Shifting Problems
 

I know this may have been talked about before but I couldn't really find anything like this specific problem.

When I shift from 1st to 2nd, especially when I am hard shifting, it feels like there is a notch or "catch" mid way down (near the neutral position) that doesn't allow for a smooth shift at all. Has anyone else noticed this or is it just mine?

What could this problem be and would a SS fix this problem.

BTW this is really annoying and really screws me over on my shifting time.

What year is your car?

mine feels the same way. i've brought it in many times to the dealer and they say its normal. i hate that it doesnt feel smooth. this is my first MT so i figured maybe it was just because i didnt know better. mines an 06

i got one after reading about it on here i just havent gotten a chance to install it yet.

yeah, i feel you guys. Mine is an 06 as well. Every other gear shifts fine, but 1st to 2nd is always rough. I took it to the dealer as well, and they found that nothing was wrong with it.

try hesitating for a split second to let the revs fall. 1-2 is a big ratio difference, the revs have to fall farther before they are at the correct speed for 2nd gear. It's very easy to try to make the 1-2 shift too fast

mine is a 05, I will try the stainless clutch line hopefully that will work. Was this very hard to install

My first M/T as well.

i have the exact same prob with my 05. i took it in a few wks ago and they said there's nothing wrong with it. this stainless clutch line... how much does it cost? etc... if ur familiar with it gimme some infor please! thanks!!!

any of you guys using aftermarket transmission fluids?

No, why? Will that help or fix the problem?

some people's (mine included) did not care for GL-5

Please check how you shift. If you shift from 1st to 2nd directly downwards, it'll catch/grind. You need to tilt slightly outwards. Same thing with 2nd --> 3rd.

CORRECT
1 3
\ / \
2 4


NOT RIGHT
1
|
2

Good tip! Is this normal for the 8 to do that though, or is that a quick tip for the mean time until there is a solution?

I do

1
|
2

and it goes fine. If I try to do

1
\
2

I'm likely to miss the shift or catch 4th instead of 2nd.

Slips in easier if I pause in neutral, but if I don't I just get some resistance, nothing I'd describe as a catch.

When the car was new, it felt like there was a catch in all the shifts. After a couple of thousand miles, when everything was broken in, it smoothed out. I had a BMW that did exactly the same thing - shifter needed to break in.

Ken

i have this problem as well an it is quite annying....esp if i get the grinding noise...which is why i try not to do hard take offs and 1-2 shifts...luckily i dont race or anythig or else this little problem can really mess things up...

any other tips tricks besides the 1 that kinda didnt help to much....i still stuck 2 out of 5 times \
2

+1

The synchros take longer to get things lined up because there is a 40% rpm change between 1st and 2nd. (2-3 and 3-4 are both <30%, 4-5 and 5-6 are both <15%) Mine got MUCH better with new tranny fluid (Royal Purple), but it still pauses slightly in neutral before slipping effortlessly into 2nd. I can force it faster, but it will sometimes grind with that.

I'm changing to Redline MT90 soon (concerned about RP being a GL4/GL5 with LSD additives), so I can let you know how it feels with that.