6MT grinds when cold in 1-2 upshift
01-14-2007, 03:43 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Excelsior, MinneZota
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
6MT grinds when cold in 1-2 upshift
I have an 06 ZR with 3500 miles that has a tendency to grind during the 1-2 upshift when cold (mid 30s or colder). The colder it is, the worse it is. It ranges from a slight "nick" feel in warmer (but still cold) temps to a real grind when it's really cold. As soon as the engine is warmed up, it's fine. The dealer says this is normal. But he also said the AT is worse, and grinds even more during the 1-2 upshift when cold...??? When he said that, I figured he didn't have a clue so I stopped asking questions.
If I don't have a chance to warm it up a bit before taking off, I do the 1-2 upshift very slowly, and very gently. Or just start off in 2nd until it's warm. The only other vehicle I had that did this was a 93 Pathfinder, also a Nissan product. No other vehicle with MT that I've ever owned has done this in cold weather.
I did a forum search but didn't find any similar posts. It's going in for service soon and I'll have it looked at.
Anybody else experience this?
If I don't have a chance to warm it up a bit before taking off, I do the 1-2 upshift very slowly, and very gently. Or just start off in 2nd until it's warm. The only other vehicle I had that did this was a 93 Pathfinder, also a Nissan product. No other vehicle with MT that I've ever owned has done this in cold weather.
I did a forum search but didn't find any similar posts. It's going in for service soon and I'll have it looked at.
Anybody else experience this?
01-14-2007, 03:47 PM
#3
Registered User
Join Date: May 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 14,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Barmats
he also said the AT is worse, and grinds even more during the 1-2 upshift when cold...???
01-14-2007, 03:57 PM
#5
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Riverside, California
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lots of cars will be harder to shift in the cold. If it's 30 outside the metal on the car is probably 10-degrees colder. Sounds like you're not letting the tranny heat up, as the syncros will be slowed by the colder fluid.
01-14-2007, 05:14 PM
#6
Registered User
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: OC
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have this problem as well. Only today is when I really noticed it. Its very cold in So Cal believe it or not( Well 40 degrees is very cold to me 
). This morning when I started my car my shifter was literally locked into nuetral ... it went to get my dad to show him my tranny problem and by the time i went back outside to get in my car it was fine. I believe that the unusual cold wether caused that.
). This morning when I started my car my shifter was literally locked into nuetral ... it went to get my dad to show him my tranny problem and by the time i went back outside to get in my car it was fine. I believe that the unusual cold wether caused that.
Trending Topics
01-14-2007, 07:15 PM
#8
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yeah i have an 06, it feels like it really drops into 2nd gear...stock clutch is just kinda feeble...replace it whenever & get a light flywheel...they make flywheels half the weight of the stock one 
01-14-2007, 09:19 PM
#9
New Member
iTrader: (19)
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: new mexico
Posts: 486
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mine does the exact same thing it is an 03 the tranny has been replaced once and only has about 17k miles on it now.. but it is definatly something i have noticed since it got cold i have actually been thinking about taking it to the dealer and asking about it.. i think next oil change i will..
01-14-2007, 10:21 PM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Cali
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Simple fix is to let your cars warm up guys Jesus, you all know Nissan is going to give you the run around on the issue your just wasting time and air trying to talk with them about it.
01-14-2007, 10:51 PM
#13
Master
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 2,556
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I found in most all the MT cars I have owned that 1-2 in a little stiffer to shift when cold. Try putting the car in neutral and letting the clutch out for 30 secs before you take off when it's under 40 degress outside. What happens when you do this is the gears inside spin, warms the gear oil and splashes the gear oil over those syncros to make it a bit easier to shift.
What I do is:
1) Start the car
2) Put the car in neutral and let the clutch out
3) Set the parking brake
4) Stow my computer or whatever else I'm taking in the trunk
5) Take my time putting on my seat belt
6) Check all my mirrors
7) Set the radio station or CD that I want
8) Put away my cell phone
9) Take off
I know this seems to be a waste of time but it sure does help everything get lubed up nicely before before you take off.
You could also try to just go really slow and easy until your oil warms up.
Lastly, I notice if you do drive when cold if you give it just a little gas (100-300rpms bump ~1000rpms) between the shift it goes in smoothly as well. This confirms to me that the syncros are a little sticky when cold with stiff gear oil.
Other things you can do .... take out a quart of oil and replace it with Automatic transmission fluid or, use Lucus gear additive. That has helps some.
What I do is:
1) Start the car
2) Put the car in neutral and let the clutch out
3) Set the parking brake
4) Stow my computer or whatever else I'm taking in the trunk
5) Take my time putting on my seat belt
6) Check all my mirrors
7) Set the radio station or CD that I want
8) Put away my cell phone
9) Take off
I know this seems to be a waste of time but it sure does help everything get lubed up nicely before before you take off.
You could also try to just go really slow and easy until your oil warms up.
Lastly, I notice if you do drive when cold if you give it just a little gas (100-300rpms bump ~1000rpms) between the shift it goes in smoothly as well. This confirms to me that the syncros are a little sticky when cold with stiff gear oil.
Other things you can do .... take out a quart of oil and replace it with Automatic transmission fluid or, use Lucus gear additive. That has helps some.
Last edited by Z_Driver; 01-14-2007 at 11:16 PM.
01-14-2007, 11:03 PM
#14
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Monterey Park, CA
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by TimeAttkZ
I have this problem as well. Only today is when I really noticed it. Its very cold in So Cal believe it or not( Well 40 degrees is very cold to me ). This morning when I started my car my shifter was literally locked into nuetral ... it went to get my dad to show him my tranny problem and by the time i went back outside to get in my car it was fine. I believe that the unusual cold wether caused that.
). This morning when I started my car my shifter was literally locked into nuetral ... it went to get my dad to show him my tranny problem and by the time i went back outside to get in my car it was fine. I believe that the unusual cold wether caused that.
01-14-2007, 11:06 PM
#15
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Monterey Park, CA
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Z_Driver
I found in most all the MT cars I have owned that 1-2 in a little stiffer to shift when cold. Try putting the car in neutral and letting the clutch out for 30 secs before you take off when it's under 40 degress outside. What happens when you do this is the gears inside spin, warms the gear oil and splashes the gear oil over those syncros to make it a bit easier to shift.
What I do is:
1) Start the car
2) Put the car in neutral and let the clutch out
3) Set the parking brake
4) Stow my computer or whatever else I'm taking in the trunk
5) Take my time putting on my seat belt
6) Check all my mirrors
7) Set the radio station or CD that I want
8) Put away my cell phone
9) Take off
I know this seems to be a waste of time but it sure does help everything get lubed up nicely before before you take off.
You could also try to just go really slow and easy until your oil warms up.
Lastly, I notice if you do drive when cold if you give it just a little gas (100-300rpms) between the shift it goes in smoothly as well. That confirms to me that it is just that the syncros are a little sticky when cold with stiff gear oil.
Other things you can do .... take out a quart of oil and replace it with Automatic transmission fluid or, use Lucus gear additive. That has helps some.
What I do is:
1) Start the car
2) Put the car in neutral and let the clutch out
3) Set the parking brake
4) Stow my computer or whatever else I'm taking in the trunk
5) Take my time putting on my seat belt
6) Check all my mirrors
7) Set the radio station or CD that I want
8) Put away my cell phone
9) Take off
I know this seems to be a waste of time but it sure does help everything get lubed up nicely before before you take off.
You could also try to just go really slow and easy until your oil warms up.
Lastly, I notice if you do drive when cold if you give it just a little gas (100-300rpms) between the shift it goes in smoothly as well. That confirms to me that it is just that the syncros are a little sticky when cold with stiff gear oil.
Other things you can do .... take out a quart of oil and replace it with Automatic transmission fluid or, use Lucus gear additive. That has helps some.
I usually rev the engine up about 1000rpm before I put it to 1st or 2nd gear..
01-15-2007, 12:17 PM
#17
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Z_Driver
I found in most all the MT cars I have owned that 1-2 in a little stiffer to shift when cold. Try putting the car in neutral and letting the clutch out for 30 secs before you take off when it's under 40 degress outside. What happens when you do this is the gears inside spin, warms the gear oil and splashes the gear oil over those syncros to make it a bit easier to shift.
What I do is:
1) Start the car
2) Put the car in neutral and let the clutch out
3) Set the parking brake
4) Stow my computer or whatever else I'm taking in the trunk
5) Take my time putting on my seat belt
6) Check all my mirrors
7) Set the radio station or CD that I want
8) Put away my cell phone
9) Take off
I know this seems to be a waste of time but it sure does help everything get lubed up nicely before before you take off.
You could also try to just go really slow and easy until your oil warms up.
Lastly, I notice if you do drive when cold if you give it just a little gas (100-300rpms bump ~1000rpms) between the shift it goes in smoothly as well. This confirms to me that the syncros are a little sticky when cold with stiff gear oil.
Other things you can do .... take out a quart of oil and replace it with Automatic transmission fluid or, use Lucus gear additive. That has helps some.
What I do is:
1) Start the car
2) Put the car in neutral and let the clutch out
3) Set the parking brake
4) Stow my computer or whatever else I'm taking in the trunk
5) Take my time putting on my seat belt
6) Check all my mirrors
7) Set the radio station or CD that I want
8) Put away my cell phone
9) Take off
I know this seems to be a waste of time but it sure does help everything get lubed up nicely before before you take off.
You could also try to just go really slow and easy until your oil warms up.
Lastly, I notice if you do drive when cold if you give it just a little gas (100-300rpms bump ~1000rpms) between the shift it goes in smoothly as well. This confirms to me that the syncros are a little sticky when cold with stiff gear oil.
Other things you can do .... take out a quart of oil and replace it with Automatic transmission fluid or, use Lucus gear additive. That has helps some.
when u do those steps, how much time elapses from the time u start ur car to the time u take off?
01-15-2007, 02:16 PM
#18
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: denver
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I recently had my transmission replaced, have about 3000 miles on it, changed the oil in it out to motul 300 75w90 at 1000 miles, and it does that when it's cold too, and it's a 009 transmission (same as the 06's). Mine takes about 5 minets to warm up before it wont do it. I hope it goes away like the other person aboves did... though it's doesnt really "grind" like I missed a gear, it just goes into gear and kinda makes a sound like the 2 gears had a ruff meeting and missed 1 or 2 teeth.... Of course it also got a new clutch in it, cuz you get a new one with the 1st transmission replacement for some reason (if done under warrenty by a dealer). So dont feel alone in this.... first tranny was replaced for actual grinding/refusing to into 6th gear.
I will say that replacing the tranny oil did reduce the harshness of the "grind" in 2nd gear when it's cold and made all the shifts feel better, even in the cold.
I will say that replacing the tranny oil did reduce the harshness of the "grind" in 2nd gear when it's cold and made all the shifts feel better, even in the cold.
01-15-2007, 03:00 PM
#19
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Excelsior, MinneZota
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've gotten used to giving it a few minutes to warm up when cold. I just don't want to face potential tranny issues down the road because the grinding stripped the hardening off of the gear faces. It sounds like it is indeed "normal".
