My first post in the C6 Tech area....

My MN6 trans (8K miles) will seem to "kick back" when shifting into 2nd and 3rd if you are not doing "spirited" driving. Meaning that unless you are beating on it, it seems to try to kick the gearshift back on leisurely shifts.

Additionally, when I am slowing or at a stop, many times the car will not go into 1st. At times I have had to make multiple attempts to get it into 1st. Sometimes it just will not go, and I have to move slightly in 2nd, then shift into 1st. Two examples: 1) I was backed into a space at work with the car in reverse. I was leaving at the end of the day, and no matter how hard i tried, the car would not go into 1st. I wound up having to pull the car out of the slot in 2nd gear about a foot, then shift to 1st. 2) I was taking my daughter to school. There is a small uphill grade leading into the parking lot. I slowed to probably around 2-3 MPH (so as not to drag the front air dam too bad), but the car would not go into 1st. I wound up coming to a complete stop on the incline with cars behind me and had to put into 2nd to move the car up the incline a bit, then I was able to shift to 1st.

The dealer had the car this past week for some other minor issues, but said they found no issues with the trans (could not duplicate). It shifted the same way on the trip home today.

Have any of you guys experienced these transmission issues? Any solutions? Or ways to get the dealer to respond?

Thanks in advance,
Aaron

 

That is just the way the Tremec 6 speed is going to be. I believe a lot of us have experienced this.

 

While I think we’ve all experienced a little difficulty shifting into 1st on occasion, assuming the car is up to operating temperatures, it shouldn’t be a total PITA all the time. Do try to downshift from 2nd to 1st while the car is at a slow roll (which it sounds like you did). Although it shouldn’t be overly necessary at walking speed, perhaps try double-clutching. Try changing your transmission fluid….some members have even gone with a different tranny fluid. If the dealership cannot replicate the problem but you still have trouble….have the mechanic ride with you and watch what’s going on....maybe he’ll have some suggestions.

 

Take a test-drive with the mechanic driving the car and see if indeed, the problem can not be duplicated. Then change positions...you drive and show him the problem.

 

I always double clutch as you recommend & don't have any problems with downshifting into first gear. I've noticed, however, my 07 manual is more difficult to drive smoothly than my 93 manual was.
It took a week or so before I was able to get as smooth as the 93.

Toe heel is a pain as the accel/brake spacing is larger. I need to wear my pair of wider sneakers to make it easier. I'll probably eventually upgrade to the wider aluminum accel pedal.

 

i'm not saying that this is your issue, but my shifter has acted dramatically better ever since i tightened my 'clamp'.

i found it when i started having problems finding reverse
i thought it was my trans. (since it had recently been dropped to replace the clutch).
turned out to be the 'clamp'.

to access the 'clamp' you would need to pull the console and shifter boot, follow the same process you would do if you were replacing your shifter.

when i tightened mine i tried to center it as best i could before i tightened it by:

starting from reverse.
place shifter in neutral.
place shifter in 1st.
place shifter in 2nd.
place shifter in sixth.
place shifter in reverse.
place the shifter in third.
place the shifter in fourth.
place the shifter in neutral.
retorque clamp.
(do not wiggle the shifter during the shifts)

since perfoming the above i have not had a single instance of any issue accessing first, the shifter popping out of gear, nor any issues with finding reverse.

the clamp is tightened using a torx head and is located on the shifter to transmission bar, it is accessed via the shifter area in the center console.

 

Sounds like good advice!

 

Thanks to all of you gents that replied. This is great advice, and helps to confirm that I don't have a "bad" trans, just some finicky little issue. I will try those items suggested above and reply back once completed.

Thanks again for the prompt replies.
Aaron

 

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Remove the shift control closeout boot.
3. Place the shifter into NEUTRAL.
4. Press down to engage the shift control neutral lock pin.
5. Loosen the transmission shift rod clamp bolt.
6. Loosen the shift control mounting bolts.
7. Check that the shift control locator (on the underside of the shift control) is installed into the shifter bracket on the side of the driveline support assembly.
8. Tighten the shift control mounting bolts.
9. Tighten the shift control mounting bolts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
10. Tighten the transmission shift rod clamp bolt.
11. Tighten the transmission shift rod clamp bolt to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
12. Lift to release the shift control neutral lock pin.
13. Install the shift control closeout boot.
14. Release the parking brake.

 

cool, i didn't know the name of it or i would have referred to it that way.
using the parking brake is a plus, i regretfully assumed a flat surface.

the neutral lock-out pin simply locks the shifter in place but the 'linkage' could still be out of place or off center, since the pin locks the front half of the link.

i guess, you could use the pin to lock it after you've found center and before you retorque it (which will require it to be loosened and retorqued)

i simply aligned the front half of the link with the back half, tried to remove as much slop as possible, by shifting through the gears, then torqued it.

 

I have been experiencing the "kick-back" on the 1 to 2 shift since new(currently 8500mi). It only does it when cold. After 5 min it works fine. Thought about changing fluid to amsoil brand, seems thats what others have said cleared some of this issue up.

 

I have had very similar "issues" with my trans as well (1st gear engagment from stop)....I have not made any adjustments to the car.

Had a new and very disturbing twist in this little adventure today.

I was attempting a 2nd to 1st downshift while rolling at about 25 mph and heard/felt an awfull grinding!!! It was like the 1st gear syncro had died!!! If I totally stop the car and do the shift into 2nd then into 1st trick everything is fine but as soon as I try the shift in motion the grinding comes back 2 out of 10 downshifts...... it doesn't do the grind everytime while in motion......

I have 30 000 miles on the car and I now wonder if the trans is going to totaly let go at some inconvient moment or do I need to change my driving style.

I see a trip to the dealer in the very near future to "discuss" this issue.

 

Most trannies don't like engaging 1st while rolling, even at walking speeds. Blipping the throttle a bit does wonders; try it.