Transmission shifting when cold?

[jpilone]

My '17 BRZ Limited w/ Performance Pkg has an issue when it's cold. From google searching I got mixed review if it's normal or not.


In the first five minutes of driving it when the vehicle is cold (not outside cold temp, but when engine/trans not up to temp), I can hardly get the damn thing to downshift to second gear when slowing to a stop (I'm talking 10mph or slower). I have to double clutch it and it helps. The car has 3,500 miles on it. The car has done this from day 1, and I hate bothering the dealer if it's normal. The car is bone stock. To me, in the many years I've been driving (and 95% of the cars I've owned are all manuals. I currently have 3 cars, and they are all manual).


Thanks in advance!

[carsebuco]

If you look through this forum, you'll see that this is very, very common with with the twins. Let her warm up or learn to expect it and you'll be all set.

[JD001]

I have 2014 BRZ and it too has a sticky 1st to 2nd when the transmission is cold. I think it's a common occurrence. I usually try to avoid or minimise the 1st to 2nd or double de-clutch. The stickiness goes quite quickly.

[Pat]

Super common. And super frustrating. Often I have trouble getting into first or second. Sometimes when at a stoplight I'll row between third and fourth a couple times to stir up the fluid. That makes getting into first or second easier.

[jpilone]

It's certainly annoying! But if it's common, then it is what it is. It makes no sense to me, but I didn't design the transmission

[daskaman]

Be thankful your not in Canada. My car at -20C is happiest double clutching upshifts when cold for the first few shifts between 1-2 and 2-3.

The car is will tell you what it's happiest weather slowing down shifts or double clutching. The twins for me are one of the more sensitive transmissions I have used when cold.

[gtengr]

It's not a cheap solution, but the sti engine and trans mounts made a huge difference in low gear engagement in all sorts of situations on my 2017, including cold weather.

[highway7]

Normal 100%, I also have to double clutch to downshift into 2nd when the trans fluid is cold, otherwise it won't go in at all unless I really force it. I typically double clutch into 2nd anyways regardless of temperature, these cars tranny are known for having a notchy 2nd gear and double clutching just makes it go in easier compared to forcing it in from 3rd to 2nd even at low RPMs. Always have to double clutch to down shift into 1st. Never have problems with upshifting hot or cold.

A little disappointing since my old civic, which by all accounts is just a passenger car, had a much smoother shifter regardless of weather :/ Literally could downshift into 2nd from 3rd at any RPM with my pinky finger without double clutching.

[sfdai0]

Is this still as common in the '17s?

[Brz_racer]

Like everyone has said, this is a very common issue with these cars, and yes it is an issue. Every other car ive driven does not do this when its cold. What i did to solve the problem was drain all the transmission fluid out of the trans and differential and replaced it with Motul Gear oil 300. I have not had a single issue since then. The trans fluid that subaru puts in these cars is garbage.

[TheRoops]

I've literally had that issue with every Subaru I've owned going back to my 87 wagon.

[NCtoBRZ]

This topic comes up every other day during the Winter it seems. It’s a characteristic of Aisin transmissions. The S2000, NC Miata and BRZ that I’ve owned have all been a bit notchy or resistant shifting into 2nd when cold. I’ve found that a quick blip of the throttle actually smooths out the shift when cold and by the end of the street in my neighborhood the fluid seems to be flowing enough to make engaging 2nd easier. The reasoning/excuse given by the manufacturer is that the tight tolerances that make the transmission such a joy to shift at normal operating temps, make it a bit stiffer when cold.

[Benji]

Originally Posted by sfdai0

Is this still as common in the '17s?

Got my 17 PP a month ago, 600 miles on it now and I did notice the transmission is slightly 'stiffer' when cold but it's not really a big deal at all.

I actually think it's probably more to do with the fact that I don't think the clutch is adjusted properly as I get a tiny jolt when I put it into gear with the clutch pedal fully depressed. Now I know a car will still spin the wheels ever so slightly with the clutch still fully depressed if they were up in the air but this is a slight but noticeable jolt when on the ground.

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

Another thing I've noticed is in below zero weather, I start the car and release the clutch and it jolts as if it's in gear. Will only do this in the cold and I never noticed it until I switched to Motul. Worst change I ever made. Maybe it's good for the summer months but it's just awful for winter.