I just recently moved up North and it's starting get colder in the mornings. My problem is whenever I crank up my car in the mornings and it has been cold I find it extremely hard to put it into gear. Was just curious on what it could be, any help is greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!

 

Welcome- the viscosity of the gearbox lube increases when the temperature drops. This makes shifts a bit harder. How long ago was it when you changed it, and what kind of lubricant did you use?

 

I just bought the car ('03 350z MT) about 2 months ago. I have no idea when the owner before me changed the gear oil, that was my first hunch I just wanted someone with a bit more expertise to reaffirm my suspicion.

 

Ummmm..... viscosity DEcreases when temp drops...

As in 5W-30 (W for winter; NOT "weight").

In any event, we all know where this is leading..... Redline MT-85 is the "preferred" gear oil for many, maybe "most". Or OEM GL-4 is fine too. Just stay away from GL-5 rated fluids. The tranny doesn't need it and the synchros may be particularly "not fond" of GL-5 due to the additives.

 

The gearboxes on the 350Z's are known to be a bit agricultural especially when cold, they do get a little better when warm though.

 

You say preferred as in you don't necessarily agree with that. Any reason why?

 

I run Motul and it does not like getting in gear when cold. Once it warm-up it's all good

 

Oh no, I'm a big fan. But I know that there are those that detract from the "popular theory" of it's worth.

But in actuality, contrary to what many would have you believe, MT-85 will not cure already damaged 3rd gear synchros in early CD0, CD005 trannies. It just may be enough to save them from total premature failure. I still like the stuff either way.

 

Sorry- what I meant to say is colder weather makes any lubricant thicker and less likely to flow easily. As with Mic, I highly recommend Redline MT85, as it fits the factory recommendations for viscosity and has enough friction engineered-in to keep syncros working properly.

OP - if you have no idea when or what lubricant was used in your gearbox, isn't it about time you get on with changing it to a quality lubricant like MT85?