Ok...I'm stumped. On my 2002 GT, 1st gear is very difficult to engage, when sitting still. It just won't engage, but I can feel the car lurch foward when I push the shifter up. I currently have two work-arounds but its very annoying: 1) Throw into third, then shift into 1st ..or 2) shift into first while I'm rolling to a stop.
I have a Steeda short throw shifter installed, and I have adjusted the clutch quardrent foward to see if its a clutch probably (which it doesn't appear to be).
Anyone know what the problem might be? Could it be the first gear syncronizer?
Ok...I'm stumped. On my 2002 GT, 1st gear is very difficult to engage, when sitting still. It just won't engage, but I can feel the car lurch foward when I push the shifter up. I currently have two work-arounds but its very annoying: 1) Throw into third, then shift into 1st ..or 2) shift into first while I'm rolling to a stop.
I have a Steeda short throw shifter installed, and I have adjusted the clutch quardrent foward to see if its a clutch probably (which it doesn't appear to be).
Anyone know what the problem might be? Could it be the first gear syncronizer?
Sounds like a clutch adjustment problem to me. Have you tried
shifting into 1st with the engine off and sitting still? Is it possible that your floor mat is in the way of the clutch pedal going all the way to the floor? If you can feel the car lurch forward when you try to shift into gear, that's a pretty sure sign that your clutch is not releasing completely. I'm not familiar with the shifter you have but I would look at the adjustments real close if it was me.
Sounds like a clutch adjustment problem to me. Have you tried
shifting into 1st with the engine off and sitting still? Is it possible that your floor mat is in the way of the clutch pedal going all the way to the floor? If you can feel the car lurch forward when you try to shift into gear, that's a pretty sure sign that your clutch is not releasing completely. I'm not familiar with the shifter you have but I would look at the adjustments real close if it was me.
I was thinking the same thing, so I self-adjusted the quardrent about 4 clicks forward, but it still did it when I pushed the pedal to the floor. When the car is off - it moves into first gear just fine, when it's on - it only moves easily into 1st after about 20 min's of driving. Could it possible be the clutch plate not releasing from the flywheel? I really don't want it to be a transmission problem.
I was thinking the same thing, so I self-adjusted the quardrent about 4 clicks forward, but it still did it when I pushed the pedal to the floor. When the car is off - it moves into first gear just fine, when it's on - it only moves easily into 1st after about 20 min's of driving. Could it possible be the clutch plate not releasing from the flywheel? I really don't want it to be a transmission problem.
I don't think it's a transmission problem because if it was it would do the same thing engine running or not. Since it shifts OK with the engine off it pretty much has to be a problem with the clutch not dis-engaging completely. I think I would check the shift linkage on the new shifter and see if there are any adjustments there.
Good Luck
I don't think it's a transmission problem because if it was it would do the same thing engine running or not. Since it shifts OK with the engine off it pretty much has to be a problem with the clutch not dis-engaging completely. I think I would check the shift linkage on the new shifter and see if there are any adjustments there.
Good Luck
I have to agree with snake 42 on this one. He has you going in the right direction. If it shifts fine when the engine is not running, then it cannot be tranny related. It sounds like classic clucth adjustment.
Crawl up under the driver side of the car (preferrably up on drive on ramps or jack stands) and remove the clutch fork cover. Look up in there with a light and see if you can determine how much gap there is between the face of the T/O bearing and the fingers of the pressure plate. The general rule of thumb is you need 1/4" gap when not pushing the clutch pedal down. If the gap looks like it's more than that, re-adjust the pedal until you get it down to 1/4". If it looks like it maybe at 1/4" already, try adjusting it a little closer BUT DO NOT adjust it to the point that it is in constant contact. It may be just a worn out clutch disc that needs to have the bearing a little closer to the fingers to get more release when you step on the pedal.
Richard
Tech Support
Tremec TKO, T45 & T56 Transmission Systems
Go with PI heads and quit watching The Fast and the Furious. (thanks 2 IhaveadopeGT)
Remember, it is almost impossible for anyone, myself included, to diagnose a problem over the internet without seeing the car. My advice is simply that, advice based on years of experience. I don't want you or anyone taking my word as gospel. I am trying to give some direction as to what I think may be happening.
Thank you guys for your help! I'm going to get a Steeda Adjustable Clutch Cable Kit. I hope to see if this solves the problem. It should make it easier to adjust in the future, then having to adjust the pedal and quadrant.
1st gear very difficult to engage 
I have to agree with snake 42 on this one. He has you going in the right direction. If it shifts fine when the engine is not running, then it cannot be tranny related. It sounds like classic clucth adjustment.
(thanks 2 IhaveadopeGT)
