Rough shift into first
 

I've had an 05 for a couple months now and I've noticed, when waiting at a light, that there's a 'thud' whenever quickly shifting into first from a stop. If I depress the clutch, wait a second or two, then shift to first (from neutral), it's much more smooth. Does that seem normal? Thanks for the help.

So your slowing down? Like higher gear into first? As in going into first gear to stop and be in first to go on green?


Its a "problem" or typical thing to happen if I understand you correctly. Your transmission is moving at a high speed I guess you can say. And moving into first from second is gonna be more challenging because of the difference in ratios and the transmissions speed. You can depress the clutch put the car in neutral let go of the clutch and then depress it again (double clutching) which will make it easier to get into first gear.



-Scott

Yeah, sorry, I was a little unclear. I'll be completely stopped at a red light, resting in neutral. Then, as it turns green, shift into first. If I do this relatively quickly (as I have in a couple other cars I've driven), there is this thud...don't really know how to describe it any better. Otherwise, if I push in clutch, wait about 2 seconds, then shift into first, it's completely smooth. Doesn't affect driving at all, just curious if anyone else notices it.

The reason why it makes a thud is because some parts in your transmission is stationary. The reason why it's smooth when you depress the clutch and then shift into first from neutral is because everything is moving in your transmission. This technique is a mild form of "double clutching."

So the answer to your problem is its normal.

^ Exactly.

Great, thank you both. Just out of curiosity, why is this not as present in other cars? Granted, the only other MT cars I've driven were the protege5 and miata, but this is the first time I've noticed it.

It's present in every car, you just don't really notice it on the other two cars you have driven.

It all makes sense now, thanks again.

You are most certainly welcome. :)