It won't go in 2nd gear

MJMMI1

MEMBER
2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
6.3L
V8
2WD
MANUAL
23,000 MILES

When I first drive the car, 45 mins. To an hour I have no problem shifting into 2nd gear, functions normally. After that time when I try to shift into 2nd from a dead stop, (red light etc) it won't go in 2nd gear. The only way I can get it into 2nd is if I have the RPMS up and do like a speed shift. Even then when it goes into gear it is not completely fluid.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This is because of one of two reasons. Either you have an issue with the synchronizer for second gear that starts to act up when it is hot or an issue with the clutch. However, if second gear is the only one that is affected then it is most likely not the clutch.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/clutch-symptoms

When the transmission gets hot and the blocking ring in the synchro starts to get hot it can cause an issue with it allowing it to slip into gear.

Basically, the blocking ring is there to match the engine RPM from the input shaft to what the gear will be spinning so that you are not jerking and slamming gears when shifting.

So, I suspect this is worn out most likely because when "racing" or driving hard, first to second is the shift that is the hardest shift.

I suspect we are going to have to tear the unit down and inspect this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/transmission-replacement-removal-manual

I attached the info below about the Syncros so that you can review this and let us know what questions you have. Thanks

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