Hey all, I'm driving a '04 350z with a manual transmission. Recently a problem has started to appear, when I shift I will put the clutch in fully but when I move the stick from 1st to 2nd it feels almost like it's clunking its way in. I'm not sure how to explain it clearly but it seems like it doesn't want to go in smoothly. Now what I find strange is that it will only happen in a 1st to 2nd shift and sometimes a 2nd to 3rd shift. The problem does not occur when releasing the clutch but happens when I physically move the stick(not sure of a word for that). The problem will also go away slowly throughout the drive as the car warms up. I'm not sure if I should even be worried about this but it really doesn't sound to good hearing the clunk so I would just like to see others opinions. If I could clarify anything or answer anything let me know, thanks!

 

My 03 also does that when its cold. It doesn't worry me. It should be alright.

 

I have an 03 too. I hear a little zip and sometimes a clunk when its cold too. It doesn't seem to be a big problem as I took it to a mechanic and they couldn't find the noise when they tried it. But my car only has 55k so she's getting due for that full service.

Now if it becomes a grind and feels like it doesn't want to shift then your synchro may be shot. That becomes an expensive problem.

 

Happens in my revup z33 too when cold.

 

Btrzero, some things are not really considered faults, they are just personalities. My 04 could be slightly clunky shifting from 1st to 2nd when cold. But like your Z, it was smooth enough when warmed up. Zs have a somewhat notchy transmission by nature. You definitely feel like you’re moving some substantial metal around when shifting gears. However, the shift throw, the linkage, the gear ratio spacing, are great in this car. Even a little pixy like me can do all the requisite Fast & Fury stuff with this trans when called upon.

 

Thanks for the replies, seems like it's not something to worry about!

 

Whens the last time you changed the Gear Box oil? Sounds like your just in need of an MT oil change.

If it hasnt been done in the last ~30k, odds are if you do it, your shifting will improve, if its been done recently, how much oil was put in, and what type?

 

+4 on the gears being difficult when cold. They also get difficult when your tranny fluid is overheating as well. Synthetic fluid cures the over heating issue...