So I just recently purchased my very own 350Z a few weeks ago, and I have to say overall I'm really happy with it...

I was able to get it 'certified' so I have a warranty that covers just about everything now up until 80,000 miles (car is sitting at right about 47k miles right now)

Now, here is my question / problem:

Unfortunately after driving the car around a bit I've noticed that 2nd gear seems to be a bit.. 'clunky' for a lack of a better term. It seems like when I have the RPMs up where they should be for a good normal shift, I hear/feel it kind of CLUNK in to the 2nd gear. I can avoid this from happening by letting the RPM's drop, but I shouldnt have to do that. This does not happen in any other gear.

So I'm curious if I am in the right to go to the dealership and explain my problem and try to get it fixed under warranty. Do you think they would just tell me nothing is wrong with it and it is running fine? or am I in the right to go in there and have my issue checked out. Unfortunately the only 'fix' I can see is them replacing my transmition... not sure if its worth all of that for an occassionally clunky 2nd gear.

What do you all think?

 

There have been quite a few tranny problems with the MT, I would take it back to the dealer and explain, you have a 5/60 powertrain warranty so I would take it ASAP. What year is your car??

 

Its an '04

and I guess you're right. If there is an issue I should get it checked out. no sense in waiting until it gets any worse

 

It's definitely still under warranty I personally would get it checked, heck if you can get a new tranny on a 47k mile car, why not?

 

The 03s and early 04s do have a lot of transmission problems (MT). Get it replaced under warranty if you can for sure!

 

I would use a different approach with the dealer in a nice way though, that clunking into second gear is a royal pain in the butt isn't it, and the more you drive the car the more you notice it isn't right??

 

correct

 

1st to 2nd is a ***** no matter what year. No harm in getting it checked, but I have trouble shifting my 07 from 1st to 2nd as well

 

driver error, lol

 

Welcome.

Next to tire feathering, the transmission is the most popular subject. Some describe shifting as “notchy” while others say that it is broken. The difficulty is getting Nissan to recognize the problem if there is one. Prepare for “Cannot Duplicate” to be stamped on the work order.

 

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the feedback.

I guess I'll just go get it checked out at the very least - cant hurt anything, right?

I know what you mean about the "notchy" shifting, but I've just accepted thats the way the car is designed... that doesnt bother me so much anymore

Unfortunately this is a bit more of a CLUNK when you go in to gear.. almost like some one has thrown it in to 2nd gear a few too many times - which I really hope is not the case

Thanks again all

 

this "problem" seems to be normal.

 

I sure hope not...

 

Drive up to another Nissan dealership in your Z and let them know you're interested in an '08. Test drive it and see if it feels the same. If it does, your Z is fine.