Is it normal...?

**1MileCrash** · 04-01-2007, 09:15 AM

is it normal that when it is cold outside that the gearbox gets kinda tight and won't go into gear easily/at all until the trans has a couple minutes to warm up?

**warpwr** · 04-01-2007, 10:34 AM

Yes.
And your engine oil is the same way until it 's warmed up a bit. Rear end too.

**1MileCrash** · 04-01-2007, 10:36 AM

kool. always knew about waiting a minute for the engine to warm up, but not about a manual trans or a rear end. thanks very much i won't sweat it anymore.

**Secret Formula** · 04-01-2007, 10:53 AM

I try to let the oil preasure level out before i take off, even though it takes awhile. Ive gotten in the habit of going outside and starting my car a few minutes before I leave.

**99blueZ** · 04-01-2007, 01:30 PM

yea it my car a few minutes to be buttery smooth. But if its hard shifting for more than a few minutes check your trans and clutch fluids.

**1MileCrash** · 04-05-2007, 05:53 AM

okay...well it still shifts with some difficulty into first, sometimes 3rd, occasionally 2nd, and reverse even after it has warmed up for between 20 and 30 minutes...and after driving for a while as well.

so...what do i need to look for, what do i need to check, and how do i check whatever it is.

i should also mention that the car has a hurst shifter on it.

**30thbird** · 04-05-2007, 06:03 AM

All manual transmissions lose shift quality when they get cold( anything below 40 ). If you have a non-ATF oil in the trans , you could be making it worse. You will just have to allow it to warm up .

**1MileCrash** · 04-05-2007, 06:09 AM

for 45 minutes? is there anything like an engine block heater that i could have installed on the trans to warm up the oil in the morning?

**30thbird** · 04-05-2007, 06:17 AM

Just sitting at idle will warm much slower than driving . Transmitting torque and oil shearing is what will heat up the transmission. Still ,after driving if you are having stiff shifts there may be other concerns. Check your release system . What oil is in the trans? It should only take 2 to 3 shifts to get the box up to a reasonable temp. and shifting smoothly in moderate temps.

**1MileCrash** · 04-05-2007, 06:44 AM

i don't know what oil is in the trans.

shifting down into first from neutral at a stoplight or down into 2nd from a slow roll to accelerate at an upcoming red light...there is some stiff resistance at times even after driving the car for 15-20 minutes and letting it idle to warm up for 20-30 minutes before i drive it.

what is the release system and how do i check that.

**30thbird** · 04-05-2007, 06:59 AM

The oil should be red if it is ATF. Check the hydraulic reservoir for the clutch release system. It should have clean brake fluid in it. If the res. is dirty or low, you need to top it off and bleed the system. A darkened fluid can be caused by overheating( line too close to the exhaust) or degrading master cylinder seals, or both.

**ss~zoso~ss** · 04-09-2007, 01:41 PM

ATF = Automatic Transmission Fluid

I'd reccommend Royal Purple Synchro Max

**Eagle** · 04-10-2007, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by ss~zoso~ss

ATF = Automatic Transmission Fluid

I'd reccommend Royal Purple Synchro Max

I thought you're not supposed to use Royal Purple on a stock 98-00 T56 (01-02 had brass syncros where the 98-00 had carbon)?

**30thbird** · 04-10-2007, 07:49 AM

Maybe he is providing the extended warranty along with the plug. When all else fails( and alot of oils do) follow the manual-suggested fill= plain old non-syn ATF . You will also save money for better things.
BTW it was organic-paper linings that replaced the carbon -particle stuff NOT brass.