AC 6 SPD MT "Sticky Shifter" Problem WTF?

[GreyZone]

Okay, gotta question for the 3.6 SE 6 spd MT folks.....I got 600 miles on my AC now....and I am having some problems with the "smoothness" of the shifting. I'm thinking the synchros might need to be replaced.

What I'm wondering is this. ANyone having problems with the smoothness of the shifting?? I am noticing this most when shifting into third gear and into fourth, then from fourth back into third. Also, sometimes shifting into first it doesnt go on the first try and I have to wiggle it a bit.

Anyone else having problems like this?? WHen I am not moving it goes through all the gears real smooth (engine running, clutch in) but on the road its getting pretty rough in spots.

thinking its gonna have to go in for synchros or the whole transmission replaced. Your thoughts and ideas and experience appreciated.

Let me know...

[SHIFT_COUPE]

Well, you only have 600 miles on the car. Some of your issues might be chalked up to just simply being broken in. Perhaps give it a little time.

The gearbox isn't the BEST. It's a little notchy at times and I have experienced trouble getting into first gear once or twice. Pressing the clutch in all the way and releasing it allowed me to get back into first. In fact, I had the same problem in my 2004 Spec-V when I had it. Except that gearbox was a serious dog.

What "smoothness" problems are you experiencing between 3rd and 4th? The inability to get in this gear, or just notchy?

I might suggest switching to a synthetic blend of transmission fluid. Redline makes a good product. I'll be doing that in the spring. Should clear up some of that feeling.

[LegendRacer]

Okay, gotta question for the 3.6 SE 6 spd MT folks.....I got 600 miles on my AC now....and I am having some problems with the "smoothness" of the shifting. I'm thinking the synchros might need to be replaced.

What I'm wondering is this. ANyone having problems with the smoothness of the shifting?? I am noticing this most when shifting into third gear and into fourth, then from fourth back into third. Also, sometimes shifting into first it doesnt go on the first try and I have to wiggle it a bit.

Anyone else having problems like this?? WHen I am not moving it goes through all the gears real smooth (engine running, clutch in) but on the road its getting pretty rough in spots.

thinking its gonna have to go in for synchros or the whole transmission replaced. Your thoughts and ideas and experience appreciated.

Let me know...

i have the EXACT same problem...but the service person said "nissans have the worst transmission compared to nissan, mazda, etc..." i cant believe i heard this, its like why dont they inform every buyer prior to selling us there vechicles...stupid bishez

[generic808]

Nissan's aren't known for there gearboxes. My old 94 SE-R and my 01 Frontier have pretty clunky shifting gears. I don't see how they make these such bulletproof motors, and they can't invest the time to refine the gearbox?

[blancs3030]

i think the problem with shifting into 1st is a safety feature that keeps you from shifting into the 1st gear when coming out of a higher gear. because coming out of 2nd going into 1st when you wanted to go into the 3rd sucks. with all the manuals I've had in my past i always had to put a little more effort shifting into 1st, so i dont ever notice.

[SHIFT_COUPE]

i think the problem with shifting into 1st is a safety feature that keeps you from shifting into the 1st gear when coming out of a higher gear.

I agree with this, except when it happened to me I was at a complete stop. I wasn't at a rolling stop etc.

[cliffy21]

I find i have to double clutch a lot to get mine back into 1st gear, especially when its cold out and things haven't warmed up. Not a great gear box. And i have 12500KM (apprx. 8000 miles) on my car.

[lkp730]

You guys should try to get into first before you come to a complete stop. Any car with a manual transmission will have that issue. I've driven 3 cars with manual transmission and they all did that from time to time. Next time, just before you come to a complete stop(between 0-0.5 MPH), with the clutch fully disengaged(pressed in all the way), try to push it into first gear. It will go in 100% of the time.

[GreyZone]

I really really really dont like what Im reading. Seems like Im not alone here.

The going into first issue is from a dead stop, either at first start up, or red lights, etc. Theres no reason you should have to double clutch or "try it once or twice" before it goes into gear. It should not have this problem. Ive been driving nothing but MT for over 20 years, and have not experienced this kindof problem with a transmission, at least one that was properly functioning.

The third and fourth gear issue is really a "notchy" kinda feel (thanks for the descriptioin, that best describes it). I would compare this to the beautiful smoothness of how it shifts with the engine running, and car not moving, the shifting into 3rd and 4th is creamy smooth. When Im driving it gets notchy and bitchy kinda like "uh, I dont want to, and you can't make me" then finally "well okay, if you insist," clunk.

To me it feels like a transmission when the synchros are starting to go bad, or when the clutch is close to needing to be replaced becasue its not disengaging entirely. I dont remember anything like this during multiple test drives I took of several ACs prior to buying one, so Im hoping and praying its a problematic transmission I got, and not "just the way it is."

"This is just the way it is" is sure not what Im hoping to hear, be told, learn, or find out (by dealer types). If this is the case WE need to be giving Nissan some serious S#$t to do something about this. AC OWNERS UNITE!!! There is tremendous power in numbers.

We spent damn good money for this car, they can give us a quailty transmission!

[mcheddadi]

Guys, the clutch problem Is known since a long time, its mostly because the manual transmission fluid being crappy. There is a fix for this, but it's not from nissan, because if you go to nissan, the best they can do is change the whole transaxle. But that won't help because right after it's broken in, the problem starts again. Clunky shifting, hard to go in a lower gear, abrupt gear matching, etc. . What you have to do if you want to really get rid of this is change the MANUAL TRANSMISSION FLUID to a synthetic one. Wait until you get to around 4500 miles or when you are sure that the production of break-in wear metals is finished. Then, when you put in the new MTF mix in, it won't be further contaminated with any more break-in metals.

I STRONGLY suggest using REDLINE's product for our trannies. It makes the shifting BUTTER SMOOTH.

You should use a mixture of 60% MTL /40% ML-90 manual transmission fluid to have the right viscosity. I found out that this ratio is the best one for me.

Just for future reference, if and when you do install the Redline mix, here are some tips...

I recommend mixing the fluid outside the transmission, and then pouring in the mix. The easiest way to mix it is using a 1 liter metric measuring cup. Basically, you fill the cup with 600 mL (0.6 L) of Redline MTL, and then you fill the remaining 400 mL (0.4 L) with Redline MT-90. Mix thoroughly with a stir stick, and then pump it into the fill hole of the transmission. It will take just under 3 measuring cups (including some lost fluid in the pump that you'll need to get the fluid into the transmission).

That is pretty much the best stuff you're going to get for this transmission. It seems to provide the best shifts out of all other fluids I've tried. So, if you're still getting a bit of a grind into third, then I'd suspect the clutch. These cars don't have really great clutches, so if you're still stock, then it may have to do with a worn master clutch cylinder, a worn throwout bearing, or improper clutch pedal adjustment. If you're already on an aftermarket clutch, then it's probably just your synchro.

But I don't think your synchros would need any work at this point though. Most of the shifting problems in these cars are caused by the combination of ****ty fluid from the factory and bad clutch cylinders / ****ty clutches.

if you've already taken care of the fluid, an aftermarket clutch should virtually cure the grinding issues.

Hopes this helps all you guys go from extra clunky to extra tight!

[SHIFT_COUPE]

Interested in doing a writeup on the Redline fluid change to help some of the other guys out?

[GreyZone]

Guys, the clutch problem Is known since a long time, its mostly because the manual transmission fluid being crappy. There is a fix for this, but it's not from nissan, because if you go to nissan, the best they can do is change the whole transaxle. But that won't help because right after it's broken in, the problem starts again. Clunky shifting, hard to go in a lower gear, abrupt gear matching, etc. . What you have to do if you want to really get rid of this is change the MANUAL TRANSMISSION FLUID to a synthetic one. Wait until you get to around 4500 miles or when you are sure that the production of break-in wear metals is finished. Then, when you put in the new MTF mix in, it won't be further contaminated with any more break-in metals.

I STRONGLY suggest using REDLINE's product for our trannies. It makes the shifting BUTTER SMOOTH.

You should use a mixture of 60% MTL /40% ML-90 manual transmission fluid to have the right viscosity. I found out that this ratio is the best one for me.

Just for future reference, if and when you do install the Redline mix, here are some tips...

I recommend mixing the fluid outside the transmission, and then pouring in the mix. The easiest way to mix it is using a 1 liter metric measuring cup. Basically, you fill the cup with 600 mL (0.6 L) of Redline MTL, and then you fill the remaining 400 mL (0.4 L) with Redline MT-90. Mix thoroughly with a stir stick, and then pump it into the fill hole of the transmission. It will take just under 3 measuring cups (including some lost fluid in the pump that you'll need to get the fluid into the transmission).

That is pretty much the best stuff you're going to get for this transmission. It seems to provide the best shifts out of all other fluids I've tried. So, if you're still getting a bit of a grind into third, then I'd suspect the clutch. These cars don't have really great clutches, so if you're still stock, then it may have to do with a worn master clutch cylinder, a worn throwout bearing, or improper clutch pedal adjustment. If you're already on an aftermarket clutch, then it's probably just your synchro.

But I don't think your synchros would need any work at this point though. Most of the shifting problems in these cars are caused by the combination of ****ty fluid from the factory and bad clutch cylinders / ****ty clutches.

if you've already taken care of the fluid, an aftermarket clutch should virtually cure the grinding issues.

Hopes this helps all you guys go from extra clunky to extra tight!

That is some really, really good stuff. Any links or additional info? That at least gives me a sense of hope. I want a solution to this.

And what is "60% MTL /40% ML-90" ?? Dont recognize that...and where'd you get the 6MT badge? (Im assuming its not photoshop) ?? Havent seen that before.

[mcheddadi]

OK, I'll try making a how-to as soon as I can

[GreyZone]

And what is "60% MTL /40% ML-90" ?? Dont recognize that...and where'd you get the 6MT badge? (Im assuming its not photoshop) ?? Havent seen that before.

[mcheddadi]

That is some really, really good stuff. Any links or additional info? That at least gives me a sense of hope. I want a solution to this.

And what is "60% MTL /40% ML-90" ?? Dont recognize that...and where'd you get the 6MT badge? (Im assuming its not photoshop) ?? Havent seen that before.

you double poster you lol

""60% MTL /40% ML-90" is a mixture of two manual transmission oil to have the right viscosity, you have to mix them up yourself like I have written :

MTL:http://www.redlineoil.com/prod...yID=7

MT-90:http://www.redlineoil.com/prod...yID=7

I will try to make a detailed How-to during the week

and the 6MT badge is a photoshop, I will try making it later with some plastic or ceramic and some chrome spay

[GreyZone]

hahahaha, it IS photoshop...thats great. It would look great on the car, definnitely worth stating! There are places to get custom badges made?

Thanks for your help on the other...that is some really good info! Hopefully the days of the Shicky Stifter will be limited

[SHIFT_COUPE]

OK, I'll try making a how-to as soon as I can

With pictures if possible Thanks man!

[desantim]

i have the EXACT same problem...but the service person said "nissans have the worst transmission compared to nissan, mazda, etc..." i cant believe i heard this, its like why dont they inform every buyer prior to selling us there vechicles...stupid bishez

Just like school, homework is important to do.

I read at least 2 very reputable reviews and very easy to find (top 2 spots on google when searching for "Nissan Altima 2008 Review"), that the Nissan Altima had a very clunky and cheap feeling 6 speed shifter, and both reviewers ended with, they normally would never suggest an "auto" over the stick in a sports sedan or coupe, but in this case, the CVT (which was the best they had felt in any automobile to date), was the way to go over the crappy 6 speed manual. Ironic how Nissan got the CVT SO right, and the manual SO wrong.

~m

[chow]

Man a worn clutch already? This car just came out a few months ago!

I do experience the same thing but i dont think its that bad.. i mean.. what harm could it do? Whenever im throwing the pedal to the metal im shifting uber hard and fast that nothign can stop me anyhow.. The problem only happens when im crusing down the freeway .. Anywho.. Buying new parts to replace new parts seems kinda.. wasteful to me.

[GreyZone]

HAd the dealer check out the shifting issues this morning. Of course, the sevice guy said he didn't think anything was wrong with it, but they didnt have another MT for him to compare it to.

I like what he said when I told him it was feeling pretty damn notchy, he said, "Nissan does make a very positive feel shifter, so you can feel it going into gear." I thought damn, he should be on the sales floor, not in service!

I'll probably be switching to redline synthetic, THat sounds like a good idea, that should smooth out the shifting a bit. Still, loving the car more and more every day.

THe service guy also said, regarding the FIRST GEAR issue, "Oh that...you should clear it through second gear first. Dont shift into first, unless you have gone through second, THat will line it up better, make is smoother going back into first." Okay, so that's new infomrmation to me, I;ll give it a try.
Modified by GreyZone at 8:08 AM 12/7/2007

[SHIFT_COUPE]

THe service guy also said, regarding the FIRST GEAR issue, "Oh that...you should clear it through second gear first. Dont shift into first, unless you have gone through second, THat will line it up better, make is smoother going back into first." Okay, so that's new infomrmation to me, I;ll give it a try.

Thats a fairly strange recommendation. He's basically saying that if I'm at a light, I should put it in second then first to start moving just to make a smoother transition Odd.

[GreyZone]

His point was, if coming to the red light, maybe you end up going from third to neutral as you stop. Then light changes, you shift into first (in this case, you didn't go through second). He is saying that will/can result in a rougher shift into first gear.

So, in the case above, light changes, push in the clutch, shift into second, then first and go. This "clears" the gear (his words) and "promotes better alignment" (his words again) and smoother shifting into first.

If, as your stopping, lets say you shift from third, then into second, then go to neutral...when the light changes just go right into first, as you have already "cleared" through second.

Now, does this really make a difference? Don't know, havent tried it yet.

[AltimaJoe]

A little off topic, but this thread reminded me... I lived in England for a couple of years and had a 1989 BMW 535i. I think the year was 2004, so it was a fairly old car. Anyway, that whole thing about cars not letting you accidentally shift into first from a higher gear must not have been invented yet because I accidentally shifted from second to first instead of second to third. Long story short, when I let off the clutch it sheared all the bolts connecting the drive shaft to the differential. That sucked and because the bolts were BMW bolts they cost me 15 pounds each (about $30 USD). 6 bolts at $30 each. Good news was that when the diff went a month later I found a used one from a junkyard for 18 pounds!

[RagingAardvark]

HAd the dealer check out the shifting issues this morning. Of course, the sevice guy said he didn't think anything was wrong with it, but they didnt have another MT for him to compare it to.

I had the same reaction from my Nissan dealer. Said everything was just fine, but sure enough, no change from its behavior. The problem only exists when the car is cold, once it warms up it's fine. All of this just convinced me to go back to doing my own maintenance. I'll be swapping out the transmission fluid.

[Dexion]

A little off topic, but this thread reminded me... I lived in England for a couple of years and had a 1989 BMW 535i. I think the year was 2004, so it was a fairly old car. Anyway, that whole thing about cars not letting you accidentally shift into first from a higher gear must not have been invented yet because I accidentally shifted from second to first instead of second to third. Long story short, when I let off the clutch it sheared all the bolts connecting the drive shaft to the differential. That sucked and because the bolts were BMW bolts they cost me 15 pounds each (about $30 USD). 6 bolts at $30 each. Good news was that when the diff went a month later I found a used one from a junkyard for 18 pounds!

Yeah that sucks, I heard BMW gearboxes aren't the best either. However this definitely is a feature on the Altima's. Once I wanted to shift into 3rd but made a mishap and shifted into 1st. Luckily for me I was still within 30-35mph but it was hard as hell to get into 1st! Thankfully I know if I shift wrong since the car almost throws me out of the window and when I feel that happening I push the clutch back in.