Shifter problems

[lude4life13]

I noticed the tech section was going to I am posting this here. Ever since I got my car (s13, sr tranny, b&m shifter), I have had a problem getting out of first and second while the car is not moving. I can take it out of gear once I roll a bit, or with a lot of force. Recently, I also noticed that it is getting harder and that it takes more force to get into second when I am driving.

I initially thought these problems were caused by an ebay short shifter that came with the car, so I changed it out to a B&M short shifter, but the problem did not go away. Then I pondered the idea that it might be the gears or synchros. I took the car to a transmission shop and after they test drove it they told be it could not be the gears or the synchros, because sometimes it will easily go in and out of gear.

I just wanted to get some opinions from zilvians as to what my problem may be. It seems like the shifter gets stuck when its on the left side (going to first and second) so I am not sure what to think. I am trying to avoid having to drop the transmission and open it up, but I think that may be my last option. Thanks.

[r20crazy]

1st gear has a lockout, so u cant accidentely go into it after a certain speed. u may need to bleed the clutch/master cylinders, and/or adjust the clutch master push rod under the dash connected to the pedal. if problem is intermitant, its most likely air in the system and bleeding it properly will fix ur issue, unless u have a system leak, which u"ll have to track down. also check ur trans fluid level, and if ur unsure make sure ur using gl-4 compatable fluid. most trans fluids sold now at autoparts stores are gl-5, which isnt rcmded for brass syncros

[lude4life13]

My problem is that it is getting stuck IN 1st and 2nd. I know about the lockout. When I am already in 1st AND stopped, it does not want to come out of first unless I roll the car a little or use excessive force. Same thing with second. Also, this only happens in 1st and 2nd so I figured my clutch system is ok.

About the tranny fluid, I am planning to change it this weekend so I can rule that out as well. thanks for the advice.

[r20crazy]

u need to adjust ur clutch master push rod under the dash, the clutch is not fully disengaging when u depress the clutch pedal. this may also be due to air in the system when its warm (or even cold). was the clutch replaced recently or any part of the system? if u have the stock clutch dampener system its all but inpossible to bleed and maybe ur issue. pm me to continue this conversation tomorrow morning, I gotta be up at 5am so going to bed in 10 mins. im near LAX so maybe able to help

[fliprayzin240sx]

I dont think its the pedal adjustment. It shouldn't be hard to pop the shifter OUT OF GEAR. Hell, with a short throw shifter, it should just pop out of the gear without even stepping on the clutch.

Change the tranny oil with some AMSOIL or MT-90 first, see if that helps it since thats a cheap option.

[TaDLaD]

I heard alot about short shifters messing up trans first three gears.. I had this problem also bleed and I would try to find OEM shifter or a really good short shifter..

[lude4life13]

I changed the oil to mt90 and I still have the problem. Since this also happens when the car is not running, I have ruled out that it is a clutch issue since it will go in but not out. I also have a good functioning B&M SS so I know it can't be that. My last thought is that it has to do with the shifter assembly inside the tranny. Its drivable so I will probably just drive it like this until I want to spend $$ on a used tranny and open this one up.

Thanks for all the help guys, if anyone has something to add that we have missed feel free to post.

[fliprayzin240sx]

Yah, its definitely something in the tranny. Clutch related stuff will only give you issues trying to put the car in gear, not out of it for the most part.