Can't always shift into 1st?

[flashburn]

I've been having a problem over the last couple of weeks where when I'm at a stop I sometimes can't get into 1st. Every time this happens, if I go back down, and then try again, it always works (clutch down the entire time). Double clutching has no effect.

Is this likely a synchro issue? I'd be a bit surprised since I'm pretty gentle with 1st, meaning I never engage it unless I'm going 5MPH or less. It has 62K miles on it.

edit: Also forgot to mention that for the last 10K or so miles I've had an aftermarket ACT XT Clutch/Flywheel.

[8RZ]

Was the engine/trans warmed up? People have complained about that in colder climates. Many have also switched trans and diff fluids; a quick search will give you better answers.

[PandaSPUR]

Yea happens to me sometimes. I have to go into 2nd then first.

[flashburn]

Originally Posted by 8RZ

Was the engine/trans warmed up? People have complained about that in colder climates. Many have also switched trans and diff fluids; a quick search will give you better answers.

Yeah, it's happened both after long drives and at cold start. I'm in Florida, and it's been pretty hot lately (85F+).

[jasonojordan]

When was the last time you changed your trans fluid?

[flashburn]

Originally Posted by jasonojordan

When was the last time you changed your trans fluid?

It was changed at 55K miles, which was also when the Clutch/FW was replaced.

[jasonojordan]

OEM fluid or?

[flashburn]

Originally Posted by jasonojordan

OEM fluid or?

Pretty sure it was Red Line.

[jasonojordan]

What variant do you know? Just curious as I switched to redline mt-90 this spring and hope to see how it drives. I was running motul trans fluid and was not a fan of it at cold temps/start up temps for the very issue your dealing with now.

[flashburn]

Originally Posted by jasonojordan

What variant do you know? Just curious as I switched to redline mt-90 this spring and hope to see how it drives. I was running motul trans fluid and was not a fan of it at cold temps/start up temps for the very issue your dealing with now.

Not sure, but I doubt it's the same issue, as mine will happen at any temperature, it just isn't consistent.

[jasonojordan]

Originally Posted by flashburn

Not sure, but I doubt it's the same issue, as mine will happen at any temperature, it just isn't consistent.

OEM Shifter and knob?

[Lakitu]

I've noticed that if the RPMs are above a certain limit, it will not let you shift into 2nd or 1st. I always just thought of it as a safety mechanism. Its like it locks you out. "Access Denied...until you slow the fuck down". So I never downshift below 3rd when coming to a stop before a light, but I do only when I'm already going at a steady crawling pace around stores.

[flashburn]

Originally Posted by Lakitu

I've noticed that if the RPMs are above a certain limit, it will not let you shift into 2nd or 1st. I always just thought of it as a safety mechanism. So I never downshift below 3rd when coming to a stop before a light, but I do only when I'm already going at a steady crawling pace around stores.

Makes no sense, I've never noticed that.

At 62K miles, this is a new occurrence, and definitely isn't something I would consider normal.

[HKz]

Originally Posted by Lakitu

I've noticed that if the RPMs are above a certain limit, it will not let you shift into 2nd or 1st. I always just thought of it as a safety mechanism. Its like it locks you out. "Access Denied...until you slow the fuck down". So I never downshift below 3rd when coming to a stop before a light, but I do only when I'm already going at a steady crawling pace around stores.

you're a noob, you need more clutch & rev matching practice.. Rev matching into 1st is admittedly tricky considering how much work the synchros have to do but it is not necessary. If you are still rolling over 5 MPH just go into 2nd..if you are struggling with downshifting into 2nd, then ya need a mentor.

As for OP it is tough to diagnose these hard shifting problems over text and a video probably wouldn't really help either..best to get a buddy who is experienced with MTs and have him feel it. Dealership could help if ya don't know anyone..