[PistolCowboy]

I have a 2008 V6 with 120k miles on it. Not long ago, within the past month, I started noticing how it takes significant amount of effort to shift, even from first gear through fifth. Since then, getting into first sometimes was a big hassle, especially at lights. It seems like after 20 or so minutes of driving, its get easier to shift, but until then I have to let off the gas and let the gear "fall" into place. I've seen the posts about pulling up on the clutch pedal and shifting into 3rd or 4th before shifting into 1st, but that doesn't seem to do much. Reverse grinds 9 out of 10 times.

Is this common at this age/mileage of Mustangs? I've read up on using additives like the Lucas Transmission Fix, but is it worth it and/or difficult to do? Should I just fork over the money instead and get the clutch system replaced?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Bitter]

I have fewer miles than you, but shifting into first can be a problem at lights, even after it's warm. I can get the shifter into position fine, but it seems to hesitate when I accelerate, especially if it's a quick light change. When did you last change the fluid?

 

[PistolCowboy]

I have fewer miles than you, but shifting into first can be a problem at lights, even after it's warm. I can get the shifter into position fine, but it seems to hesitate when I accelerate, especially if it's a quick light change. When did you last change the fluid?

I haven't. I see some people saying I need to and some saying I never need too. More confused with the answers I'm getting.

 

[az.dsrt]

I wonder if the clutch is not fully disengaging when depressed? Shot in the dark here, maybe issues with master or slave cylinder requiring the replacement of one of them..

 

[big gear head]

This is a clutch issue. The clutch is not releasing completely. You may have air in the system or the pressure plate or throw out bearing may be going bad. Changing the oil in the transmission, although it wouldn't hurt, isn't going to fix it.

 

[acjohnson83]

I'm not saying that big gear head is wrong, but I just changed my fluid last week and it made a tremendous difference. I would recommend it. I used a synthetic and it's great.

 

[PistolCowboy]

I'm not saying that big gear head is wrong, but I just changed my fluid last week and it made a tremendous difference. I would recommend it. I used a synthetic and it's great.

I'm guessin yours was going through the same? I don't ever smell the clutch or have any over-revving issues, but at the same time, this is the first time this has ever happened to me.

I appreciate everyone's input. I don't want to, but I will probably end up takin it in to the shop and letting them figure it out. I'm good with tools, but when I don't know what to look for or fix, makes that savvy go right out the window.

 

[big gear head]

Changing your oil should be easy. Give it a try before taking it to someone who might do a bunch of work that you don't really need. If the oil doesn't fix it then try bleeding the hydraulics and see if it gets better. Your clutch may be fine, but there might be air in the hydraulics which would cause the clutch to not release completely. If it still doesn't work then consider taking it to someone.

The clutch system gets fluid from the brake master cylinder. Check to see if it is full of fluid.

 

[acjohnson83]

Changing your oil should be easy. Give it a try before taking it to someone who might do a bunch of work that you don't really need. If the oil doesn't fix it then try bleeding the hydraulics and see if it gets better. Your clutch may be fine, but there might be air in the hydraulics which would cause the clutch to not release completely. If it still doesn't work then consider taking it to someone.

The clutch system gets fluid from the brake master cylinder. Check to see if it is full of fluid.

Agreed. I would definitely recommend changing your fluid before taking it to the shop. And yes, I was having similar issues as you. It's easy to do and I only spent $30 to do it myself. It made my tranny feel smooth as butter.