6 spd- can't get it into first

[roadranger]

Just got back from a 3200 mile trip to Calif and back with camper- lots of highway miles at 67 mph cruise. 9400 miles total on truck.



During last part of trip when in towns for fuel stops, it does not want to go into first gear while sitting still. Have to get it into second gear first, then quickly move lever into first.

What's up with that??

 

[jstyer]

no first

I had the same thing happen to mine (lasted about a week) shortly after 11K miles on truck. Acted like synchronizer wasn't working or something. Hasn't done it in a while but I'm not sure it's cured.

 

[roadranger]

jstyer- So this comes and goes??... interesting.



I read about other owners who's six speeds shift smooth as glass-- and wonder why mine 'clashes' upshifting into 3rd and downshifting 4th, and now it has a hard time going into first. Sure would like to get one of the smooth shifting ones!

 

[Happy Camper]

Are the real easy shifts really easy or do you have to pause for a second or two for it to go in? When I first started using 1st gear I had to go from 2nd to 1st when at a stop sign prior to the signal to turn green or I would be a sitting duck waiting to be honked at.



Do not have that problem any more. 25K miles.

 

[Pete Peterson]

roadranger, if you get along with your dealer take it there with a shift gripe that it grinds going into gears both up shift and down shift. They should replace it for you. If they say they can rebuild it tell them that fine BUT if the first rebuild doesn't work you want some assurenses that they will replace it the second go round... ... ... Pete

 

[roadranger]

Pete- Thanks for the info, I've got an appointment with one of the two 5* dealers in town next Thurs.



When I asked to talk with their "Cummins man", the first one said there was no such person at their place

Second place had a cummins tech I talked with, but he hadn't heard of any problems with the DEE and there weren't that many around anyway!



I'm almost afraid to let these guys NEAR my truck!

 

[STalarico]

6-speed smooth as glass

Sorry to hear about 1st gear problem. I would suggest taking back to dealer and get them to give you a referral to local Cummings dealer to evaluate problem if they do not have the expertise to evalute. This way warranty not effected. I must be one of the lucky ones, so far shifts smooth as glass, I have a 2001 with 13,100 miles presently. Good luck ...