Trouble shifting into 2nd
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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Trouble shifting into 2nd
87' F150 I6 300ci
I am having difficulty shifting into 2nd gear. It appears to be more difficult when the engine is really cold (setting overnight). I have no problems with 3rd or 4th. Sometimes getting into the granny gear is difficult, but I assume that is because it is not syncronized, so I sometimes have to double clutch (let gravity move the truck slightly) to engage granny gear. But this 2nd gear problem "feels" different than the granny gear issue. It's feels almost like the shifter is hitting something, I have to pull pretty good on the shifter to get it to engage. But the problem seems to fade away, as I drive the truck for any length of time. Could there just be something worn out in the linkage, or mabey just out of adjustment? Where should I start looking for trouble?
Thanks
I am having difficulty shifting into 2nd gear. It appears to be more difficult when the engine is really cold (setting overnight). I have no problems with 3rd or 4th. Sometimes getting into the granny gear is difficult, but I assume that is because it is not syncronized, so I sometimes have to double clutch (let gravity move the truck slightly) to engage granny gear. But this 2nd gear problem "feels" different than the granny gear issue. It's feels almost like the shifter is hitting something, I have to pull pretty good on the shifter to get it to engage. But the problem seems to fade away, as I drive the truck for any length of time. Could there just be something worn out in the linkage, or mabey just out of adjustment? Where should I start looking for trouble?
Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
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From: Bonita Springs FL
it could be the clutch not disengaging all the way. If you bring the truck to a complete stop, push the clutch all the way in, you should be able to slide it right into 1st or reverse with no grinding once the input shaft stops spinning - less than five seconds. If it grinds, then your clutch isn't releasing. It might need to be bled, or you might have a leaking master or slave cylinder.
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Junior User
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Yes, If the truck is at a complete stand-still granny gear is not usually a problem. I just included that information to try and show that there is a difference between the two experiences. I don't really think there is a problem with the granny gear, but there is definately something going on with the second gear. There is no grinding sound when shifting into 2nd, it's like the shifter is not travelling far enough to engage the gears. That's when I feel resistance, like the shifter is hitting something. So I have to pull pretty hard to engage 2nd. I have no problem getting out of 2nd, only getting into 2nd. Does that help?
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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I just bought this truck last Christmas Eve. I can't say if the gear oil has been changed. But I can say the problem is getting worse. 2nd gear is getting more difficult to engage. I am starting to get a little bit of grind noise when trying to shift from granny gear to 2nd. I have no problems with any other gear, just 2nd. What are synchros, and can I replace them myself? Thanks.
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
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Definitely change the gear oil. I have the same exact problem in my '95, and new gear oil really helped. It didn't solve it completely, but its easier to live with now. I used synthetic ATF (amsoil brand, but I think any synthetic will do) and noticed a definite difference.
I also noticed a bunch of metal shavings in the old gear oil--some were pretty large, along with lots of little tiny stuff--so I know there is something bad wrong inside, I'm just hoping the trans will hold up until can either find another trans or find time to have it rebuilt. Worst case, I can always start shifting 1,3,4,5.
I hope your trans is in better shape than mine. Let us know what you find.
I also noticed a bunch of metal shavings in the old gear oil--some were pretty large, along with lots of little tiny stuff--so I know there is something bad wrong inside, I'm just hoping the trans will hold up until can either find another trans or find time to have it rebuilt. Worst case, I can always start shifting 1,3,4,5.
I hope your trans is in better shape than mine. Let us know what you find.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 263
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I cant down shift to second when the tranny is cold unless i match the road speed with the engine speed - something im getting pretty good at, but then doing that you dont even need the clutch. My diagnosis is too many rough down shifts have eaten the syncro and Im just going to live with it until something serious goes. In thhe mean time I dont downshift to 2nd when she's coldd - the kindler and gentler me....
