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.

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

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

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...

Awesome! Thanks!

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 ..... :iono:


humfrz

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 ;)

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.