Manual Transmission – Questions!

[aidan80]

It’s been a few years actually about 6 or 7 since I last drove a manual properly and that was back home on the other side of the road and on the other side of the car in a now 10 – 14 year old “passion wagon” lol. So it’s more than fair to say I’m just a wee bit rusty and I’m hoping those that can or do drive manuals can help me shake off the cobwebs. I did drive a Saturn here on and off for a while but I hated the transmission on that thing I have to fight it into first then drag it into second!

The only issue I seem to have is switching gears I sometimes thump between gears. It’s 50/50 sometimes smooth others thump from one gear to the next! I can’t seem to figure out what I’m doing wrong! I can start on a hill fine, I’ve almost got (and I think this is my problem) where the catch point is between the accelerator and the clutch but I do miss it quite a bit. Shifting up (apart from the thump) is fine, down is perfect even slowing using the engine am still good enough. I’ve stalled about a dozen times so far mostly on a stupid speed bump I have to get over after stopping! I normally change gears at about 2,500RPM or 3,000RPM. I really think I just don’t fully have that catch point yet to stop my from thumping into gear.

Any thoughts, idea’s suggestions? I want to be very gentle with this car and have it last without me killing the transmission, clutch or something else. Another thing does anyone’s seat groan and squeak? Mine does from the center at the back if I smack it or press on it with my body it stops?

Thanks!

[NODES]

I have an occasional passenger squeak, Hard to find exactly where it is coming from though.

[Versa357]

I have a 5spd, I stalled it a few times and finally realized when I stalled I was really in 3rd gear not 1st.I drive a tractor trailer everyday with a 10spd so I would mess up thinking of the truck.Where 1st gear is on my versa is where reverse is on the truck so I wasn't moving the stick all the way to the left..

[aidan80]

The odd squeak isn't so bad but I half expect it at this price point. I'm still very very happy with this car. Now if I could just get the hang on the clutch/accelerator when changing gears and not slap it into gear I'd be doing better! I'm changing gears fine 1,2,3,4,5,6 perfect it's just going from 1 - 2 I get a thump, 2-3 thump.. 3-4.. thump. I know it's me because sometimes I don't do it. I'll just have to figure it out!

[morgan]

The squeak is the head rest shafts. If your rear-ended the force of your body in the seat back makes the headrest come forward slightly and kind of cushion your head, Not sure if it is actually designed as an active headrest like some of their other vehicles, though it behaves the same way and you get the bonus squeak.

[NODES]

The odd squeak isn't so bad but I half expect it at this price point. I'm still very very happy with this car. Now if I could just get the hang on the clutch/accelerator when changing gears and not slap it into gear I'd be doing better! I'm changing gears fine 1,2,3,4,5,6 perfect it's just going from 1 - 2 I get a thump, 2-3 thump.. 3-4.. thump. I know it's me because sometimes I don't do it. I'll just have to figure it out!

No brand new car should have squeaks or rattles....no excuses.

Something like "new" designed strut mounts that have issues I understand because it is something new made and it takes time to perfect.

But rattles...no way

[aidan80]

I plan to have the dealer find and tighten or fix that sound that's coming from the seat otherwise there isn't any issues. Well apart from my getting used to driving again! lol