Hard shifting into 2nd gear when cold

[inimitable]

Originally Posted by cwik

I'm definitely noticing this too. I called up my dealership, and they said I could schedule a ride with one of their service people so explain the problem, but I was worried the car would warm up by the time I got to the dealership. The fact that others are seeing this too makes me feel a bit better.

The main reason I started to panic immediately is because my brother owned a '93 Eclipse, and getting into 2nd gear (from 1st or 3rd) was awful (it was actually the opposite of the BRZ, where it was perfect when the car was cold, but acted up once warmed... far worse :P). It would always resist, it would crunch and grind, etc. The only thing that seemed to help was to double clutch, and that didn't even work all of the time.

As long as it doesn't get worse than what it is, I'm fine with how my BRZ acts.

Crunching and grinding are very different than this notchy feeling. Likewise, Subaru vs Mitsu.; again, two very different animals.

[inimitable]

Originally Posted by blalor

I'm noticing the exact same thing. It's difficult to do the 1-2 shift most of the time when cold. It seems to get better after driving for a bit. First is also finicky. I'm considering changing the fluid when I finally get to 1,000 miles.

Changing the fluid won't do anything. I have the same issues with both of my Hondas. I tried changing the trans. fluid in both with insignificant results. I also tried using a trans. fluid that everyone was touting called SynchroMesh, also to no avail.

[inimitable]

One thing that I have noticed dealing with similar circumstances with my RSX is that the results (of shifting from 1st to 2nd, and notchy shifting in general) vary, and seemed to possibly improve with the AC on. I wasn't the only one to notice this, either. My thoughts were that the added draw on the engine, and the slight increase in rpms as a result were what made the transition smoother. At the same time, it probably helps warm the car up faster.

I can't say I've gotten the same results in the BRZ though because I have the AC on 100% of the time, and the 1st to 2nd switch to struggle is always there when I first start driving.

I don't know much about the TRAC and sport modes though, and whether these can have any influence (whether on or off, initially) in the [smooth] functioning of the trans., albeit, as a secondary cause/effect.

The other thing I would like to bring to mind is the very high engagement of the clutch. I wonder what role, if any, this might play with this process because the clutch is also very, very similar to my RSX. Overall, I think that the clutch is smooth. However, I've found the height of engagement to be quite awkward for me, particularly relating to how I choose to sit. I'm only 5'8"ish. Regardless, I have been playing around quite a bit with the distance and height of the seat to find my sweet spot for shifting gears, as well as positioning that allows my legs to get good circulation during longer drives (I often drive 50mi ~1hr, 1-2x every other day or so).

[inimitable]

Originally Posted by jdrxb9

However, I've found that just being quick with the 1->2 shift so the revs don't drop in the first place is just as good if not better than trying to be slow and careful.

+1

In other words, it helps to shift at higher rpms, or shift from 1-2 right away and, likely, while still accelerating a tad.

[inimitable]

Originally Posted by davisk6

Just take your time and don't force it.

Easier said than done...

[mact]

I had hard cold shifting in my 07 Civic Si, so I switched out the transmission fluid with this stuff:




Then the shifting was as smooth as butter. Then again, the cold shifting I referred to was during the winter months. (< 40°)

[jkonquer]

I believe this true for almost every car. All the stick shift vehicle i owned had somewhat notchy 2nd shift. But after about few minutes it would go away. This happed when the temperature is below 40. Maybe trying using different oil might work for those in colder area.
On my 05 sti i had hard time shifting into 5th gear mainly due to the synchro not matching up correctly from 4 to 5, but thats a machanical problem, however using thicker oil helped alot

[jkonquer]

Originally Posted by mact

I had hard cold shifting in my 07 Civic Si, so I switched out the transmission fluid with this stuff:




Then the shifting was as smooth as butter. Then again, the cold shifting I referred to was during the winter months. (< 40°)

That redline stuff mixed with motul is amazing