I know there have been some topics on this, but I care a lot about my car and what happens to it, so I started my own thread. The title says it in a nutshell, basically. Driving off, it's always very tough to shift from 1st to 2nd. I had Nissan's service department look at it today. They say my car has no problems at all, including the transmission and clutch.

Is that how it's going to end...stuck with a stubborn 2nd gear for life? Please help me, My350z.com! I have a 2008 Enthusiast Coupe with 6MT and 47k miles. FYI, I bought my car 2 months ago from another dealership.

 

You didn't notice it during the test drive?

 

if you're convinced there's a problem and this dealership won't help you out, take it to a different one.

 

When I bought it, I had test drove a handful of newer sports cars, and none of them shifted as smoothly as my '92 240sx for instance, so I told myself I'd get used to it. When I got used to the other gears, I noticed 2nd gear was sort of not letting the shifter in unless I pull hard on it. Third's fine, fourth's fine, etc. I brought it to Nissan because I thought the previous owner beat on it and I'd need a new tranny and/or clutch.

I went especially to these guys because I heard good things about their service dept.

 

sounds like a synchro. any grind noise into gear or just resistance?

 

My car does that too. I literally have to double clutch second gear until the transmission warms up. I have zero other problems though. And once it warms up it's smooth as butter. Really weird.

 

No grinding thankfully, but I get a clunk noise when 2nd gear catches.

 

I have a '06 bought new and has had a difficult 2nd gear since new. 50k miles now and no serious problems as a result *yet*. I also brought my car in for its first check up and raised the question and the mechanic said they all do it...I just shrugged it off.

 

Well even if it's normal, that doesn't make it favorable. Would changing the transmission fluid or clutch help at all?

 

couldnt hurt... mine is super noisy and my Z buddies and i have chalked it up to bad synchros... time to save for last revision of the tranny...
what part of NY are you in? big nissan/infiniti meet in danbury right outside of NY
september 8th..

 

Suffolk County. I'll look into it, thanks.

 

Pull hard NO, slow and smooth YES. Transmissions make for higher HP can not be slammed into gear like the typical honda trans.

 

I know how to shift. I'm only having trouble with one gear.

@05UltraYellow, you say the later revision of the transmission? I have the latest 350z, what else was there? You mean the 370Z tranny?

 

They way i see it is u have a couple options.
Take it to another dealership(I'm assuming you have a warranty)
Take it to a reputable shop specializing specifically in transmissions see how they feel about the transition
Change the fluid sometimes this works miracles for awhile
My Z has 46k and its just matter of just about a flick of the wrist. Unfortunately it could be alot of things but synchros is kinda what I'm thinking.

 

It drove fine from the dealer, but I don't even know what they did to inspect the tranny. I think I need to drive it more to really decide if it's a high priority problem or not. I'm starting to believe what Z owners say about that it's easier to shift after letting the transmission warm up.

 

Agreed...I have missed shifts into 2nd gear as a result...but I prefer to pretend like there isnt a problem and go on about my day..lol I am changing Tranny/diff fluid soon and if I have any difference I will report back.

Good luck to the OP on a solution.

 

Try double clutching. I guarantee it will go right into gear. I have no explanation for why though.

 

I have no problems downshifting to 2nd. It's shifting up where I really notice it. I use heel toe btw.

 

Which Nissan dealership if I may ask? The HR transmissions are pretty solid for the most part. They are also very notchy. It could just be notchiness you're noticing.

 

From what I'm hearing, all the trannies are more or less like this with a rough 1-2 shift. I adjusted my clutch closer to the floor(engagement point was bothering me) and the shifting is much easier now.

Oh and the dealership was Smithtown Nissan.