Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Trouble shifting into 1st and 2nd when cold

[smokinhole]

Hey guys,



I'm having a heck of a time getting into first and second gear for the first 15 minutes or so in the morning. It's not cold where I am, high 30's at the worst. I have to force it into gear or let the clutch out a little to get it into gear. After everything gets warmed up it shifts just fine, it's always been "notchy" but in comparison to when it's cold it's night and day.



I did recently have the fluids changed and I don't know what they put in. It seemed to get a little worse after the fluid service. I'm wondering if they didn't put the special juice in there(i forget what it's called).



Could this be due to fluid? Any additives out there that may help? Or, is it more likely that a pilot bearing or my syncros are shot? I'm still totally stock as far as the clutch and drivetrain are concerned.



Any ideas before I drop this thing off for trouble shooting at the shop?



Thanks!

 

[ThrottleJockey]

Do a search on this. You'll find guys using all sorts of additives. The most popular one is your favorite transmission fluid with a taste of LS Differential modifier in there.



Whatever rocks your boat. Do your research and 'row 'dem gears!'

 

[Joe Mc]

My buddy has an 01 6 spd he switched to full synthetic and a friction modifier like used in an LS rear. he says it's much smoother. I'd get the mystery stuff out of there and do it yourself.



A word of caution about forcing the shift - I did that with a 5 speed once - emphasis on the "once", it was a very expensive lesson :{, I broke a bunch of teeth off of one of the main shaft gears had to buy another trans. -



Suggest you chugg it out in second gear till it gets warmed up / mystery oil changed out.

 

[smokinhole]

Great, I'm glad this sounds like a fluid type problem not a mechanical issue. I'll get the mystery goo out of there and replace with some better stuff.



Thanks

 

[kelly4463]

I run amsoil synthetic and friction modifer from the dodge dealer it shifts like butter now !!!!!!! Oo. Oo. and thats with an SBC FE in it. .

 

[smokinhole]

Thanks for the recomendations! The old mystery juice is coming out this weekend.