clutch or shifter??

**armyfocus** · 01-07-2006, 08:57 PM

I was wondering, I seem to have trouble shifting into gears at times, esp 3rd gear, and I was wondering, does that sound like a clutch issue or a problem with the shifter itself. I had the oem clutch replaced about a year ago and my car has basically sat for the last year while I've been overseas, so the clutch should still be practially brand new. In fact, it's probably got less than 2000 miles on it since it's been replaced. I have just recently had an exhaust put on and reflashed my computer with the Predator Diablo, but that is not a significant horsepower increase, so I don't think that should really effect the clutch any. So what do you guys think? By the way, I'm back home finally for my R&R from Kuwait/Iraq. I still have to go back on the 17th for 6 more months, but oh well. It's nice to be home and enjoy this vacation.

**deactivated** · 01-07-2006, 09:11 PM

might have a shift linkage loose.

**armyfocus** · 01-08-2006, 08:00 AM

what's usually the procedure for repairing a loose linkage?

**deactivated** · 01-08-2006, 08:32 AM

never had to do the procedure myself, so I wont hand out incorrect information. All of the repairs I have heard about have been done by the dealer.

**SVTfocusO3** · 01-09-2006, 08:11 AM

I think third probably takes the longest to get into, even if you don't have any problems. The short shifter by Steeda or Ford (same thing) is a good investment.

**armyfocus** · 01-09-2006, 06:40 PM

I don't think it has anything to do with the length of the throw. I notice the problem too when I go to slow down and I'm only going like 1mph it will have trouble going into 1st gear as well. I dunno, maybe it's just how I shift or maybe something else.

**mchedd** · 01-10-2006, 03:54 AM

Army... Your description of shifting sounds simular to a problem I have infrequently shifting into 6th after I poke along in 5th for several minutes. My 6th gear problem almost never occurs now after upgrading to a Steeda Tri/Ax.
There's a few plastic parts on the oem shifter that could be worn out or broken. doubtful due to the low miles
Also with the heat in FL and your ride sitting without being driven while you're on the "Eastern Beach" it could be that the gearbox hasn't broken in yet and the shift linkage/cables lubrication may have dried or hardened.

To assist with diagnosis, How hard are you shifting? Winding tight in second? Have you tried doubleclutching?

There's a slight possibility that the clutch cylinder could be bleeding down. (very slight) - How long do you run in 2nd before sliding into 3rd gear.

**armyfocus** · 01-11-2006, 02:26 PM

Well, if I'm going for gas mileage then I'll shift into 2nd at about 20-30mph, but if I'm trying to get around somebody or something like that, then I usually ride 2nd up to about 40-45mph. But you are right, my car has basically sat for the better part of a year, with the exception of my dad taking it to get my exhaust put on. I'm guessing that maybe I might be better off in the long run just going ahead and getting the aftermarket shifter.