Hard to sift into first gear (manual transmission)

[dirtyrobot]

Hi there,
First off I must admit that I'm a bit of a standard transmission newb. My previous vehicals have all been automatic.

I have a 2000 Protege SE (recently purchased, previous owner was an older woman) and it seems to be getting harder and harder to shift into 1st gear. All other gears are fine. I think it may improve slightly as the car warms up but not by much. Any suggestions as to what the cause could be? Here are a few stats on the car:

Model: 2000 Protege SE (Canada)
Mileage: ~90 000 KMs (~55 000 miles)
Transmission: Manual 5-speed.

If any other information is required I can get it up here ASAP. Thanks in advance for any info!

-Dirtyrobot

[VermZ06]

Try a new clutch fluid. That might help a bit. My MSP always gives me trouble in reverse. I wouldn't worry about it too much:)

[Boston5761]

must pro's are known to have trouble with reverse...

[dirtyrobot]

Try a new clutch fluid. That might help a bit. My MSP always gives me trouble in reverse. I wouldn't worry about it too much:)


Thanks for the reply. I feel I should clarify (just in case) that the problem I am having is pushing the shifter into first. Once there, I can release the clutch and eveything is just fine. Thanks again!

[Boston5761]

feels alittle notchy??

[dirtyrobot]

feels alittle notchy??


Yeah! I think that sounds about right.

[Revs]

Its the syncro's, my advice would be to replace the tranny fluid. Redline MT-90 is popular if you can find it, or GM Syncromesh that you can buy at GM dealers. I have this problem and will be replacing my tranny fluid next month hopefully.

[Powells85]

Go to Autozone and get Penzoil Synchromesh (same as GM but cheaper), did it this weekend to my car and it worked out all the little grinds and it shifts smoother now.

[dirtyrobot]

Go to Autozone and get Penzoil Synchromesh (same as GM but cheaper), did it this weekend to my car and it worked out all the little grinds and it shifts smoother now.


Thanks for the advice. No autozone here in Canada but I'm sure I can find it locally.

[TheMAN]

to reduce transmission wear & tear, ALWAYS bleed the clutch system after a period of time... since BC is typically humid, I recommend doing it yearly... in drier climates, 1.5 years to 2 years is OK depending on how you drive... air in the clutch lines will cause the clutch to not completely disengage and will cause shifting problems as well as transmission wear/damage.... there is a very small tollerance/disengagement area for the 3rd gen's clutch, so you have to pay attention to that!

and DEFINATELY change the gear oil.... put in redline MT90 as it's been giving the best results for most people.... it is synthetic, so it will last a long time and will work better in ALL driving conditions

[dirtyrobot]

to reduce transmission wear & tear, ALWAYS bleed the clutch system after a period of time... since BC is typically humid, I recommend doing it yearly... in drier climates, 1.5 years to 2 years is OK depending on how you drive... air in the clutch lines will cause the clutch to not completely disengage and will cause shifting problems as well as transmission wear/damage.... there is a very small tollerance/disengagement area for the 3rd gen's clutch, so you have to pay attention to that!

and DEFINATELY change the gear oil.... put in redline MT90 as it's been giving the best results for most people.... it is synthetic, so it will last a long time and will work better in ALL driving conditions

Thanks for the info. I will change the fluid this weekend. Great FAQ BTW!

[dirtyrobot]

Ok, I picked up som Pennzoil Synchromesh. I bought 4 quarts, as I don't have the manual I didn't really know how much to get. Is 4 quarts going to be enough? (ughdance)

Sorry for the n00b questions. Ask me anything about computers, webdesign and I'll have an answer for ya! :)

-TIA

[dirtyrobot]

Ok, I picked up som Pennzoil Synchromesh. I bought 4 quarts, as I don't have the manual I didn't really know how much to get. Is 4 quarts going to be enough? (ughdance)

Sorry for the n00b questions. Ask me anything about computers, webdesign and I'll have an answer for ya! :)

-TIA


Ok, sorted it all out, so hopefully I won't destroy my car tomorrow.

[Sveivo]

It also helps if you come to a complete stop before going into first.

They also say that it helps to be rolling just barely. But keep in mind that it takes time for internal transmission parts to decelerate, so jamming it into first right after a hard stop is not a good thing.

[Spooled]

to reduce transmission wear & tear, ALWAYS bleed the clutch system after a period of time... since BC is typically humid, I recommend doing it yearly... in drier climates, 1.5 years to 2 years is OK depending on how you drive... air in the clutch lines will cause the clutch to not completely disengage and will cause shifting problems as well as transmission wear/damage.... there is a very small tollerance/disengagement area for the 3rd gen's clutch, so you have to pay attention to that!

and DEFINATELY change the gear oil.... put in redline MT90 as it's been giving the best results for most people.... it is synthetic, so it will last a long time and will work better in ALL driving conditions

Wow, I had no idea that the clutch lines needed to be bleeded like that. My system hasn't been messed with, but I think I will try that anyway. I have a fairly new clutch in and I don't trust the dealership when it comes to adjusting that stuff. Is there a write-up somewhere on adjusting clutch play/travel and bleeding the lines? Do I need to get more fluid when I do this?

Thanks TheMan!

[Spooled]

BTW, I have been trying to figure out why everyone uses the MT-90 rather than the regular 75w90. The MT-90 doesn't have limited slip additives. Don't people with MSPs want that?

[dirtyrobot]

It also helps if you come to a complete stop before going into first.

They also say that it helps to be rolling just barely. But keep in mind that it takes time for internal transmission parts to decelerate, so jamming it into first right after a hard stop is not a good thing.

Thanks Dim, your are right, it's much easier when coming to a complete stop!

[Sveivo]

Thanks Dim, your are right, it's much easier when coming to a complete stop!
Cool!

[dirtyrobot]

Hiya,
Just a quick follow-up. I finally got around to changing the fluid today. Put in some Pennzoil Synchromesh. I went for a little drive and shifting is so much smoother now. It's not perfect but it was worth the change!

Once again, thanks for everyone's help! :)

[sandspeed]

BTW, I have been trying to figure out why everyone uses the MT-90 rather than the regular 75w90. The MT-90 doesn't have limited slip additives. Don't people with MSPs want that?

subbin for more info because my first gear is notchy and my reverse has always been difficult to engage. I think i need get some mt-90. I also heard that kartboy shifter bushing help keep the shifter from moving around while in gear, because while i'm in 5th the shifter has a lot of play

[Spooled]

subbin for more info because my first gear is notchy and my reverse has always been difficult to engage. I think i need get some mt-90. I also heard that kartboy shifter bushing help keep the shifter from moving around while in gear, because while i'm in 5th the shifter has a lot of play

Go for the MT-90. I figured out that the limited slip additives can be TOO slick for the type of synchros in our transmissions. The synchros need some friction to allow them to match speeds between gears.

I have the Kartboy shifter bushings, too. They take a lot of play out of the shifter and make it more precise.

[sandspeed]

Go for the MT-90. I figured out that the limited slip additives can be TOO slick for the type of synchros in our transmissions. The synchros need some friction to allow them to match speeds between gears.

I have the Kartboy shifter bushings, too. They take a lot of play out of the shifter and make it more precise.

thanks spooled,
ordered some MT-90 today. Is it difficult to change the tranny fluid, if so
should i wait for kartboy shifter bushings and change everything at once.