When I am running through the gears and shift into third, there is a loud grinding sound before it goes in. The only time it makes this sound is as I'm going into third, and if shifting quickly. If I am just driving in traffic, slowly shifting through gears, no sound. Is it just something where I am slightly missing third, or is it an early warning sign third gear might be going bye bye?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

How many miles on the car? Check the clutch fluid

 

56,000. I just bought the car about a month ago, but I will check the fluid

 

Most of us have problem with third gear grinding. I have the same problem as you, only second gear going into third gear, but grinding only happens when I shift quickly. I still have my extension warranty so I might take it to the dealership soon before I go F/I

 

yeah, the dreaded 3rd gear crunch. happens to a lot of the nissan/infiniti 6-speeds from the earlier years of the tranny

 

so this is the sychro prob, where they have to change your tranny?

 

Yes, they usually replace it with the revised transmission.

 

If its only happening on fast shifts, its a sure sign its a synchro issue. Mine happens on the 4-5 shift.

 

So I'm guessing taking it to the dealer would be the best option?

 

I have the same problem grinding 3rd. my clutch is also engaging higher. My clutch fluid is fine. Glad I have warranty on my car, prob gunna bring it to the dealership.

 

Yes. This was really common on MY 2003-2004, esp early 2002 built 2003's like mine. 3rd gear synchro would start to first be hard to shift into, then even with rev-matching it would resist and eventually grind like heck. Then eventually 3rd would fail altogether, you could "shift" there but no gear engaged. I've seen this in two cars personally owned by friends.

Nissan found it better to just replace the entire transmission under warranty, vs. trying to rebuild something that would just eventually do the same thing.

Time is not your friend however, and you'd better get moving before your warranty period is up on time or miles. They should replace the entire transmission under the Powertrain warranty.

 

I've seen it both downshift 4-3 and 4-5 upshift, but a lot less common on the 4-5. Downshifting 6-5 doesn't seem to be a problem, either. Either way I'd try to get it replaced on Nissan's nickel.

 

yeah, nissan knows about this so it shouldnt be hard to get it done. this happened on ALL nissan 6spds araound 02-04 (350z, g35, altima, sentra, maxima). kinda weird really, like the vq35 oil burning thing.

 

I think my 04 has the same problems, and I'm only at 44k miles. When I'm shifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd, there would be a grind, when I'm shifting fast. When I shift slowly and be careful about those specific gears, the grind doesn't always happen. If I take it to the dealership, what if they give me some BS and saying it's because I'm not fully depressing the clutch all the way? And if they do cover it and replace the entire tranny, would it be cost efficient if I have 3.9 FD, LSD, or aftermarket clutch and flywheel installed at the same time?

 

Anytime you have the trans out the replace clutch and FW labor cost will drop considerably. It's a judgment call at 44k miles whether to replace it. It could be nearly gone (somewhat likely) or have another 20k+ miles left.

But yes, you can save some $$$. LSD, less relevant since all you have to do there is drop the driveshaft, and trans being out is minimally helpful reducing labor time for that. Most places would just price the LSD + FD as if that were all you were having done.

As for their reluctance to replace things, drive the car with the SMgr in the car, then swap and ride shotgun. They'll have to be very smooth rev-matching to avoid any grinding if it's starting to go. If they still give you a hard time, it won't be too much longer before it's completely obvious.

 

I had the issue in my 04 w/ 50k. Was warrantied under powertrain and now has a 009.

009 stuck in 6th for no apparent reason the other day......now i get another 009. :shrugs:

 

its your synchro! I had the exact same thing on my 03 going into 3rd gear brought it to the dealer and replaced that day under warranty. You dont need a new tranny.

 

sorry to bring up an old thread, but my downshifting from 6th to 5th does this. however, the dealer said that my clutch is going as well, and this is more than likely causing the problem as the clutch is not disengaging the transmission causing the grinding.

they had said that if it were a synchro, it would do it coming from 5th to 6th as well as 6th to 5th. they refuse to replace it until i spend 1600 on clutch and flywheel parts alone. i would love to just buy a god damned aftermarket clutch and flywheel for almost half the price, but i'm worried my warranty will then be voided.

any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

yeah mine does the 3rd gear grind but i have A LOT of miles. will they replace it in anyway or discount the work?
let me know, because im so tired of that damn grind