New FRS and the notorious grinding gears

[xwd]

I adjusted my pedal and replaced the fluid with the Pentosin fluid a couple times now. I've got around 15K miles and have had the car since April 2012. I've never had any grinding not caused by myself and do not really have issues getting the car into 2nd. It doesn't get really cold here so maybe that's part of the issue. Would definitely recommend the adjustment and the Pentosin fluid even though it's $$$.

[355rockit]

I would highly recommend Perrin shifter spring upgrade. Easy to install, makes shifting allot more precise and less chance of mis-shifting/grinding.

[Frs x3]

Ok quick question regarding the same subject. What's the correct way of putting the car into reverse? I have had one experience where I was in neutral and when I tried putting in reverse it grinded. I've heard a few suggestions that it's a good idea to put into first gear first then to reverse. Any feedback?

[subyfly]

In my opinion, this is normal especially when you switch gears from cold start. I even had the same issue on my wrx brand new and my 2015 BRZ is also the same. It'll smooth out eventually.
You can always double clutch.

[subyfly]

Originally Posted by Frs x3

Ok quick question regarding the same subject. What's the correct way of putting the car into reverse? I have had one experience where I was in neutral and when I tried putting in reverse it grinded. I've heard a few suggestions that it's a good idea to put into first gear first then to reverse. Any feedback?

As long as you're fully stopped, then you shouldn't get any problems. Unless you're in a hurry to reverse.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by subyfly

As long as you're fully stopped, then you shouldn't get any problems. Unless you're in a hurry to reverse.

I'll add - NEVER be in a hurry for reverse. NEVER put your foot in it backing up. The reverse gear is by far the weakest link. Back in the dinosaur days, I munched a transmission fucking around in reverse.

[mike the snake]

Just push the clutch in and wait a couple seconds. In neutral with the clutch out, the trans is spinning, and if you try and jam it into reverse before the trans spins down you'll get that crunch going into reverse.

Yes, putting the car into another gear first and then selecting reverse also works.

Originally Posted by Frs x3

Ok quick question regarding the same subject. What's the correct way of putting the car into reverse? I have had one experience where I was in neutral and when I tried putting in reverse it grinded. I've heard a few suggestions that it's a good idea to put into first gear first then to reverse. Any feedback?

[Element Tuning]

Crazy some of you can't get into gear on stock cars when cold. Even with Red Line Lightweight kproof, upgraded clutch/flywheel, and Perrin shifter goodies it always goes in gear. Now going into first requires nearly a stop when cold. I do get the nick every now and then going into 4the but it always seems to go away when I turn my trans pump/cooler on. Pretty sure 4th is on the verge of busting on transmission #2 but it's to be expected at my power levels while running slicks.

I do agree with some that the OP's problem reeks of clutch drag. If you can double clutch it and it goes in then that could be it. Many don't know what double clutching really is so, clutch in, pull to neutral, clutch out, clutch in, pull to second gear, and all done in about 1.5 seconds.

[billyk]

Originally Posted by Element Tuning

If you can double clutch it and it goes in then that could be it. Many don't know what double clutching really is so, clutch in, pull to neutral, clutch out, clutch in, pull to second gear, and all done in about 1.5 seconds.

I've got the same problem as the OP and know well how to double-clutch (44 years driving MT's). No dice.

I intend to have the clutch adjustment checked next time I am in the shop. Maybe that'll work. It's not too tough to live with and work around, and for me, it's always associated with cold weather.

[mike the snake]

I too have killed a transmission while screwing around in reverse. It's always the weakest gear in any transmission.

Anyone noticed the lack of noise when in reverse on our cars?

Our car's trans is the first I've come across with angle-cut reverse gears.

[billyk]

Originally Posted by billyk

I've got the same problem as the OP and know well how to double-clutch (44 years driving MT's). No dice.

I intend to have the clutch adjustment checked next time I am in the shop. Maybe that'll work. It's not too tough to live with and work around, and for me, it's always associated with cold weather.

Actually, I'll report that now that I have more than a month driving my FRS, the technique of holding on to first gear a little longer on those first few shifts (I mentioned this earlier or in some other thread) actually works pretty well.

With overnight temps in the single digits lately, my FRS is certainly "cold" in the AM for my commute. When I pull up my street, I go slower than i used to and remain in 1st as long as possible. I believe this allows the 2nd gear syncro to spin up to speed for a perfectly smooth shift. This works almost every time, and maybe it'll work absolutely every time when I get a little better at it. Once warmed-up, 2nd is just not an issue.

Not sure I need to mention a clutch adjustment to my Dealer just yet. And as of now, I am happy to stay with my stock gear oil as well.

If your FRS is really a bitch getting into 2nd gear when cold, explore the notion of hanging onto 1st longer and let me know if this works for you as well.