I just bought a 2003 350Z Touring with 37,000 miles. i am having issues shifting into 3rd gear. It grinds going into gear if i shift fast and sometimes when i downshift. If I ease it into gear it doesnt do it but havent had the long enough to know how long that will last.

Has anybody else had this problem? Anybody know any fixes?

 

Fix? Transmission rebuild or replacement.

 

Try changing the fluid first.

 

actually i was having the same problem in my 04 and just changed the fluid and have no more grind going into 3rd but it grinds going into 2nd now....strange

 

Driving at highway speeds......push in the clutch and shift into different gears.....up and down. Does it grind?

If so, you have the classic and common problem of the synchronizers that are inside the transmission failing.

The best solution IMO is to swap out your transmission for a model CD009.

I have had 5 transmissions in my -Z-. I have had the CD009 for 2.5 years now and I have had no more problems.

 

do u know what year they started putting in the cd009?

 

I do not know. There was an evolution from CD001 to CD009. You might say it took Nissan quite a few tries to get this problem solved.

 

would it be better to buy a CD009 that has been rebuilt or a low mileage used unit?

 

That decision would depend on the guarantee.

The next questions you will ask is whether you should replace the clutch, pressure plate and throwout bearing?......should you get stock or aftermarket? There are no right or wrong answers for these questions. You will just need to decide for yourself.

 

Welcome. Any fix? Yes. A rebuilt transmission.

 

Sounds like a gear synchro gone bad. I have the same issue going on in my other car (Subaru) when I try to get into first gear. I have to move it into gear very slowly...basically, push the gear shifter forward to force the synchro into contact, then push it into gear.

I have heard, but have not verified first-hand, that using a different transmission fluid or using a special mix of two different fluids allows the synchro to grab properly and prevent the gear from grinding. I would try this ($60 at a dealer, or DIY) before going down the path of replacing the transmission.

 

I have the 3 gear grind on my 03 touring, also had it in my 90 z32... I replaced the transmissin oil with redline m90 for both... It works ok for for the '03 but It still had grinds when quick shifting...so I just try to avoid that...besides...when I hit 60mph in 2nd gear on occaision...I just slip it into 4th instead.. Also while you're at it, change the diff fluid too, but make sure you get gl5 specified gear oil...75/90 I use redline as well...

 

Does anyone know what model years started producing the CD009? Im looking right now and would like to avoid the bad tranny.

Also how can you tell upon looking at the car which model # tranny is installed on the car?

 

thanks for the help, i think i will wait it out until next winter to change the tranny and clutch out.

What is recommended fluid for the transmission? and Rear end diff? Can you put super slip in it to help for short term?