Hi guys. I picked up my car (05 enthusiast) yesterday and drove it home. I got up at 7am this morning and detailed it. I then decided to go out driving all day long. I noticed one or two things that i don't know if they are normal. pleae tell me what u think:

1. when i shift from 3rd to 4th, it seems that sometimes it wants to go back to second gear instead of going up to 4th. i actually ended up doing that once, revved her way to high as i was accelerating (i was upset at myself, i know i know). i test drove a touring model 2 weeks back, it was my first drive of the z, and that car did the same exact thing to me. it just feels like when i want to go to 4th that i really have to guide it to 4th and i can't just kinda flick down from 3rd to 4th. does anyone else have that problem, do i just need to get used to it, or am i just a bad driver?

2. i didn't notice it until after driving around a bit with the windows down but when accelerating from a stand still i hear more then just the engine, like a tiny rattle. i've heard some comments about the z's having a little rattle. is this the same rattle they are talking about? or is it just my car?

well, thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

wil

 

When I first got my Z I did the exact same thing. I wanted to go from 3rd to 4th and I accidentally downshift to 2nd and I was at 5200 RPM barely on 400 miles. This happened twice and I learned the lesson. I got so scared haha. I think they intended making it like that, for downshifting purposes. I don't have a problem with shifting from 3rd to 4th anymore.

I'm not sure what kind of rattle you're talking about, but when I first got the Z I noticed the rattling noise only when I shut off the engine. Then I tried shutting the engine off with the clutch engaged and there was no noise. All Z's do that.

 

“when i shift from 3rd to 4th, it seems that sometimes it wants to go back to second gear instead of going up to 4th.”

Like any transmission, it just takes practice. A common error when shifting from third to fourth is to pull the lever towards you (second gear). Practice will make it right.

 

I've done this mis-shift as well. Two thoughts: 1) Your tranny will likely loosen up a little over the miles and won't "push towards center" as much as it does now, and 2) It's something you'll get used to. If you find it to be a recurring problem, try turning your hand over on 3 -> 4 shifts so that your palm faces the passenger seat. That makes it easier to "push" the stick away from you as you pull down.

Not sure about the rattle.

 

Whenever I am in doubt, I just let go of the shifter. It will migrate to 3/4. And then I can just shift from there.

 

Lots of us have had the 2nd instead of 4th issue. The tranny seems to just want to go to second. Practice, practice, practice is the solution. For awhile you might want to be extra aware of what the shift from 3rd to 4th "feels" like.

 

I have an '05 as well. Have done the 3rd-2nd gear shift instead of 3rd-4th a couple times as well. Just takes a bit of practice and you'll be fine. Not too sure about the rattle though.

 

did you notice at higher speeds.. like 80-90 range. that with the windows down. theres not very good air travel in there. the wind is beating you to death

 

There is a slight rattle in the clutch in first and sometimes second but only in between shifting gears that I've noticed. Other than that you may just be hypersensitive since it's a new car and you aren't used to it yet.

 

man i had the exact same problem whenever i wanted to shift from 3rd to 4th it felt really wierd and if i just pulled the shifer straight back it wouldnt go in, and i had to pull it back and towards the right. after a while it just kinda fixed itself, and now it shifts perfectly

 

I had the same problem...went from 3rd to 2nd and it overrevved to 6800...sucked... The tranny will def loosen up by 1000 miles buddy. Also, get into the habit of having your palm face the rear window when going down and itll shift straight down. Ive misshifted 3 times in the first week and never after that. The rattles go away.... I had a few...only one left now is one comming from hatch area...i heard it has to do w/ spare tire not being screwed on tight. I dont have the axle TSB as my car is a 2005 production. Currently i have 1500 miles and the car is running smooth and the tranny is MUCHHHH better than before. You m ight notice its quite a bit notchy now, espcially getting into 2nd and maybe 4th. It all gets better, this tranny is like cutting thru butter now.

 

The rattle noise was a common thing on older models with the rear axle right? You think it might be that?
Peace!

 

hi guys. thanks for all the replies. yeah, i guess the 3rd to 4th thing will get better over time. its still only got 210 miles or so on it. about the rattle, it happens when i turn the car on and the clutch is not depressed. once i engage the clutch the rattle goes away, but if i just let it idle in neutral it rattles a bit. odd i think

wil

 

+1.

 

regarding the rattle.....
I guess a slight rattling during idle is an acceptable condition. The only time it's not acceptable is when your shifting gear with the clutch fully engaged. I guess a worn throwout bearing will cause the rattling and vibration...I've driven a BMW M3 6 speed manual and it rattled changing gears.

 

as for the misshift, i thought it was wierd too, but for me more from 5 -6, just make sure your pulling down, like straight down, and not towards your body which will make you go to second.