Good morning Scotty; I have a question in regards to manual transmissions. It seems that with every manual transmission car I've owned or driven, the shift between first to second seems harsh or scratchy, and this applies to both new and used cars. Is there something I'm doing wrong? I give it approximately 2,000 to 2,500 RPM when I launch in first gear but I typically shift when I hit 3,500 or 4 due to the road I live on with its speed limit. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you sir.
I notice this issue affects majority of cars with manual gearboxes.
Do you know what particularly would be the culprit to this?
If it happens on multiple vehicles, it is you, not the transmissions. Are you fully depressing the clutch while shifting? Starting to let it out too soon? Try taking a little more time to perform the shift, make sure the clutch is fully depressed, shift into second, then give it a little gas as you let out the clutch. You will eventually find the right "feel" to shift smoothly.
Yes I am. I press fully to the floor before shifting from gear to gear.
Then it has to be the combination of letting out the clutch and giving gas. Try doing it as "gently" as you can, making sure the stick is all the way into second before starting to let out the clutch. The only time I ever grind the gears is when I start letting out the clutch before moving the stick completely into the next gear. Seldom do it, but it happens. When I was young, the saying was "If you can't find it, grind it".
ok. i'll give it a shot. thanks for the advice. i've driven manuals for years but it must be something i'm doing wrong and had figured that it was not the transmission itself.
Used cars or new?
The 1-2 synchro is always the one to wear out first since it gets used the most. Add to that people who don't shift properly, and you end up with a poor abused synchro and rough engagement
