Transmission Problem: Can't downshift to first?

[petebra11]

So I have a question/problem Nico: (1991 Z32, 2+2 (N/A of course), 5-Speed)

Here I am, driving along, cruising in fourth, and here comes a stop light on a hill. Now every stick-driver knows, you have to play with the clutch when stopped on a hill. To do so, you sort of have to be in first. Well, my first gear won't shift down until I am at a DEAD stop (Or when the RPM's match, which is almost more effective than using the clutch in this situation). So what I end up doing is, as I slow down, I have my foot off the clutch, giving slight pressure to 1st gear. When the RPM's match, it shifts in, and starts to stall the car, at which point I push the clutch in, and proceed to play with it to successfully stay still on the hill.

My question is, is this a stock deal? Like a reverse lock for first gear to protect the engine at speed? Or is there a synchro problem? Sorry I don't know too much about Transmissions and let alone their problems.

Thanks Nico!

[dantesdoom]

Mine is similar, but i can go into first provided i am going slower that 5 MPH. This is a question i also want to know the real answer to. Even my dads Hardbody lets me downshift sooner that my Z.

[x999TaNnEr999x]

alot of 300s have this problem?.. hmm try the slave cylinder

[s3xrapt0r]

in alot of cars you cant do this. in my probe for example i would have to force it into first if im in third but if im in second it pops right in.. diffrent car but same issue. its proably a saftey feature or w.e you want to call it. plus i dont down shift into first ever. if im rolling or creeping a little bit i keep it in second

[BUTTONBOY]

Mine is the same way. I have to be like 5mph or below to get it into first. Not really an issue though, works fine otherwise.

[car nut]

It's just the synchros. Most synchronized transmissions are like this. If you ever get the chance while driving an unsynchronized car (assuming the owner isn't with you), try and go into 1st gear at speed (DON'T LIFT THE CLUTCH!!!). The transmission will grind. This is what synchros are for.

alot of 300s have this problem?.. hmm try the slave cylinder

Stay in the Altima forum please.

[Zwicked]

Your clutch needs adjusting or replacement. When they get old and the PP springs get weak it won't fully release even with the pedal to the floor causing what you have. The other possible issue is the master cylinder. Try adjusting it first until you have about 1/2" play at the top of the pedal stroke but if that doesn't solve it, it's more than likely the clutch or the MC.

[petebra11]

Finally got to looking in to it very deeply. Slave Cylinder isn't being pressed back completely, so Clutch Problem

And it used to downshift in to first, that's why I ask. Dropping the transmission later in the month to resurface the flywheel, and I will see what's going on with those nasty little springs. Also a new problem rises. Terrible screeching from my transmission heard from hundreds of yards away, and only happens when it is cold. Warms up, totally fine. It's the the throw-out either, any ideas?

I was thinking Main Seal Bearing at the back of the transmission, but I am not completely sure until I drop it.

[grk nickafis]

alot of 300s have this problem?.. hmm try the slave cylinder

i changed my slave cylinder, now I can go into reverse and stuff better but not first. I figured, who cares. I only use first gear to take off anyway which means i'm at a stop.

I heard you shouldn't use 1st gear to engine break. only down to second and then apply breaks or coast to a stop.

[petebra11]

I heard you shouldn't use 1st gear to engine break. only down to second and then apply breaks or coast to a stop.

No, never. I just find it aggravating to use either second gear, or brake enough (while going 7 MPH to bring it below 5 or so) to shift to first. Never intended for engine braking (Which would end up "Engine Breaking"), just being in a very hilly city of Seattle, I wish it would freely downshift to first while under say, 5k 1st gear speeds.

But yes, I have lived with it, so I guess it really doesn't need a fix. Like the saying goes, If it ain't broken, don't fix it.

[Oh Em Zee]

Seems as if my Dad managed to pull this thread out of the graveyard for me to read, and i'd like to say i also have an issue with a ton of transmission noise in the mornings (all years, matching engine RPM).
Totally hear that whine for 100 feet or more, and it's only when it's cold outside. I've had the transmission extensively looked at, throw out pivot replaced, pilot bushing replaced. My 1st gear is also a load of 5mph B.S. what a pain in parking lots!

[es.biggs]

I wonder if anybody can get into 1st without slowing down to like 5 mph

[Ace2cool]

Nope. It's a safety lockout Nissan engineered to keep people from asploding their transmissions/engines by downshifting too early.

[Oh Em Zee]

Next question. how do I unsafety-unlockout my Nico engineered transmission

[es.biggs]

Lol yeah what he said! hahaha

[Chattzx]

Nope. It's a safety lockout Nissan engineered to keep people from asploding their transmissions/engines by downshifting too early.

Hmm I figured it was something like this, I have never even been able to rev match down-shift into 1st gear.

[Oh Em Zee]

I've been able to rev-match downshift one time, going up a ramp at the parking garage. I was rolling at about 10mph, and it felt sooooo nice to feel the transmission accept 1st gear and slide in at a little under 2k rpm or so. i wish it was like that every time.
(mostly because i was afraid i was about to embarrass myself and have to nearly full stop to get into first)

[BigTDogg (MA)]

Pop it into second then first, works for me, and my clutch fork is fuct.

I only use 1st when moving from a dead stop

[Oh Em Zee]

I'll give it a try today. thanks

[es.biggs]

Man it is kinda irritating in parking lots and stuff...where you get to the bottom of 2nd and it starts to bog, but it's still too fast to get into first. Either slow down extra and look like a tard or slip the clutch a little longer to get going in 2nd. Grr. haha. Hopefully mine will get better when I put the new clutch MC on this weekend. My car is getting really hard to drive with the one I have now going bad!