So I just got my car, and I know every transmission is different, but I just want to make sure it's normal. Just the all around shifting feels a little funny, and the shift ****(I assume it's not the entire shifter but it feels like it is..) pivots about 5 degrees. In every other car I've ever driven they have been very stationary. I'm already gonna buy a new shifter but the main thing is this weird pivot... Any ideas?

 

Is the shift **** tightened down all the way? When does it 'pivot' (neutral, gear #, etc)?

 

what do you mean pivot? like the **** rotates?

 

We will need to know more information than it just pivots. Any transmission problems? any grinding? Is the clutch smooth? are you talking about the shifter moving when your in gear? Are you talking about just the shift **** itself moving?

 

I honestly can't tell if the **** or the entire shifter is rotating, but I don't notice any grinding although the shifting feels very very rough. and going into reverse is very hard.

 

try removing the boot and feel if it's just the **** or the whole shaft that rotates

 

maybe change the trans fluid andsee if it changes things....

 

Alright, I'll do both tomorrow and let you guys know...

 

Ok so I took a closer look at the shifter and it's actually the entire shifter that moves a little bit. It just kind of rotates a few degrees, It's not like it's the biggest deal it's just a little odd feeling. But My bigger transmission concern is that when I start it up cold there is a little grinding going to second and then third gear. it's not much and doesn't always happen, but it does occur.
Any Ideas?

 

The grinding sounds like it's pretty common. I read through the tranny issues, and it's not uncommon to have the grinding when cold outside.

 

That is because your transmission fluid has not had a chance to warm up yet. When the fluid is cold it gets thicker (for lack of a better word). Once you have been driving it for a little while and the fluid has a chance to warm the shifts should go easier... Try changing your transmission fluid, might make it better. Although there will almost always be some difference between warm and cold transmission fluid.

And this is probably a stupid question but just checking... You do know that you have to push down to get it in reverse, right?

 

grinding sounds in a transmission are never good. Just FYI.

Make sure your clutch is fully disengaging, if not you might need to take a closer look at the system.

I understand our cars have weak transmissions, but do not ever continue to grind on a transmission.

 

I can't tell is he is talking about hearing an actual grinding sound, or if he is just saying "grinding" to refer to it being kinda rough and notchy (if thats a word that makes sense) going into gear.

OP... If it just feels kinda rough going in then I would say to change your transmission fluid before jumping to a conclusion that it is something worse. If you are actually hearing a grinding noise though then yeah that does indicate a problem.

Also with the problem getting into reverse... Does that only happen when cold, or is it always? If only when cold, try inching forward a little bit in first (just to get stuff moving around in there), then try to put it in reverse. If it goes in easier after that, then it sounds to me like your transmission fluid just desperately needs changing and is giving you a lot of trouble before it gets a chance to warm up.

 

Nobody asked..
How many miles have you got on the car?
The shifter shouldn't move, the transmission shouldn't grind nor be excessively notchy when cold.
Remove the boot and see what's happening to the shifer level, check its plastic bushing etc.
Then test and adjust your clutch pedal play, see if it flexes and then go out for a drive. Clutch pedals do flex and do harm our transmission. That's why it is common practice to reinforce them. A search will answer all of your questions.
At the same time i would change the transmission fluid, i like redline products.
If the grinding persists simply start saving money for when you have to replace the transmission

 

Lol, yes I am aware.

Both, going into second and third gear feel a little skittish(rough and notchy), and there is a faint, but definite grinding noise.

and bse50, the car has 73k miles, i'll grab some redline transmission fluid this weekend when I have some spare time.

and just fyi, I am also getting that noise that sounds like a syncho or something, i've read a bit about that noise and people seem to think it's nothing. But if you think otherwise. i'd like to hear it.

 

Yeah... My mistake. Not sure what I was thinking... -_-

 

You can also have someone watch for you to see if you have excessive flex in the clutch cable and/or you might need to bleed the system.

If the rubber hose link is flexing its a 20 dollar fix. First thing though is bleed the system for air, make sure its not something as simple as the system having bubbles in it.

 

Alright, so just found out the car hasn't had the recalled clutch pedal replaced. So I'm getting that done on monday. Now on to why my car takes 5 seconds to start(if it starts at all[While up to temp...])

 

when were your plugs/ coils last changed? Do you have the upgraded starter?

 

plugs were last changed at 60k miles(2 N3Y1's & 2 N3Y8's).
Coils, 4 (N3H1) and 1 cord set.
"car died when leaving shop after 60k service[...] recommended to replace all four coils[...] all ok now"

It had the MSP16 recall preformed at 60k miles.

So I am unable to hear the difference from one starter to another.. but here are some videos.


Cold Start:



Warm Start:




We're all thinking low compression aren't we...

 

I've been looking around and there don't seem to be any definitive answers. If I need a new starter, will it be covered?

 

Nah, I'm pretty sure that a new starter would come out of pocket.

 

Damn, well any idea on the videos? Starter? Low compression? Gnomes in my rotor housing?