I actually posted a question on this a while go. It happens only when it's cold because the metal is frozen and the transmission fluid is pretty cold and hard as well. I try to warm the car for at least 2 minutes if not more and then when I start to drive I make sure my clutch is fully supressed and that I'm shifting slowly. Only when I see the temperature up to normal do I start to step on it a little. I was told it was perfectly normal as well. I have 06 MT 10k miles on it.

 

In this scenario, it is solely due to the transmission temperature -- it is not clutch or shift speed related. As the engine (and transmission) temps increase, the grinding tendency quickly diminishes then disappears completely. I guess it's just something we have to work around and live with.

 

15-30 secs. Just enough time to get the fluid over the gears a few times.

Sometimes, I just drive down my street in first slowly, stop at the corner, put the in neutral for 10-15 secs while I adjust the heater, set the radio and plug in my cell phone to charge ... then move on.

 

It was below 0º F yesterday morning, so cold that when I let go the clutch pedal it slowly "floated" back up. 10 minutes of warmup time is what it needs to get past the 1-2 upshift grinding. I'm ready for spring!!!

 

If the grinding is a persistent problem you can try using a "cocktail" mixture of oils to help. I have not tried it yet however all my buddies tell me mixing oils can eliminate the grinding. You may have to try a few different "formulas" but it will work for you. A search of the forum will give you specific examples.

 

i have an 06 and it did that as well. i just let it warm up for 20 minutes and there is no problem

 

I'm going to be purchasing a Z33 come this spring. While this does sound a little alarming at first, all it appears to be is a cold tranny. Warming her up seems to be the cure. All this info is great though folks.

Thanks.

 

I love you guys saying the car is cold. Hell it is 11 degrees farenheight here now that is cold. Geez lett he damn thing warm up would ya!!!!!

 

I had the car in for its 3750 mile service today. I mentioned the grinding tendency to the service advisor, who said it was normal. I guess what he meant is that it's normal for Nissans, because no other MT vehicle (non-Nissan) I've owned has done this.

But he did suggest synthetic transmission oil, which has apparently helped others who have reported this problem. I'll let you know if it makes a difference.

 

my 2000 jetta VR6 grinds from 1st to 2nd everytime/anytime if i don't engage the gears slowly. Sold the damn thing. All VW m/t trannie grind from 1st to 2nd.

 

But did the grinding go away when the vehicle warmed up? My concern is that this only happens when the vehicle is cold.

 

I wouldn't worry so much about it. Give the car 3-5 minutes to warm up and you should be ok. I do this and have no problems. I did, however, drive it cold, a couple times in 30-degree weather, and the only thing I noticed was a little harder shifting, but no grinding.

 

My buddy's 06' GTI 6MT doesn't grind at all. I've driven his car a couple times and being in his car a couple times. Grinding free.

 

I have a feeling its the Nissan stock fluid viscosity and slipperyness, its horrible in my Sentra SpecV also on cold 40 deg mornings, you guys might want to try the Redline MT-90, it works wonders on 300ZX's MT when it grinds. i just ordered some to try it on my SpecV.

 

Well tonight when I got into the Z after work it was actually pretty warm (22º F... warm for MN) -- I let it idle for about 30 seconds then took off. There was a very minimal grind, so I'm thinking the synth trans fluid probably helps a little. Will let you know how it goes when it gets "cold" out.

 

No, the grind had nothing to do with operation temperature.

 

i've test driven the 06 GTI with DSG only....
VW might have fixed their manual gearbox already.

 

i dont know if my trans is just being a retarded 03 trans or if it's got something wrong with it. my trans is smoothest when it's cold and then when it gets warmed up some it has more of a grind tendency. when i shift it never "grinds" it's just not smooth, it has a lot of notch to it. it doesnt seem normal but then again i've heard that the 03 trans was just really notchy and gay. any thoughts?

 

I have the same grind problem in 06 Z too.

 

my car does it when iam in 3rd, when i up shift and down shift at 6k rpm... why,, and the tempeture is hot..