Is this normal for S14 5-speeds?

[stickgoat]

So I've had my '96 240 for probably about a month now. During this time I've noticed that shifting to first is a lot more difficult than any of the other gears.

Warm or cold, moving or stopped, shifting to first requires a considerable amount of effort. Every other gear is selected easily and smoothly...I dunno what's up with 1st. I'm wondering if this is a normal occurance for these cars or if this is something I can fix.

Input is obviously appreciated.

[90240sx]

i've noticed the same occurance in my 90 coupe, you can't shift into first while the car is moving very fast. this i think is a safe guard, similar to not being able to shift from 5th right into reverse.

[90240sx]

its never been HARD to shift, so if yours is, you might need a new gear box or something

[MikeS14240sx]

Don't worry..... Its normal for shifts to first and the reverse gear to be a little more difficult. Its there for protection to the drive train. The owner's manual says,

"If it is difficult to move the shift lever into reverse or first, shift into neutral, then release the clutch pedal and shift into reverse or first again."

[Former_240_s14]

Its becuase first does not have a synchronizer "neither does reverse". In my opinion "and many others" the synchro's on almost all the gears that have them suck a$$. Just flush out your transmission and put some new transmission fluid in, helped me alot. Good luck.

[Daunttless]

damnit, I was just about to say that, typed it all up then saw your post. Do what he said. : )

[Former_240_s14]

Thanks for the praise dauntless. lol

[Daunttless]

Heh, yer welcome. Also, to add to the synchros comment, the third gear synchro is especially ****ty, and mis-shifts don't help it at all, expect that one to grind on quite a number of 240s. : (

[Former_240_s14]

I will have to add the 3rd gear will piss you off while you race at the track. I hate hearing that sound while running my quarter mile. Everyone thinks I am missing gears but its just those damn synchro's.

[UnderPressure]

uhmmm, try your engine mounts. that happened on my altima. when they wear (theyre rubber) or break or tear the engine moves moving it out of alignment with the transmission. So check that too. . . ~chris

[Megaseth]

after my crash, the guys at the shop did a rebuild of my slave cylinder and master cylinder. they looked at the transmission and said i had little fluid in it. i was having trouble shifting into 1st when i was not moving. try this and see if it helps.

[blink0r]

I'm going to change the fluid in my transmission this weekend, we'll see what happens.

Also, when i'm slowly moving... i find it very hard to shift into first. I can only put it into first when i'm goign about 10km/hour or less.

[Former_240_s14]

Hey blink, the problem that you encounter trying to shift into first while moving is becuase there is no synchro in 1st or reverse. Thats why if you haven't noticed that its easier to shift into 1st before putting into reverse. Try to comming to a complete stop before putting it in first, otherwise just keep her in 2nd. Goodluck this weekend with your transmission.

[Tino]

1-3 are a problem for me. 2nd is the worst 3rd aint that bad but noticable

[PabloHoney]

Its becuase first does not have a synchronizer "neither does reverse". In my opinion "and many others" the synchro's on almost all the gears that have them suck a$$. Just flush out your transmission and put some new transmission fluid in, helped me alot. Good luck.

1st gear has a synchro, although you were right in saying that reverse does not. If 1st gear didn't have a synchro you wouldn't be able to put it into gear while moving at all without grinding. The synchro just takes forever to get the shaft spinning so fast.

[Former_240_s14]

Are you sure???? If you are right "which you prob. are", thanks for the correction, but I could of sweared that 1st didn't.