A big factor in the 1st to 2nd shift is... the XFire has a "long throw" clutch and a "short throw" shifter. Makes it very hard to get a smooth shift.

 

But the rest of the gears are fine. I just find it occassionally (when cold) hard to get the stick into second and the clutch take up after is a lurch fest. I would like to see a TSB for this cuz it inhibits the fun AND polish of the car.
Still, I like it better than the automatic.


The rest of the gears...into and out of third and on up is fine.

First gear is very short and I often just start in 2nd.



Dallas

 

A TSB won't help... again, long throw clutch and a short throw shifter, you do the math. :wink:

 

If it is hard to shift and does pop out of gear it is a synchronizer.

 

The Chrysler techs that contribute to this board�c all threads�c have been very helpful, and knowledgeable. At the same time, many o f those making a living at SELLING the cars�c

well, maybe we we ought to have more of the techs in the front of the dealerships.

 

If I am not trying to get on the car 1st to 3rd does the job pretty well...and is very smooth.

This car pulls well through all the gears.

 

Hi

I am new to this forum so I would like to ask if anyone anywhere has had the shift to second gear problem eliminated by Chrysler service. Originally, I had the transmission drop out of first gear so Chrysler replaced the entire transmission. Now when I ask if the shift to second problem can be eliminated, I'm told "they are all like that" and end of discussion!

I have a 2004 coupe. Do the 2005's also have this problem? I feel Chrysler (and or my dealer) dont believe this is serious enough to to continue to persue. I disagree. Any solutions?

cman

 

I asssume you have checked that the oil level is right to the top of the fill plug? Have you tried the standard shift lever adjustment with Special tool 9120? It's a real easy dealer adjustment.
I am sorry and I really feel guilty, but mine shifts pretty good, however I have noticed one thing. If you have driven a lot of standards as I have, you have a rythem of clutch/gas that is instinctive, right?
With the stock chipped Xfire the throttle response has a delay which throws off this rythem and you get the jerk! I know it sounds funny but as I got used to the delay, my shifts smoothed right out. Just try to hit your throttle quick and you will see what I am talking about, there is a noticable pause. When I get mine chipped this summer, I'll probably have to get used to the quicker throttle response all over. Have any of you tried the standard shift chipped? Sorry about the spelling!
PS: I saw an article in a magazine about 4 months ago that commented on the MB SLK standard transmission that said that "it is a good thing that MB upgraded the standard trans as the earlier 2000 models were pretty bad". I assume we have that newer model?

 

I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE THE 1-2 SHIFT IN THIS CAR.

Thats right. Many of you have probably heard me complain about this in one thread or another on these forums.. but let's be honest, IT'S HORRIBLE!

Mine doesn't pop out of gear, but so what? You shouldn't have to force your transmission into gear.. yet I always have to push against resistance to get it into 1st and 2nd.. sometimes its smooth.. but way too often its horrible.. feels like I'm shifting through a bucket of gravel. This should be a warranty issue, not just the popping out of gear. I don't notice it as much anymore because I'm just used to it.. but whenever I really think about it.. I get furious. I shouldn't have to get used to my transmission shifting like crap in first and second. You pay 35k or however much, you should have a tranmission that's smooth.. Why can Honda put a smooth transmission in a 12k Civic, but you get a Chrysler and the transmission is a piece of garbage?

Manual transmissions should be smooth. Granted you get used to it, and you can shift the car fast and effectively. But it's still an annoyance.

My biggest issue is just that I feel something is wrong with these trannies.. and they will go bad sooner or later.. and then it won't be covered by warranty.. that's what I worry about. Having to force your shift **** into first and second CAN'T be good for the transmission. There has to be some sort of damage thats occuring every time we do that and sooner or later we'll all be posting on these forums about how our transmissions are ruined and we only have 25,000 miles.