Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Problem with shifting into first not at a dead stop

Hello,

I'm new here, so please bear with me. I did a search but found only threads about problems with getting into reverse and first. Also, I've never had a stick before so I'm not sure if this is normal for my car. I have a '98 SVT and if you try to shift into first from anything but almost a dead stop it grinds. If you double clutch it it goes in fine. Is this normal? It almost seems like there is no synchro for first gear. I'm not having any problem with reverse (yet). I also just picked up this car yesterday, but this doesn't seem like a normal thing. I have a feeling I'm going to be glad I got the warranty. Other than that problem, though, I love the car. It is so much fun to drive and handles soooo well. As I'm sure you all know .

as soon as possible change the transmission fluid ocer to the synthetic oil and add the ford friction modifier. This may help the problem, but if it does not it won't hurt.

I used AMS oil synthetic universal automatic transmission fluid and the ford friction modifier in accordance with the TSB. I noticed results immediately, it shifted like a dream, accelerated harder and I got almost 2 more MPG. I am not sure of the TSB number but hopefull someone else will.

I think your problem is normal with just about every manual transmission unless you happen to drive a high end sporty car. I know my SVT was stuborn going into first if was going anything over 10 MPH.

Eric,

If you go the FAQ section on the Home page, then to Common Problems / Complaints, then look for the Transmission section, it will tell you all about the transmission fluid swap out.

I did mine this past weekend (just for kicks and grins)in my CSVT, as well as my F-150.

My ATF of choice was MObil-1 synthetic, only because of ease of availability. Many of the synthetic brands will give the same (or very similiar results.)

Good luck,
David

Anyone who has ever driven a VW can attest to the impossibility of getting them into first unless at a dead stop (at least with my 78 Dasher and my friends 80's Rabbit - don't know about newer ones). Unless my car has completely stopped, I won't go lower than second. Probably good advice in order to keep your 1st synchros healthy.

Second what PA 3L said. Mine won't "grind" if I try to shift into 1st at speed, but it will take a lot of effort. Sounds normal.

make sure your clutch fluid is full and you may need to bleed your clutch to make sure there is no air in the line.
also, you may want to check your trans oil to make sure its not low or burnt. most manual trans the only way to do it is to drain all the oil and replace. i am not sure if it ever needs replaced, refer to your owners manual.

It sounds normal to me. You should only put the car into first if you are at a dead stop, or almost at stop. The svt has enough power to pull away in second at close to 0 mph speeds. Personally I never switch into first if I am not at full stop. I've been driving shift since I was nine, I practice driving on an old fiat
Use the clutch just for switching gears. For example if you are accelerating in second, and you realize that you have to stop, do not start breaking and slam on the clutch. Leave the gear in and break, this will save your brake, and your clutch. The car stops alot faster while in gear

Good Luck,
and CONGRATULATION on your new car!!!

You should be really happy that you got that warranty! Have fun being the shop often!!!!.. I dont know any SVT that hasn't been in and out.. and I am speaking from personal experience...not from assumptions, so no flaming

Well, thanks for the advice. I have also noticed that sometimes, even when you are at a dead stop, it makes just a quick, quiet grinding type noise. I'm gonna try tranny fluid and see if that helps.

i second what italiano said. why would u want to shift into 1st when moving. 1st gear is designed to get the car going. from what i understand, it's designed that way. it should be difficult to put it in 1st when moving for this exact reason, unless your moving but practically stopped. when u drive on the highway, do u put it in reverse. my 2cents