and gears never, ever grind.

 

you may want to check on this, but I've read it here that if your car's in for warranty work, the dealer will or should provide you with a loaner.

 

Do you think that if I tell them that my schedule relies upon my ability to travel from school to work in four minutes daily that they'll loan me a GS?

Anyways that's a good possibility. I'll check. I do want to get this resolved because I don't want to strip any of the gears.

 

For 2011, GM has changed the syncro's to a carbon fiber, I believe. If you can hold out until the 2011's hit the streets, it may be possible that your transmission can repaired with the new syncro's. I really doubt if GM is changing the syncro's if it's not to solve the problem with the 1-2 &2-3 nibbles/grinds.

 

The transmission is of a constant mesh design. The gears are fully engaged at all times. The syncro's do the work and they will get worn. If the cones are not matching the speeds, the syncro's will grind when trying to engage.

 

Hello,

I apologize for your troubles that you are experiencing. I would suggest contacting the dealership to have the problem looked into. Dealerships are paid for warranty work and if you believe the dealership is not giving your vehicle the attention it deserves, please let me know. I will be happy to look into at that time.

Geoff Allen
Chevrolet Customer Service