Difficult and notchy shifting issues
 

2016 BRZ, 27k miles, bought new.

I took my BRZ to the dealership for 36 month warranty checkup. The only thing they listed in the receipt was an inspection, oil change, and tire rotation. But I noticed the shifting was a bit "rougher" when I got the car back, didn't think much of it. It's been about 7 months now, still having notchy shifting issues.

I have done plenty of research, but everyone just says to "change the transmission oil." Which I have done... twice. Once four months ago, then again two weeks ago; both with Motul Gear 300. I also put in a Perrin rear shifter bushing two weeks ago along with the transmission oil change. No dice, problem persists. I have also seen people say it's the syncros, but I'm not sure if that is the issue since the notchy feeling is present when not moving (clutch pedal fully depressed and moving the shifter into 1st, 2nd, and so on through the gearbox). I don't know what else could be the problem. At this point, I have to ask for help.


Going into 1st and 2nd gear is very hard engage, occasional lockout issues into 1st when cold. Gears 2 through 6 are all notchy/rough; 4th usually feels the smoothest of the bunch.


I regret ever taking the car to the dealership in the first place, nothing was wrong with it but thought it would be nice to get a checkup. I feel like going back would be a waste of time since I'm sure they'll say it feels fine, or there's nothing wrong with it. Such bs because it was perfectly fine before I took it to the dealership.

I'm not sure what else to do, so any help with this is much appreciated! Thanks



TL;DR: Gearbox is very notchy and rough. Transmission oil change (Motul Gear 300) and rear shifter bearing replacement didn't help. Don't think it's syncros. Out of ideas for solution... send help.

It sounds very much like your clutch isn't fully disengaging. How's your fluid level? If you don't DIY, take it to someone who can do a proper bleed.

Tob? That'd be interesting on a 2016...

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If the previous owner badly adjusted the clutch pedal, it might not be depressing enough. Mine is borderline, so if the car is moving even slightly, I cannot shift into reverse. I'd check that. If the clutch engages right at or near the top of travel, it could be the pedal.

I'm thinking air in the system if the pedal hasn't been lowered.

He says he got it new but yeah. I've raised mine up a tiny smidge as it has aged.

Clutch fluid is something I honestly did not know about. It's interesting though because I have noticed recently that the pedal seems to have lost some of its tension. Just to clarify, I have not made any adjustments to the clutch pedal itself.

If that is the issue, would it require a bleed as you said? Or can it just be filled?

Well, you could try filling the clutch fluid reservoir (if it is low) to see if that fixes it. If not, bleed the system and change the fluid.

;)


humfrz

If it's low it's leaking. There is no where for clutch fluid to "go". If anything you should gain some fluid in the reservoir as the clutch wears and the pressure plate extends further.

Could be the TOB galling on the shaft? Or an handful of other things. Flush the fluid and see what happens, cheap and easy.

I believe that the bind between the TOB and quill can get bad enough to completely jam the TOB. The few photos of failed forks that I've seen all appear to have started with small stress fractures.

@maslin covered it but I'll repeat for emphasis. If fluid is lost, there is a bigger problem. If the pedal feels squishy at the top of its travel, immediately check the reservoir. If it is empty, then you've found your issue.

doubt the dealership had any impact on your trans and with so few miles I have a hard time believing it is fluid related.. Could be TOB related as it sorta reminds me what I went through. I got my '16 new and for the first 10 K it was pretty notchy which I figured was part of the break in process, then the following 30 K miles it was perfect.. After I surpassed 40 K or so, I started getting notchy and hard shifts for about 10 k miles when my TOB started squealing like a MOFO. After I got it replaced, shifting feel has been perfect since.

All years have that issue. Have seen people with 17+ have failures as well.

If you are having notchyness in every gear, its possible that your clutch is on the way out, your TOB is going, etc. Nothing they did at a standard checkup is going to make your car randomly start shifting harder.