Couldn't get into 2nd gear...SOLVED

Rjsnyc

Rjsnyc

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I suddenly couldn't get into 2nd gear. I found I can get it into 2nd gear if I lift the stick up while pulling back. I do have to pull back further than usual to engage the gear. I'm assuming it's the shifter linkage.

I saw the post about removing the shifter console and the leather bag around the shifter. My console already releases on the left side w/o needing to remove any screws, but the right side sticks. I assume ill find that answer in the post once I reread it.

Suggestions for the culprit of 2nd gear, or should I plan on replacing all the parts in the linkage?

Best

(As I have been asking many questions, and don't have much yet to give back, I will be making a donation to the site. Thanks.)
 
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....either the front mounting of the platform or the gearbox mounting is loose or worn, to be ✔️
 
I hadn't mentioned this is a Getrag 5 speed. Does this change any of the comments above? Shift linkage assembly...?
 
Rjsnyc said:
I hadn't mentioned this is a Getrag 5 speed. Does this change any of the comments above? Shift linkage assembly...?
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no, you'll have to get under the car and check everything out. And a 5 speed has 2 fewer shift tower bushings than the 4 speed.
 
Rjsnyc said:
Thanks Chris. Can this be done from inside the cabin, or must I get under the car?
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In 18 years of ownership I can think of only two repairs done from inside the cabin: a blown fuse, and clutch pedal assembly... time to step out and get the hands dirty :).
 
Arde said:
In 18 years of ownership I can think of only two repairs done from inside the cabin: a blown fuse, and clutch pedal assembly... time to step out and get the hands dirty :).
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It’s the rolling the jack out on the street in Manhattan that gets to be thought through a bit. ;)
 
Will the stick shift be in neutral at any time while I approach this? My emergency brake is not great, re jacking the car. I do have chocks for the rear wheels...or, whomever does shift it for me while I'm under the car, just insure using the brakes as well?

grateful student
 
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How are you planning to jack up and support the car? You shoud use jack stands. This is not an easy job to do on your back in close quarters while someone presses the brake for an hour. Is there not a shop that can do this for you?
 
Sit in your car, put the transmission into neutral, and pull up and push down on the shift knob. Is the shifter shaft loose?
 
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Stevehose said:
How are you planning to jack up and support the car? You shoud use jack stands. This is not an easy job to do on your back in close quarters while someone presses the brake for an hour. Is there not a shop that can do this for you?
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I was bit facetious in mentioning the Manhattan streets above. I'm out of town w the car and do have room. Yes on the jack stands, but I have only two. I do have chocks for the rears wheels. My Concern is the car rolling if using two stands only, on the front end. Perhaps I'm wrong. Four would do it surely. I'll look at emergency brake too.

I would like to tackle this one myself for experince. And I have bigger jobs to give to a shop. eg, I just had an entirely new ac system installed, as the car came without.
 
sfdon said:
Sit in your car, put the transmission into neutral, and pull up and push down on the shift knob. Is the shifter shaft loose?
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From first to neutral the stick pops up a bit to get into neutral. The stick does go up and down a bit in neutral, but lots of play if pulled back/ to aft. Doesn’t engage in second where second should be . Neutral feels now like a 2 inch square or rectangle, rather than just side to side movement. It will go into second if I lift the sick up when pulling back.

Seems as others have said the shift tower bushing is shot. That’s ordered and arrives to me today. Wondering what other items may need replacing and if can only determine from under the car.

Thanks for the question sfdon
 
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