Six Speed grinding

[jman]

I have noticed my six speed is wanting to grind a little when shifting from 2 to 3 and isn't all that smooth through sixth. It is a lot worse when it is cold, but it still doesn't seem normal for it to be that difficult, especially with a clutch. My dad has an 01 with a 6-speed and it is very smooth, but that is the only one besides mine that I have driven. It isn't terrible, but it doesn't seem like it wants to fall into gear like his does. I am hoping to take it in next week for a "one time, fix all" warranty visit. Should I make them check it or live with it and see if it gets better or worse.



Anyone else have this problem?



TIA

 

[DPelletier]

Me and my buddies matching '03's both shift smoothly and feel similar. I also test drove two others and they all felt the same. I drove an '01 but that was a while ago when I had my auto, so I can't compare it directly. Most posts I've read here seem to be of the opinion that they shift more smoothly over time (breaking in).

If you take it to the dealer, I'll bet you a case of beer that you get the usual " thats normal for these trucks "

Dave



PS. do a search on gear oil and you'll find some opinions on some products that may help, just beware of how some of them may affect your warranty.

 

[PJensen]

How many miles on your truck?



I have 3600 on my 2003 2500 w/ 6 speed.



The transmission seemed a bit "Notchy" at first but now is alot smoother. Im either use to it now or it really is smoother to row.

 

[EnLjones]

25000

There's light at the end of the tunnel. I have a little over 25,000 on mine and it has definately gotten better, or I've gotten used to it. Probably both That seems to be the general idea of most of the folks that have these six shooter. Give her timea she'll loosen up!

 

[ImagesThatSing]

Ours was also tight in the beginning, but now with 9300 miles it has loosened up and shifts much easier. And I will second the bet that the dealer gives the standard "that is normal" if and when you ask them.

 

[Dean Upson]

Mine has shifted well from the get-go, but gets better all the time. I have 11K on it now and it is very smoooooooth .



Dean

 

[bulabula]

Mine was getting a little sticky shifting into 3rd before I changed the oil in it @ 18k. Its 100% better.

 

[Cj84gpn]

Mines a little sticky going into 3rd when it's cold too. 6900 miles on it.





Bob

 

[CATCRACKER]

with 22k mine is 50% better than when new i test drove an 04 and mine was 100% bette than that one.



mileage and oil change will make all the d/f

 

[Butch Brandt]

grinding

My partner had exactly the same problem. He got his fixed under a TSB from '01. They replaced one shaft, gears, bearings and all. Sorry I don't know the TSB number and he is out of town. If you need the number, let me know and I'll get it to you when he gets back.

 

[nickleinonen]

in my trans, when it's cold, it's a little clunky going into 5th, almost like you don't have the clutch pushed in enough unless you go real slow. might be a little low oil level for me [i haven't crawled under the truck to check levels yet... ] causing that. but when it warms up, she is almost as smooth as a baby's butt...

 

[rbattelle]

Mine has been stiff since new, but has loosened up quite a bit (13500 miles now). I notice especially downshifting to 3rd can be difficult when cold. I have not checked my level (I trust my dealer), but I'm getting fastcoolers for my b'day and may install those as early as Saturday. I'll be using the Penzoil synchromesh fluid.

 

[JRMora]

My six speed is just under 5000 miles. I haven't had any real problems but I do know that these clutches are very sensitive when not fully engaged. When my truck was new, it would be very notchy and sluggish to shift until I realized I wasn't getting the clutch all the way in. My solution? I moved the seat 1/2" forward. Now everything is smooth as silk (at least for a HD Truck transmission).



Juan

 

[Prairie Dog]

Mine has the same problem with 2-3 shift but I found that if I double clutch it the first time I take off in the morning, it slips rite in.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

DIttos to what JRMora said. The Winston Cup (Nextel Cup) seat adjustment did not work for me, either. After I adjusted my seat so I was "up on it" the truck was much easier to drive.

 

[rbattelle]

The funny thing is, mine is pretty smooth (as heavy duty transmissions go) on the upshifts. It's the downshift, especially into 3rd, that can be troublesome. It's not that it grinds, it's just a bear to try to get it to go into 3rd. Sometimes I think my 3rd gear synchro is taking a short nap. I'll try being more careful about fully depressing the clutch and see if that helps.

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by rbattelle

It's the downshift, especially into 3rd, that can be troublesome. It's not that it grinds, it's just a bear to try to get it to go into 3rd.

Double clutching helps me a bunch on that down-shift. Happy Thanksgiving .



Dean

 

[jman]

I only have 8000 miles so I will just play it out for now. There is still a lot of warranty left so I am not too worried about it yet. Maybe I will give it an oil change and see what that does for it. Is the Pennzoil stuff OK for warranty purposes or do you have to use the Mopar stuff? I agree with what everyone said about the dealer response of "being normal", that is why I asked here first.



Thanks for the help.



Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

[rbattelle]

The Pennzoil (or Quaker State, same stuff) Synchromesh is specifically designed to meet Chrysler part number 4874464, which is the number for the NV5600. The Pennzoil part number is 3501 for 1-quart bottles. I found it by calling the closest Pennzoil distributor. It cost me $58. 50 +tax for 12 quarts. Here's a longer description for you:



www.klenger.net/dodge/nv5600-fluid.html

 

[nickleinonen]

Originally posted by Dean Upson

Double clutching helps me a bunch on that down-shift. Happy Thanksgiving .



Dean

i just heel-toe down shift. it is interesting to see the looks on some peoples faces when you are bliping the throttle like some sports car when downshifting coming up to a turn. i like it