Down shifting into 2nd gear when cold - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Flame9020 · 12-20-2016, 09:16 PM

Hey guys,

My FR-S has only 10k miles and every since I picked it up in April the car cannot downshift into 2nd gear when its cold. Shifting from 1st to 2nd is a little rough but works however 3rd to 2nd or neutral to 2nd doesn't work period. Now with the winter weather it is only getting worse. It has been to the dealership twice for this issue and they claim that it is "normal" which I think is a load of bull. He did mention a TRD short throw shifter which was installed before I purchased the car. Could this be an issue and does anyone else have this problem when their car is cold.

sly · 12-20-2016, 09:21 PM

Are you granny shifting or double clutch/ rev matching?

This transmission does not like to be granny shifted. If you are trying to downshift by pushing in the clutch and holding it there while pulling the shifter down into 2nd, you're doing it wrong... If you don't know how already, research double clutch shifting. Get used to it and it will shift smoothly.

Also get rid of the OEM transmission fluid. I dumped mine and put in Pennzoil Synchromesh and it made a big difference. There are some other recommendations on oil here: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46208

Flame9020 · 12-20-2016, 09:24 PM

I have tried double clutching and it didn't seem to make a difference. I also rev match whenever shifting. I'll try changing out the transmission fluid and see if that helps.

Thanks

sly · 12-20-2016, 09:26 PM

Change your transmission oil. Seriously, it makes a big difference. Just be sure to use an oil rated GL3/GL4. This oil is safe for brass components. The more common GL5 oil is not safe...

Flame9020 · 12-20-2016, 09:27 PM

Awesome! Thanks!

humfrz · 12-21-2016, 01:07 AM

Most likely there is nothing wrong with your transmission.

No, it doesn't seem to like to go into 2nd gear ...... especially while it is relatively new and never likes to when it is cold.

Like mentioned, work on your shifting technique.

Yep, some folks have found that a change in transmission oil helps.

In time, your transmission will get broke in .....and you will "learn" how it likes to be shifted....

PS - I don't reckon the short shifter is helping the situation .....

humfrz

mav1178 · 12-21-2016, 01:43 AM

Solution: warm up the car sufficiently before you attempt to downshift into 2nd in the manner you wish.

stevesnj · 12-21-2016, 10:28 AM

Normal operation, the tolerances are tightest shifting to 2nd when cold. May take 10-15 of driving for it to shift smoothly. Just have to live with it.

Ultramaroon · 12-21-2016, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flame9020

He did mention a TRD short throw shifter which was installed before I purchased the car. Could this be an issue and does anyone else have this problem when their car is cold.

1. Short shifter definitely increases force required. Archimedes 101.

2. Double clutching absolutely helps but only if done properly. If indeed double clutching then I suspect revving up more will do the trick. Timing is everything.

A note on the TRD kit: They come loose. If you feel the slightest (and I mean slightest) rotation in the gearshift, it has come loose. It's a piss poor design. If it comes loose cut your losses and ditch it.

Some people have good luck but it's 50/50.

SlammedSilly · 12-21-2016, 03:58 PM

ive noticed its been getting worse since its colder, but its whatever since its normal... and its such a bad noise/feel. cant wait for the synchros to go, hahaha

Flame9020 · 12-21-2016, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

A note on the TRD kit: They come loose. If you feel the slightest (and I mean slightest) rotation in the gearshift, it has come loose. It's a piss poor design. If it comes loose cut your losses and ditch it.

Some people have good luck but it's 50/50.

Once again I didn't install or purchase the kit so I have no idea what to do with it. If it is more trouble than what its worth I might get rid of it.

Flame9020 · 12-21-2016, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlammedSilly

ive noticed its been getting worse since its colder, but its whatever since its normal... and its such a bad noise/feel. cant wait for the synchros to go, hahaha

The dealership claims that it is normal for this transmission since its "new". How likely is it that the synchros could explode?

FX86 · 12-21-2016, 05:23 PM

make me glad to have an automatic after reading all these shifting threads...downshift even to 1st smooth like lubricated warm butter

but that's what happens when you are granny shifting, not double-clutching like you should

Steeps · 12-21-2016, 05:31 PM

Some gearboxes are just rubbish. Had mine at the dealer multiple times (owned the car from new) for adjustments/oil changes to try and make 2nd acceptable, lived with it for 6k miles and it wasn't getting better. The two demo cars I borrowed had no problems at all at similar mileage. In the end they did replace the gearbox in my car and the last 2 years have been perfect.

12-20-2016, 09:16 PM	#1
Flame9020 Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Drives: 2015 Scion FR-S Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 31 Thanks: 9 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Down shifting into 2nd gear when cold Hey guys, My FR-S has only 10k miles and every since I picked it up in April the car cannot downshift into 2nd gear when its cold. Shifting from 1st to 2nd is a little rough but works however 3rd to 2nd or neutral to 2nd doesn't work period. Now with the winter weather it is only getting worse. It has been to the dealership twice for this issue and they claim that it is "normal" which I think is a load of bull. He did mention a TRD short throw shifter which was installed before I purchased the car. Could this be an issue and does anyone else have this problem when their car is cold.

12-21-2016, 10:28 AM	#8
stevesnj Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Drives: 2016 FR-S Oceanic Blue Location: Southern NJ Posts: 2,958 Thanks: 2,158 Thanked 1,601 Times in 923 Posts Mentioned: 30 Post(s) Tagged: 2 Thread(s)	Normal operation, the tolerances are tightest shifting to 2nd when cold. May take 10-15 of driving for it to shift smoothly. Just have to live with it. __________________ My 2016 Build thread TRD Exhaust with custom quad tips, TRD Lowering Springs,TRD Quick shifter,LED;DRL, Projectors, and turn signals. Re-badge, 86 Nanny, WinmaxW2 Pads, K&N Drop In, Antenna delete

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12-20-2016, 09:21 PM	#2
sly Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Drives: 2016 Cosworth 2.2 BRZ Location: TN Posts: 302 Thanks: 81 Thanked 185 Times in 112 Posts Mentioned: 10 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Are you granny shifting or double clutch/ rev matching? This transmission does not like to be granny shifted. If you are trying to downshift by pushing in the clutch and holding it there while pulling the shifter down into 2nd, you're doing it wrong... If you don't know how already, research double clutch shifting. Get used to it and it will shift smoothly. Also get rid of the OEM transmission fluid. I dumped mine and put in Pennzoil Synchromesh and it made a big difference. There are some other recommendations on oil here: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46208

12-20-2016, 09:24 PM	#3
Flame9020 Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Drives: 2015 Scion FR-S Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 31 Thanks: 9 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I have tried double clutching and it didn't seem to make a difference. I also rev match whenever shifting. I'll try changing out the transmission fluid and see if that helps. Thanks

12-20-2016, 09:26 PM	#4
sly Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Drives: 2016 Cosworth 2.2 BRZ Location: TN Posts: 302 Thanks: 81 Thanked 185 Times in 112 Posts Mentioned: 10 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Change your transmission oil. Seriously, it makes a big difference. Just be sure to use an oil rated GL3/GL4. This oil is safe for brass components. The more common GL5 oil is not safe...

12-20-2016, 09:27 PM	#5
Flame9020 Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Drives: 2015 Scion FR-S Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 31 Thanks: 9 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Awesome! Thanks!

12-21-2016, 01:07 AM	#6
humfrz Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Drives: 2013 FR-S, white, MT Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 29,937 Thanks: 28,899 Thanked 31,954 Times in 16,478 Posts Mentioned: 709 Post(s) Tagged: 2 Thread(s)	Most likely there is nothing wrong with your transmission. No, it doesn't seem to like to go into 2nd gear ...... especially while it is relatively new and never likes to when it is cold. Like mentioned, work on your shifting technique. Yep, some folks have found that a change in transmission oil helps. In time, your transmission will get broke in .....and you will "learn" how it likes to be shifted.... PS - I don't reckon the short shifter is helping the situation ..... humfrz

12-21-2016, 01:43 AM	#7
mav1178 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Drives: 2005 Toyota Camry Location: 91745 Posts: 6,562 Thanks: 493 Thanked 6,093 Times in 3,029 Posts Mentioned: 95 Post(s) Tagged: 3 Thread(s)	Solution: warm up the car sufficiently before you attempt to downshift into 2nd in the manner you wish.

12-21-2016, 03:58 PM	#10
SlammedSilly Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Drives: 2015 Ultramarine FR-S Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 382 Thanks: 550 Thanked 51 Times in 46 Posts Mentioned: 5 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	ive noticed its been getting worse since its colder, but its whatever since its normal... and its such a bad noise/feel. cant wait for the synchros to go, hahaha

12-21-2016, 05:23 PM	#13
FX86 Banned Join Date: May 2016 Drives: on the wrongside of the road Location: rear floor mats Posts: 2,240 Thanks: 1,084 Thanked 2,087 Times in 1,015 Posts Mentioned: 14 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	make me glad to have an automatic after reading all these shifting threads...downshift even to 1st smooth like lubricated warm butter but that's what happens when you are granny shifting, not double-clutching like you should

12-21-2016, 05:31 PM	#14
Steeps Junior Member Join Date: May 2014 Drives: GT86 Location: UK Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Some gearboxes are just rubbish. Had mine at the dealer multiple times (owned the car from new) for adjustments/oil changes to try and make 2nd acceptable, lived with it for 6k miles and it wasn't getting better. The two demo cars I borrowed had no problems at all at similar mileage. In the end they did replace the gearbox in my car and the last 2 years have been perfect.

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