Re: Manual gear shifting problem

[vanheusen]

Hi there
Im having problems shifting the gear. It feels very dry when I shift it, especialy 1-2 and 5. Any advice?

[jdmccright]

A little more info would be nice, such as model year and mileage...last time the tranny was serviced if at all...type of driving done...how many owners before you. I ask because all of these can factor into the wear on a manual transmission.

Difficulty shifting is generally due to a worn out throw-out bearing where the gears don't quite stop spinning when you push the stick into first or top gear...you feel a slight clunk or the gears don't quite mesh fully.

To describe a "Dry" shift, taken literally, could mean a tranny low on gear oil, usually from a leaking inner shaft seal. There are typically two plugs on the tranny housing...one to drain (lower) and one to fill (upper). To check the level, unplug the upper one stick your pinky in the hole and then reach down slightly to feel for the oil level. It should be just at the bottom level of the fill hole. If not, refill it with a bottle of the gear lube recommended in your owner's manual or by a local parts store...they can look up the correct type.

Finally, if the level is okay, take a look at the oil on your finger. If it is black, gritty, or fairly thin (when cold), then it is probably due to be changed. Check your manual for the proper interval for draining & refilling the tranny oil. If you change it, inspect the lower plug which is magnetized. If there are large metal pieces caught by it, you have some internal damage happening that should be checked by a qualified tech. Most of the time, the gunk held by the magnet is very fine...silt-like. Be sure to clean the plug off before reinstalling it. Hope this helps!

[vanheusen]

Thank you so much for your reply
the car has 210,000Km
And had 13 owners before me.
bought the car 2 years ago, and never checked the transmission oil level.
The gear handle feels literaly dry when changing it.