A couple months ago, someone shifting my gears at a red light said that my transmission is rough and that I should change the transmission oil. Recently, gears have begun sticking, especially 1st and 2nd. I will push the lever halfway and it will just stop, and if it's 1st, I either use 2nd instead or pull the lever back to 2nd and push into 1st and usually it engages. Do I need to change the oil or what?
Rough transmission and sticking gears
- Thread starter WinkOsmosis
- Start date
Ryan
Lifer
- Oct 31, 2000
- 27,519
- 2
- 81
How many miles does you car have on it, and what kind of car is it? First, do a tranmission flush or a drain and fill. Generally, transmission flushes should only be done on cars that have low miles - try that. If your car has high mileage, do a drain and fill. If it's still happening, take your car to a Transmission shop (not the dealer, they don't specialize in transmissions). Most shops will usually hook you up with a free diagnostic to see what the problem is.
Or, you could just go the easy/cheap route: Stop by Pep Boys and pick up a bottle of Lucas Transmission Fix (I think that's what it's called) - it usually stops slipping and sticking of gears.
Or, you could just go the easy/cheap route: Stop by Pep Boys and pick up a bottle of Lucas Transmission Fix (I think that's what it's called) - it usually stops slipping and sticking of gears.
It's a 1995 240sx with about 111000 miles. It's time for an oil change so I was thinking I could get it done at the dealer when I go in for that.
On a side note, people on HardForum used to say that Mobil 1 is the best oil, aside from high dollar stuff, so should I buy 4 quarts of Mobil 1 and take it to the mechanic, or let them use their Castrol?
On a side note, people on HardForum used to say that Mobil 1 is the best oil, aside from high dollar stuff, so should I buy 4 quarts of Mobil 1 and take it to the mechanic, or let them use their Castrol?
Ryan
Lifer
- Oct 31, 2000
- 27,519
- 2
- 81
LMAO, the transmission is surrounded by Transmission Fluid (a red fluid), not oil. I'd definitly take it to a transmission shop. As of right now, it could be sticky gears, or something as simple as a shifter bushing. Let them run some free diagnostics, and see what's up. Also, get 3 diff shops to look at it to make sure that you have your problem diagnosed and that none of them are trying to screw you over.
I think you're right.
But, the guy above saying dealers don't specialize in transmissions is clueless. Their transmission guys are trained at the factory, have all the latest service bulletins, and they work on the same cars day in and day out. They know the cars better than anyone if you get a mechanic that's been there for a while.
IMHO, transmission shops = ripoff artists.
Evadman
Administrator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
- Feb 18, 2001
- 30,990
- 5
- 81
Actually, red fluid in a manual trans is far and few between. I believe you are thinking of a automatic. Most manuals take the same oil as the engine or 90 weight. My suzuki takes 90 weight for instance.
Without actually experencing the problem, I have to resort to guessing. It could be the clutch not releasing all the way, and the high gear ratio of 1st is not meshing enough. The syncro could be acting up ( my suzuki will not let you downshift into first if you are going over 20, or you have to be hercules to get the shifter in there
) A bushing could be so worn that the gears are no longer meshing, etc...
JC
Diamond Member
- Feb 1, 2000
- 5,855
- 73
- 91
As I recall, lots of mid-late 80s (maybe even later) GM products used red juice in the 5-speeds. I recall S-10s using what looked like ATF, but was a specific part# and cost lots more. The thinner fluid cuts way down on frictional losses in the interests of fuel economy. They may have gone back to 90W though, I also recall a number of trans failures during that era
Oh yeah, and I agree with your diagnosis
JC
Evadman
Administrator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
- Feb 18, 2001
- 30,990
- 5
- 81
As I recall, lots of mid-late 80s (maybe even later) GM products used red juice in the 5-speeds. I recall S-10s using what looked like ATF, but was a specific part# and cost lots more. The thinner fluid cuts way down on frictional losses in the interests of fuel economy. They may have gone back to 90W though, I also recall a number of trans failures during that era
Oh yeah, and I agree with your diagnosis
JC
I knew some vehicles did, but I could not remember any.
That is why I said "few and far between", just to cover my ass, since I have been wrong before, and for all I know rbloedow specilaizes in 240's, and knows something I don't I shall add that interesting tidbit of knoledge on the s-10's to my extensive "mostly useless knowledge" base Originally posted by: Evadman
Actually, red fluid in a manual trans is far and few between. I believe you are thinking of a automatic. Most manuals take the same oil as the engine or 90 weight. My suzuki takes 90 weight for instance.
Without actually experencing the problem, I have to resort to guessing. It could be the clutch not releasing all the way, and the high gear ratio of 1st is not meshing enough. The syncro could be acting up ( my suzuki will not let you downshift into first if you are going over 20, or you have to be hercules to get the shifter in there
My first gear doesn't have a synchro. The sticking is at a stop.
For everyone new to wrenching, be _very_ careful to use the right type/viscosity when replacing lubricant in manual transmissions.
I had a customer bring in an F-250 whose box was supposed to be filled with engine oil. His "buddy" used heavyweight gear oil which didn't penetrate everywhere it should and resulted in a trashed transmission. Said "buddy" had also charged him 800 bucks to replace the clutch (in a 2WD!!). They are no longer friends...
I had a customer bring in an F-250 whose box was supposed to be filled with engine oil. His "buddy" used heavyweight gear oil which didn't penetrate everywhere it should and resulted in a trashed transmission. Said "buddy" had also charged him 800 bucks to replace the clutch (in a 2WD!!). They are no longer friends...
I had the transmission and differential fluid changed (they called it fluid), and the brake pads changed and rotors turned. Shifting is smooth now .
.Jellomancer: I put in Amsoil Synthetic tranny oil in the 240SX at around 127K km (~90k miles I guess), and it made a difference. However the tranny is still rough with the gear shifter shaking when you floor it or deccalerate. Also I have a problem of getting into 1st or 2nd when cold, but otherwise its ok. Well actually 3rd is not to friendly either..you can feel some resistance when putting the shifter in third.
But that is the nature of the tranny. They are strong, they just don't have the smooth feeling of Honda's tranny.
But that is the nature of the tranny. They are strong, they just don't have the smooth feeling of Honda's tranny.
Oh yes. It is still rough. I meant that it's not sticking. Could be because of temperature though.
The roughness is kind of nice
.It's a common problem with all nissan 240sx's. I use redline heavy shockproof tranny fluid and that stuff's GOOD SH!T! But I have a hard time shifting into 2nd/3rd when it is cold. After it warms up, the shifter just pops into gear easily, but sometimes get stuck trying to go into first gear. I have to double clutch sometimes to pop it into first. And mines a 97 too! Anyhoo, when I change out the clutch with an ACT kit, I'm going to replace EVERYTHING from the clutch fluid to the slave cylinder to the bearings and hoses.
Hey how is your stock clutch so far? Mine is friggin stiff, its either on or off. I don't know if it is the stock clutch as I bought hte car used. It was lady driven so I doubt it has a performance clutch in it.
I don't mind the clutch being stiff, but I'm pretty this isn't stock since it grabs so easily and quickly. I think I need more power to complement the clutch.
btw, Jellomancer: I got front Brembo x-drilled rotors with KBR performance pads..and holy crap does the car stop quick! I highly recommend them!
Your tranny uses....
SPEC-FLUID-TYPE/WT GL-4 - GEAR OIL
WEIGHT = 75W-90
CAPACITY = 2 1/2 QUARTS
You can also get by with 80W90 if you have a hard time finding 75W90. I use 75W90 Mobile 1 Gear oil in my Bike and Monza.
First check the level and make sure it is not low.
SPEC-FLUID-TYPE/WT GL-4 - GEAR OIL
WEIGHT = 75W-90
CAPACITY = 2 1/2 QUARTS
You can also get by with 80W90 if you have a hard time finding 75W90. I use 75W90 Mobile 1 Gear oil in my Bike and Monza.
First check the level and make sure it is not low.
They don't specify what they put in on the receipt. Just "transmission fluid". I assume they know what to put in.
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