2002 GT -> trying to shift too fast or is there a problem

dave1000 · Dec 9, 2007

Hello all, I'm new here. I recently (October) picked up my first manual manual transmission car, a blue 2002 Ford Mustang GT coupe with 35 000 KM on it.

Over the past month of driving it (as I've gotten better on the stick), I've noticed that when I am switching from 1st to 2nd gear, if I do it somewhat quickly, I encounter resistance which feels like something spinning, a slight grinding noise, then into 2nd gear I go.

If I do it slowly, it doesn't grind. Basically, out of first, 1 second delay then into 2nd and I'm good. Actually, it feels like whatever would grind actually moves back out of the way.

This doesn't happen with any other gears, or switching back down from 3rd to 2nd, only from 2nd to first. Is this normal or is there something wrong.

I've included pictures too, for your amusement.

Tim2002GT · Dec 9, 2007

Sounds like your 2nd gear synchro is bad.

BurningRubber · Dec 9, 2007

Make sure your timing is correct when you are shifting. I only say that because this is your first manual car, and you still have a bit of experience to go and learn.

The first time I raced my Mustang was 3 or so weeks after I bought it. 1st manual car also. I grinded the crap out of 2nd too many times because I tried to shift like a bandit (thought I could at the time) and I just wasnt at that level yet.

Now I can rip through the gears like there is free money for each I hit, lol.

lvmustanggt · Dec 9, 2007

2nd gear grind is normal in most mustang, I am in the same boat.

BurningRubber · Dec 9, 2007

lvmustanggt said:
2nd gear grind is normal in most mustang, I am in the same boat.

Grinding should never be normal. I know the T-3650s have alot of issues, but the ones that dont and T-45s are smooth trannys untill they have been abused or neglected mantinence wise.

99MustangGTVert · Dec 9, 2007

I have a 3650 with about 70-80,000 miles on it and (knock on wood) it runs problem free. My T-45 lasted 70,000 miles and never saw a day at the track, or was powershifted.

Try changing the fluid. Cant hurt. 3.25 quarts non-synthetic according to Tremec. I know a good synthetic has been helpful when people were having grinding issues, although neither Ford nor Tremec reccomends it.

2000fordstanggt · Dec 9, 2007

i cant believe nobodys said it yet but i was getting locked out of high rpm shifts/ quick shifts when my clutch cable was stretched out.

Rusty67 · Dec 10, 2007

2000fordstanggt said:
i cant believe nobodys said it yet but i was getting locked out of high rpm shifts/ quick shifts when my clutch cable was stretched out.

I was going to point out that this sounds like a clutch related issue. It may be that you have a streched cable.

What I would try before anything else is adjusting the clutch. They are not hard to adjust. Put it in 1st with the car off and press the clutch pedal all the way to the floor. Let the pedal out. Now put your foot under the pedal and pull it all the way towards you as far as it will go. Clutch it in and let it out again. Do that like 2 or 3 times or until you don't notice a difference in hieght when you pull it towards you. Then take it for a drive and see if it feels better.

My dad NEVER adjusts his clutch so when I drive his car I'll adjust it about 3 times a year or so and it always drives much better after.

Also, puting a better oil in the trans can't hurt but may not do anything for you. Since this is a used car you have no way to know what kind of oil was put into the car in the first place. It may be that some idiot put the wrong oil in the trans but that isn't very likely because you only have an issue with 1 gear.

2002GreyGT · Dec 11, 2007

Since you are in Canada, I think you are experiencing the dreaded 1-2 grind that the T-3650's have had for a while now. Do a search and you will see what I am talking about. The colder it is outside the worse the problem.

I don't think it could be a stretched cable as it is only 1-2 shift.
Could the previous owner TRASHED the 2nd gear syncro - Sure. Hard to tell without pulling the tranny.

Try this:
Change the Differential Fluid. Check other posts to see proper type / amount to put in.

If that makes it a little better, then try to change to a MGW shifter, maybe your shift forks are bent from the previous owner.

If you have any local race shops ask them to take it for a spin and see what they say.

~K

SilverBullet00 · Dec 11, 2007

This is a common problem, man. I have lived with it since I bought my car. I test drove it on a warm winter day, and it felt good. The next week it was significantly colder outside and it shifted like crap in the cold, into second. It made me miss my T-45 so bad, I powershifted that thing several times a week and never had one problem in two years.

Eventually I will get a viper spec t-56

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