Hard to shift into 1st or 2nd when cold?

[SerebReal]

First off, forgive me if these are noob questions, but I'm brand new to MTX and AWD platform. When my VR4 is cold and not warmed up yet, shifting into second can be difficult - kind of clunk/grind goes along with the shift sometimes. Going back into first is the same deal. After a few shifts back and forth - or the car warming up a little, not sure which - it seems to shift mostly fine.

I don't know what trans fluid is in it right now, or really any of the history of this car at all. It has 75k miles, BPU stage 1 mods.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[Stelthturkey]

Same thing, its normal...
Just try take it easy, and try not to downshift a lot.
Also, it's always good to let your cars sit for a bit and idle before driving them. (not that you don't know that already)

[Robbie1902]

Agree when its cold out its gonna be tough to shift just got to let it warm up a bit

[92stealth15g]

yeah, its just because its cold. It can also have a lot to do with your tranny fluid. i think BG syncroshift II has good cold shift performace.

[lawdogg]

It sounds normal, mine does this when I first start driving on a cold morning.

However, I would recommend draining the mystery fluid and filling with Redline fluids. A 50/50 mix of MT90 and MTX.

[boy_genius94]

Originally Posted by lawdogg

It sounds normal, mine does this when I first start driving on a cold morning.

However, I would recommend draining the mystery fluid and filling with Redline fluids. A 50/50 mix of MT90 and MTX.

+1 my car doesnt do that, shifts the same warm or cold. But! I would strongly recomend you check all the fluids. Had my car checked out after I bought it and rechecked it my self after the dealer had checked it. Found out I only had at most 2 cups of fluid in the tranny!

So check all your fluids, it couldnt hurt.

[92stealth15g]

Originally Posted by lawdogg

I would recommend draining the mystery fluid and filling with Redline fluids. A 50/50 mix of MT90 and MTX.

dont you mean a 50/50 mix of MT90 and MTL?

[phantomrt]

Originally Posted by boy_genius94

+1 my car doesnt do that, shifts the same warm or cold. But! I would strongly recomend you check all the fluids. Had my car checked out after I bought it and rechecked it my self after the dealer had checked it. Found out I only had at most 2 cups of fluid in the tranny!

So check all your fluids, it couldnt hurt.

No, he was talking about when its cold. Like 10 degrees Fahrenheit cold. Not 55 degrees Los Angeles morning cold.

Good idea to check the fluid level for sure... especially since these cars are old, probably leak, and the fluid level may have never been checked before. Most manual transmissions I've ever driven in a variety of cars would be tough shifting into the lower gears until the fluid circulated and got warmed up a bit. I wonder why they want 80w90 gear oil in these transmissions.... I was thinking of trying some lighter 10w 30 or something. Anyone try that? It should help in the cold. Other manual transmissions out there use 10W30 engine oil with no problems. Maybe the friction material on the synchros need it or something?

[92stealth15g]

Originally Posted by phantomrt

No, he was talking about when its cold. Like 10 degrees Fahrenheit cold. Not 55 degrees Los Angeles morning cold.

Im talking about NEGATIVE 10 degree Wyoming mornings!! hah.

[lawdogg]

Originally Posted by 92stealth15g

dont you mean a 50/50 mix of MT90 and MTL?

Yeah, I do. LOL! Good eye.