The best RPM or technique to shift from 1 to 2?
 

I have been doing this for a long time (>3 year), but I still cannot figure out the trick. Every time I shift from 1 to 2, I can feel/hear a clunk or a hesitate. Sometimes I have to double clutch to 2nd to have a peace of mind. So any techniques I can learn here?

(Sometimes when the car is fully warm and I can shift w/o a clunk, starting at about 2800-3000 rpm. But that scenario is rare. I am more concerned about the first several shifts every morning.)

Thanks!

I'm guessing that you're shifting a bit on the fast side as if you're racing. I think it's okay to ease in and out of the clutch a bit slower for a smoother transition. (I've been driving stick for about 20 years now)

The only time you should shift from 1st to 2nd is at 7400RPM, any other time and your just plain doing it wrong.

Here, from another thread. First to second has the largest change in RPM for any given speed, so it'll take longer for the RPM to drop. Also, these transmissions are notorious for being difficult when cold.


http://i.imgur.com/O1611eq.jpg

Just tap the right hand paddle whenever you want to - shifts like butta.

No wonder those automatics are blasting by me in 5th going 180mph while I'm maxed at 172!

I usually wait for the RPM's to drop while slowly releasing the clutch. it's probably about a 1.5 second wait from clutch in to clutch out when shifting from 1st to 2nd. you'll get used to it after experimenting a little. sometimes I still mess up and it's jerky though. the 1st to 2nd shift is probably one of the things I dislike about the car.

Had the same problem in my Chrysler Crossfire. Just start out in second.

:party0030: :laughabove:

Join the club. I shift from 1 to 3 until the engine has warmed up. I won't even try shifting from 1 to 2, if the engine hasn't warmed up, since there is no technique that will result in a smooth shift to 2nd while cold. When the engine is warm shifting from 1 to 2 is very smooth.

It is just a characteristic of our gearbox that we accept. http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...71&postcount=1

I've written on this many times. There are a couple things to consider.

1. When it's cold the gear oil is like molasses. With the clutch disengaged and shifted to neutral, everything in there grinds to a screeching halt.

2. The syncros aren't super grabby.

So, with those in mind, the 1-2 shift more than others is about being quick. Just don't pause at all in neutral. Get right on that second gear syncro before the gears have time to stall.

If you miss, you're already doing the right thing with double clutching. You're just spinning up the gears and going for a second try.

The clunk is going to happen. Nothing wrong with it.

:thumbup:

CVT swap. No more problems.

I wonder if maybe this is more of an early model issue. I've never had issues going 1st to 2nd after i cold start in the morning. And lately we've been hitting temps of 30 degrees here in Nor Cal. Granted its nowhere near as cold as places that snow so maybe thats the difference?

Edit: NVM just checked OP's location and he's in the city where its actually warmer. /shrug