I have a 2003 that I've had for about a year now, and 2nd gear always seems pretty difficult to get into. I know the shifter in these cars is suppose to be a little notchy, but it seems like it takes longer then it should for the synronizers to do their thing. Now this hasn't really bugged me because all the manual cars I've had in the past (280ZX, and two Sciroccos) have had problems with the 2nd gear. But they were cars from the early 80's, and this is my first "new" car.

It's a 2003, and from what I understand it should have a 5 year/60k drivetrain warrenty. I, however, bought the car used from a dealer so I'm not sure if that matters. Either way the warrenty is going to run out very soon here.

Is this normal? Should I take it into a shop or dealer? The gears never grind, but then again I'm careful not to force it. I've never dealt with any kind of factory warrenty before, can anyone give me any tips on how to deal with the dealer?


Eric

 

My car does the samething and mine is an 06. I noticed it happens randomly and isn't very consistent. I tend to ignore it.

 

The 2003 Z is notorious for syncro problems. The solution is replacing the transmission. It sounds as though you are nearing the end of your drive train warranty, so I recommend evaluating this.

Try this: Start in 1st and quickly and forcefully shift into 2nd. Do the same thing going from 3rd to 2nd. Don’t be afraid to “force it.” If there is some grinding, you need a new tranny.

--Spike

 

a. 60 month warranty? When was the vehicle placed in service? You can check a CarFax report or ask the dealer.

b. You could drop off the car at the dealer. When you pick it up at the end of the day most likely the job order will read

Can not duplicate.

 

^^ I insisted taking the technician for a test drive so I could demonstrate the problem. That way there was no argument.

2003’s are nearing the end of the drivetrain warranty, so Eric needs to act now.

--Spike

 

regular problem with these trannies had mine replace on my 350z and g35z both under warranty 8yr/80kmi. just take it in and get it replaced

 

i got brand new trans, 009

 

my 2nd gear is kinda weird feeling too. Mine kinda feels "notchy" when going into second, like a piece of plastic is in the way? but the clutch is engaged or whatever. im doing it right.

 

if there is no grinding, they're not going to replace it. My 2nd is also sometimes hard to get into, Esp when cold. Could do a trans. flush, check the old fluid and see if there is many metal shavings/evidence of syncro wear. Maybe change to a synth gear fluid with better viscosity and see if the problem persists.

 

thx dude. yea i dont grind, its just notchy feeling and makes me think im shifting wrong but dont see how I could be.

 

My brothers 06 didnt have any grinding, and they replaced it because the input shaft bearing was whining. Take it in, and im sure they will replace it just dont take your time doing it, go there asap.

 

thx. yea my car is still brand new. i might take it in at 500 miles for an oil change. + check out 2nd gear.

 

I'll try this tonight. Does anyone know how I can find out when the actual warrenty for my car expires?

What if there is no grinding but it takes a while for the tranny to shift? Does that just mean the syncronizers are slow, but not "broken"?

Eric

 

The tranny in my 04 roadster is about shot. If I really hammer the throttle and shift into second too fast it will grind terribly. Most of the time when driving surface streets by the end of second gear I will usually just shift into 5th or 6th as I'm already at the posted speed limit, I have to actually do it by feel as if I shift it too hard it will grind but if I ease it in it won't. I hate this transmission. I'd take it to the dealer but they'd see the turbos and want money.

 

I have a problem with my '04, when trying to throw in the 2nd gear it requires force and sometimes makes that "griding" noise. I took the Z to the dealer and even had a chance to take a technician for a ride. All he said was that the car is fine and that the noise is the syncros which also make shifts so hard. Alot of people here had their trans replaced w/ the famous 009. I want it too! LOL What should I do? Thanks

 

just say that it grinds when you shift in high rev, then they will replace it!!
make sure sounding like depressed about the 30K Nissan's ultimate sports car available in north america blah blah blah..... I though Z was better than this blah blah blah, then they will replace it

 

So how do I know officially when my drive train warrenty runs out? It's 5 years after the first owner bought it correct? It's a 2003, so probably pretty soon here.


Eric

 

Correct.

 

OK I setup an appointment to drop it off this Friday. Is there a specific TSB or something that I can show them that proves that there is a known problem with these transmissions.


Eric

 

i know that feeling cause my 2nd is kind of a pain but i hear a slight whine from my trans...is it a standard 5 year 60000 mile warrenty? or is the stock warrenty 3/36000