maci

iTrader: (3)

Hi all,

Recently I bought a my05 sti PPP, and noticed that in the mornings, almost always the geardbox is a bit sticky, and even more, very annoyingly I cannot just simply put it in the 2nd ger from 1st or 3rd. All other gears are fine.
After driving like 10 mins, it starts to go into the 2nd, a bit still difficultly for the first 3-4 changes I kind of have to push the gearstick hard to the left and then down to succeed, after that seems to warm up and goes fine and easy.
This is always noticable, and the colder the weather it is, the more difficult it is and even if there are 10 degrees is already there.
I have taken it back to the Subaru garage where I bought the car, they changed the gearbox oil, and they told me that this is normal for the 6 speed gearbox. Needless to say that the oilchange didn't make any difference.

I have been doing here some searches to find out if other ppl have similar problems, but I coudn't conclude to anything. Frankly I find it super annoying, especially after owning a bug ppp, with the 5 speed gearbox which worked perfectly even from -10 degress....

please advice,

thx

mgcvk

Must still be under warranty so get it down the dealers.

maci

iTrader: (3)

Yes it is under warranty, however dealer says this is normal. They did change the gearbox oil for free, but made no improvement for me. I asked them to check the gearbox and clutch and they told me that they are like new... So not really sure what to do....
I've read around here that ppl put in a different oil, and for some the problem was solved - I've mentioned this to the dealer and they said that it is probably a thinner oil and that might be better at cold, but then it will not protect good enough when warm.

Oppinions please

Rince

Sounds like the dealer is trying to pull a fast one - never heard of that being normal!

GazTheHat

I notice on mine, until warm, the whole car seems off, and yes gearchanges seem a little more difficult, but no problems actually getting it in.

maci

iTrader: (3)

I'd expect that, but unfortunately in mine is not possible to get it in 2nd. I know I shouldn't force it, but I even tried it once out of curiosity, and no it just doesn't go in.... So I really wonder, maybe the syncro is damaged or smth. But if I go back I know they will just want to dissmiss me with the "it is normal" comment, so what should I do ? check it out at another subaru dealer ?

The very wierd thing is that it goes into revers perfectly from the 1st attempt always as cold. Never had a car which did that, normally that is where they were a bit sticy or I had to double clutch; but no not this one. However I wished it was so good in the 2nd too...

maci

iTrader: (3)

That is my feeling too....

GazTheHat

Ah right, no, that does sound wrong. Try another dealer! Or a specialist in your area.

Stuart Knight

iTrader: (2)

My 6 speed is very heavy and notchy when cold, but then I put that down to the fact that I am running Redline Heavy Shock Proof oil. Once warm it selects just fine.

Prasius

iTrader: (1)

Same here - my '02 6-speed is horrible when cold; but fantastic after 10 - 15 minutes so it's all forgiven

maci

iTrader: (3)

when you say horrible, do you mean you have also problems selecting a gear ?

For me it is just strange that from 1st I have to go 3rd, so I end up at 1000 rpm as when cold I don't rev high..... in 10 mins is indeed quite good.

Prasius

iTrader: (1)

yip, a pain to get into 2nd and back into 1st from 2nd - like yours reverse no issue at all.

I don't drive her that hard quickly, but obviously 10 minutes of running is all it takes for the oil to warm up a bit. I'm booked in for my 60,000 mile service next week, which means the transmission fluid is at the end of its life, but obviously you've just had yours changed.

I'm blaming it on being cold simply because the colder it is when I first use her, the worse the gearbox. If its a mild day/morning its hardly noticable and once she's had her first run of the day everythings fine. I figured if it was something more serious it would be a pain all the time.

Microstar

Classic sign of wear/damage to second-gear synchro. It eases when the oil warms up because the oil thins out a little with heat. This allows the synchro to 'bite' better and the baulking goes away. Previous owner probably was heavy-handed shifting 1-2. I don't know what oil you are running, but changing to a slightly thinner friction-modified MTF may help a bit.

Prasius

iTrader: (1)

ahh - thanks for the hint then

I'll just have to make sure I break it in the next 12 months properly then as its got an extended warranty

danfranklin1

Don't take any s**t off the dealer. It's not normal, and if it is Subaru should bloody well sort it. Mention the Sale of Goods act to the dealer. Threaten courts and problems go away.

maci

iTrader: (3)

This sounds logical to me. Have no idea what previous owner did to the car, but mileage is very low on the car. What can cause damage to the syncro ? changing gears without fully depressing the clutch maybe ?

911

It realy should all simply work.
Impreza boxes are not fragile despite all the conversation, and it is a production car so works like an Astra does!

Chase them down.

johnnyroper

as 911 said it should work simple as that!

get it back down the dealer and dont let them give you any crap

maci

iTrader: (3)

Thx, guys. Tomorrow first thing I'll call them and make an appointment.