Can't get in first gear

tonybui · 12-09-2011, 12:25 AM

I know that first is locked while the car is moving to avoid mis-shift but at a low speed such as 2-5 mph, I can't even shift into first and I have to use second gear to get going. BTW, it happens twice in 2 years so I don't think it's such a big deal but those 2 times, I couldn't shift in 1st gear while the car is standing still with clutch fully engage. Any thoughts?

m4a1mustang · 12-09-2011, 12:29 AM

1st is always difficult to engage if you are already moving. Generally it's not a good idea to downshift to 1st and there is really no reason to, either. 2nd is more than enough as long as you are moving. 1st is really meant to be used from a stop.

If you absolutely must downshift into 1st while moving and you are having trouble with engagement try double clutching.

Trips · 12-09-2011, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

1st is always difficult to engage if you are already moving. Generally it's not a good idea to downshift to 1st and there is really no reason to, either. 2nd is more than enough as long as you are moving. 1st is really meant to be used from a stop.

If you absolutely must downshift into 1st while moving and you are having trouble with engagement try double clutching.

Twice in two years?? I wouldn't worry to much about it but I'd try Steve's advice.

tonybui · 12-09-2011, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple's

Twice in two years?? I wouldn't worry to much about it but I'd try Steve's advice.

Sorry, that was a little confusing but the 2 times are when the car is standing still and I can't get in 1st without "force"

tonybui · 12-09-2011, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

1st is always difficult to engage if you are already moving. Generally it's not a good idea to downshift to 1st and there is really no reason to, either. 2nd is more than enough as long as you are moving. 1st is really meant to be used from a stop.

If you absolutely must downshift into 1st while moving and you are having trouble with engagement try double clutching.

I see, the reason I'm asking is because my cousin's SI can shift into first while he's going 10-15 mph effortless (My first manual car btw, so u know why i'm asking

)

Spikuh · 12-09-2011, 10:20 AM

It is just a safety precaution in the tranny and something you have to get used to. My 240sx let me into first around the same speed as your cousin's SI and I forget from time to time in the Z about needing to use second instead. Don't worry about it to much.

m4a1mustang · 12-09-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonybui

I see, the reason I'm asking is because my cousin's SI can shift into first while he's going 10-15 mph effortless (My first manual car btw, so u know why i'm asking

)

There's a pretty big difference between transmissions and torque levels in the SI and the Z. In the SI I could see the need to have to get down into 1st gear at low speed. In a car like the Z with significantly more power and torque it's unnecessary and can add to premature wear.

elmz · 12-09-2011, 11:39 AM

M4 is right, there is no need to drop into 1st when you're moving(a slow roll is OK). And you mentioned your cousin's SI can engage 1st at 10-15 mph, that would would not be wise in the Z unless you had SRM enabled, but even then there would be no reason to.

12-09-2011, 12:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
tonybui A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,397 Drives: 09 Sports 6 Speed Rep Power: 427	Can't get in first gear I know that first is locked while the car is moving to avoid mis-shift but at a low speed such as 2-5 mph, I can't even shift into first and I have to use second gear to get going. BTW, it happens twice in 2 years so I don't think it's such a big deal but those 2 times, I couldn't shift in 1st gear while the car is standing still with clutch fully engage. Any thoughts?

12-09-2011, 12:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	1st is always difficult to engage if you are already moving. Generally it's not a good idea to downshift to 1st and there is really no reason to, either. 2nd is more than enough as long as you are moving. 1st is really meant to be used from a stop. If you absolutely must downshift into 1st while moving and you are having trouble with engagement try double clutching. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

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12-09-2011, 10:20 AM	#6 (permalink)
Spikuh A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Ark Posts: 2,357 Drives: '09 370z Rep Power: 21	It is just a safety precaution in the tranny and something you have to get used to. My 240sx let me into first around the same speed as your cousin's SI and I forget from time to time in the Z about needing to use second instead. Don't worry about it to much.

12-09-2011, 11:39 AM	#8 (permalink)
elmz Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 674 Drives: 2014 Porsche Boxster Rep Power: 17	M4 is right, there is no need to drop into 1st when you're moving(a slow roll is OK). And you mentioned your cousin's SI can engage 1st at 10-15 mph, that would would not be wise in the Z unless you had SRM enabled, but even then there would be no reason to.