Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle Trouble shifting

Yes, yes, yes, I have read all the stickies and FAQs. I know about the bad forks and bad synchros. I'm not sure if any of these are the problems I'm experiencing or if I have something different. My problem is not consistant at all.

I have had trouble A LOT OF TROUBLE trying to get in any gear at some times when stopped with engine running. Won't go into first or any other. Like at a stop light when I try to but it in gear it just won't go. I try shifting thru all of them but nothing then after panic and stress I am able to get it in first and go. This has happned on and off. Hasn't happened for some months now and just happened today. I did discover however that when this does happen, if I shut off the engine I can shift thrugh and gear with no problem at all.

An other problem is that I hear a crunch when I shift from 2 to 3. When I take my time and shift from 2-3 no crunch and it seems perfect.

There have been times that that when I press in the clutch and try to shift and it starts to bind a little but then goes in I hear gears as if everything in the trans is still moving as if clutch is not working???

Any ideas? Could the binding of trying to shift in gears be due to motor mounts being worn and the engine when loaded shifts too much causing linkage to bind???? Or could I be having problems with throw out bearing or clutch?

Sounds like the pressure plate is not fulling disengaging and is keeping the clutch and gears spinning even though the pedal is pushed all the way in. I don't know what causes it but it does occur on SVTs occasionally. Try bleeding the clucth. It could be clutch junk buildup binding between the clutch and pressure plate if the clutch is on its way out.
I had this issue on my last car and a new clutch solved it, though I'm not saying it is your problem.

the 2-3 grind is likely synchros goings out.. the other is likely your clutch needing bleeding/clutch being worn out, OR.. synchros as well.


Ray

I think it is highly likely that the hydrauoic linkage is not fully releasing the clutch even though the pedal is fully depressed.

Try CHANGING the clutch fluid (and the brake fluid while you are at it). With new fluid, make sure it is thoroughly bled.

It is a clutch problem of some sort. The key here is that it shifts good with the engine off. For some reason the clutch is dragging. I'm betting that clean clutch fluid with no air in the system will solve the problem.

Thanks for all your input, I will try to bleed the hydralic system first and see how that goes.