Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) transmission problems

[prairiegopher]

I have been having problems with my 6 speed transmission since new. When I shift from 2 to 3 and sometimes 3 to 4 it is hard to shift. As the temperature gets colder the problem gets worse. In very cold temperature the gears will grind. I had the truck back to the dealer and he replaced the oil with synthetic. The problem is still there. Has anyone else experienced this and if so what have you done?





2001 4X2 Quad Cab 2500

 

[Pit Bull]

Do a search there are a bunch of threads on this subject.

 

[Diesel Freak]

It's normal... . the key is to make sure the clutch pedal in on the floor before you even tough the shifter to change gears, and even then you need to finesse the transmission. The 5600 really likes to be double clutched.



Bottom line, it is not a Mazda Miata, so don't shift it like it is one.

 

[Dane]

My 6 speed wants 3 things to shift smoothly-



1) Make sure the clutch is to the floor completely before starting the shift. I had trouble with mine until I realized I was not fully depressing the clutch pedal when shifting.



2) Make sure the engine and transmission RPMs are matched when shifting. Start the shift as soon as the clutch hits the floor. Any delay may cause you to have to blip the throttle to get the engines RPMs back up to driveline speed. I always blip the throttle on down shifts. It makes it shift real smooth and is less of a shock to the drive line and engine.



3) Give the synchros time to do their job. Your shifting a 400lb transmission and those big gear sets need time to get up to speed. Sometimes you have to hold the shifter against the gate for the next gear and let it slide in on it's own. It's never gonna shift like a Muncie



If that doesn't help I'd become a constant pain in the heiney to the dealer until they replace the transmission. They have acknowledged you have a problem by changing the fluid, so tell em it didn't fix the problem and you want resolution. As usual jmo... Keep us posted!

 

[dresslered]

Though I entirely agree with Dane's 1, 2, and 3 statements, I really have not experienced any of this "tough" shifting with my transmission! It has shifted the same since new until now (41,000 miles). I can understand that colder climates might have some effect, but I know that my weather is no warmer than Dane's. So what is the difference?



(I am a previous bimmer shifter before this truck)

 

[claymike]

Had a similar problem with mine it just kept getting worse. Check out this thread. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26587



Hey David step it up I am ready to turn 56k



Mike

 

[dresslered]

Yeah, right Mike. I've only got 41,000 miles, but I just installed my 22nd tire (three sets of rears and five sets of fronts).

 

[claymike]

:--)

 

[Dane]

I know the road David drives to work every day. I think he's practicing so he can enter his truck in the 6 wheel diesel class at Pikes Peak hill climb next year.

 

[Pit Bull]

What kind of roads does Dave drive on to wear out tires at that rate?

 

[Dane]

Hwy 9 - Very steep, very twisty. Famous with the 2 wheel crowd who like to drag their knees going around corners. I used to get 3,500 miles max out of my motorcycle tires from Sunday rides on that road. All the tread would be gone off the edges but the center of the tire looked new. It's a real fun road