Help! Manual transmission issue

[6speedvette]

hi everybody.
I have a 1998 c5 coupe w/ 62000 mi,
Over the past couple of months, i have noticed my that i'm having problems getting into second gear. Maybe about 50% of the time when shifting from 1st to 2nd, it'll pop back out of gear. Sometimes it will grind and kick out, and other times just "pop out". once it in 2nd, it fine and will stay in. Whats strange though is that its ONLY second gear, and i've never noticed this in the hot summer months, just in colder weather.
Anyways, i've talked to a friend about it and he thinks it the syncro gear. The dealership wants $1500 just to "diagnoss" the problem. A couple of small transmission shops also thinks its the syncro as well, and i've gotten quotes from $1200 to $1700 to repair it.
This is just really dissapointing since i've had the car less than a year now and have an issue like this. Has anyone else had a trans problem like this? What was the outcome? Ive found "used" replacement transmissions for around $800-1500. So i guess that would be another option too. I just dont know what to do from here. I want it fixed asap, but times are tough right now and cant spend a fortunate. What would be my best bet? another trans or just have a repair shop replace the syncro? I would appreciate any input and suggestions
thanks in advance,
Jamie

 

[LLC5]

Perform the shifter adjustment first and see if that helps or fixes your problem, also change the transmission fluid if you haven't recently done it. I know you said that it only happens in second gear, but the shifter adjust could actually be the problem, hopefully it is.

 

[c4c5specialist]

And the last thing YOU EVER want is a USED transmission.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[6speedvette]

well, i'll go ahead and change my fluid first. What's odd though, is that my manual says there is 'NO NEED' to ever change fluid in a manual trans. That just doesnt make sense. But anyways, Would Castrol TWS 10W 60 be ideal for this transmission? Also, could you give me a link to performing shifter adjustments? I have no experience with this and would like to read up on it first. Thanks again for your help!

 

[LLC5]

well, i'll go ahead and change my fluid first. What's odd though, is that my manual says there is 'NO NEED' to ever change fluid in a manual trans. That just doesnt make sense. But anyways, Would Castrol TWS 10W 60 be ideal for this transmission? Also, could you give me a link to performing shifter adjustments? I have no experience with this and would like to read up on it first. Thanks again for your help!

http://rpmtransmissions.com/files/c5shiftlinkageadjustment.pdf


Here is a link to the shifter adjustment after the shift knob and console has been removed. This adjustment is done with the stock OEM shifter, if you have an aftermarket shifter then it will not work. I would try this first and and see if it shifts better, then change the transmission fluid as preventative maintenence to see if it gets any better. Dexron 3 ATF is the recommended transmission fluid, make sure you use a fluid that meets this standard. Redline D4 ATF made mine shift a little better, but it is expensive.

 

[bugman34202]

My wifes 01 was getting sticky in and out of gears, reverse being the worse. with less than 30k on the clock. I had the tranny and diff drained and replaced with Redline and the tranny is now smooth and easy. I too would look at adjusting the cables/linkage.

A used tranny could be a real nightmare, more problems than you have now.

 

[gmc_kurt@yahoo.com]

adjust linkage

you never have to change your fluid as your manual states, if you do that means there is a problem inside.at 60 k on a tranny, you might think about getting a used tranny and beef it up and replace the gears. it also wouldn,t hurt to get your clutch looked at and the throwout bearing. ..has your clutch ever been serviced...