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Grinding when downshifting into 1st

  • Thread starter Thread starter narcestang
  • Start date Start date May 2, 2005
N

narcestang

Founding Member
Jul 17, 2002
105
0
0
mass, RI, maine, all over the place
May 2, 2005
#1
  • May 2, 2005
  • #1
Hey guys,
I have an issue with the mustang, and I'm not the best mechanically. One of my buddies mentioned the synchro ? Anyway, the problem is that you cannot shift the car into 1st unless you are absolutely stopped, and I mean STOPPED. It grinds if you try to put it in at all, if the car is rolling, if your downshifting at a stop, pretty much all the time unless completely stopped in traffic for at least a few seconds, then you can put it in without a problem. I know it isn't good to downshift into 1st anyway, but this goes beyond that, and regardless the car shouldn't do this. Is this the synchro? What is the synchro, and is it expensive/difficult to fix? Could this be anything else? Car also grinds a bit into second if it is freshly started and run at a high rpm (pushed). Other than this the transmission seems fine? Thanks guys/girls
-Jon
 
M

MadHandle8169

Founding Member
May 5, 2002
432
0
0
Brick, NJ
May 2, 2005
#2
  • May 2, 2005
  • #2
I dropped my car into 1st like the first week I got it and I will never do that again. You are probably trying to shift into first at too high of a speed and it won't let you. When do you drop to first anyway? The second you drop you are going to have to shift and you will probably lose time.
 

CManT1914

New Member
Feb 5, 2004
3,172
2
0
Killeen, Texas
May 3, 2005
#3
  • May 3, 2005
  • #3
Well if I remember right, 1st and 2nd are on the same synchro, so if they both do it, then it's probably the snychro. I know you're not supposed to shift into 1st while you're rolling real fast, but I can still drop mine into 1st if I'm doing like 20, so it shouldn't be grinding on you.
 

stprorolla49

Active Member
Oct 9, 2004
1,455
15
39
Fairfield, CT/North Jersey
May 3, 2005
#4
  • May 3, 2005
  • #4
you really shouldnt drop your car into first unless you are rolling realllllllly slow......like no more than 10-12 mph
 
N

narcestang

Founding Member
Jul 17, 2002
105
0
0
mass, RI, maine, all over the place
May 3, 2005
#5
  • May 3, 2005
  • #5
thanks guys, and i know that i shouldnt be downshifting into first. i dont even do this. the problem is that i CANT shift it into first even if i wanted to unless i am seriously dead stropped for a few seconds, and then i throw it into second then quickly up into first. I am not saying i want to downshift, but the whole shifting into first at a slow roll is not even an option. I am looking to sell the car at some point, and whoever buys it will not be happy about the situation, it is real noticeable, and prevents you from shifting into first unless dead stopped. i just need to know what the problem is, what would cause this, and is it a big deal to fix? if you drove my car you would see what i mean. the first few times you would normally throw it into first, it would grind so bad you wouldnt be able to get it in. its real finicky. thanks again
-jon
 

BPA

Founding Member
Aug 5, 2000
159
0
16
S.F.
May 3, 2005
#6
  • May 3, 2005
  • #6
I have the same problem but mine doesnt grind in secound you have to be at a dead stop otherwise grindage. i was thinking it was the throw out bearing. not sure though
 
B

bimmertech

New Member
May 3, 2005
1,123
0
0
merriam, ks
May 3, 2005
#7
  • May 3, 2005
  • #7
first off check your fluid, if it is low replace with gm syncromesh. if this doesn't help it is most likely your syncro but could possibly be a bent shift fork. each gear has its own sync ring but a shift for controls usually two gears, so probably not a fork, anyway start with the basics and check your fluid.
 
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