ZF doesn't like the cold.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
ZF doesn't like the cold.
I swapped a ZF5spd into my truck last summer and it's been working fine. Recently though with the temps dropping, when it's cold, it's difficult to get into any gear. It's not impossible, but a lot harder than normal. After I drive it for a bit and it gets warm, it feels normal again. The tranny had about 150k when I installed it and I filled it with Royal Purple ATF. I know I need to adjust the clutch as it's a little tight, but is this normal. Does anyone else with a ZF get a stiff shifter when it's cold.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
mine doesnt really get stiff but i have to shift a little slower or it will grind going to 2nd this is also the case with the mazda in my other f150 it proboly is just normal for a trans with alot of miles on it the only way to fix it in my case would be to replace the syncros or just live with it
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 984
Likes: 8
Pretty much a common issue with all manuals. As long as it shifts fine when warm mechanically everything is ok. My ZF service manual say you can use synthetic ATF to help with cold shifting but you have that covered. With all my 5 speeds I have this problem below 30 degrees or so. I just let the clutch out a tad and the shifter will drop right in.
Matt
Matt
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
I find no change due to cold, shifts fine. But I'm having problems with the hyd guick connect fitting on the slave cyl leaking at cold temps. (-30+) changed the factory o-ring but still a drip anyone heard of a better o-ring.
zf5sp, new style 3 part hyd ford clutch cyl and slave.
82 F150 fwd 5.8 FRD crate, zf5sp centreforce clutch, 3.73 auburn diffs,everything new steering box to tailpipe, 06 superduty 40/60 seats.
now have 6500km on "new" truck, had 500,000km before frame up redo.
one owner truck!! 26 years new
zf5sp, new style 3 part hyd ford clutch cyl and slave.
82 F150 fwd 5.8 FRD crate, zf5sp centreforce clutch, 3.73 auburn diffs,everything new steering box to tailpipe, 06 superduty 40/60 seats.
now have 6500km on "new" truck, had 500,000km before frame up redo.
one owner truck!! 26 years new
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 7
From: Burnsville, MN
Ha! I have a ZF-6 and have just given up - At zero degrees or so I just keep it in first gear for 3 blocks...
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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I had a similar problem and replaced the fluid at 200,000 with Royal Purple Synchromax. It's designed for manual transmissions and is synthetic. Shift performance in cold weather increased significantly. The slow, can't get out of gear shifting has all but gone away. I think I had the factory fluid or at least 100,000 miles on the fluid in before so just changing that could have helped a lot. Didn't have synthetic either.