Grinding Transmission

[lonestar22]

lately my car is having an issue shifting into 2nd gear and 3rd gear. it grinds unless rev matched. should i just buy a new transmission? or is there a way to bring it back to life?

[jlevie]

There is a possibility that the clutch isn't fully releasing. That could be caused by a misadjusted clutch stop (if one has been installed), a failing master or slave cylinder, a worn out clutch, or bad pilot bearing. In that case it is usually difficult to select 1st or reverse when the car is stationary. The other possibility is worn syncros in the transmission. A fluid change may help (I like Redline MTL), but eventually the transmission will need to be replaced.

[lonestar22]

yeah im planning on changing the fluid asap. what do u recommend as far as actually pumping fluid into the transmission?

also the clutch grabs fine in first gear and shifts perfectly in all other gears but 2nd and 3rd. could it still be the master or the slave?

[jlevie]

I use a suction gun to put fluid into the transmission or differential. HINT: remove the fill plug before the drain lug. You don't want to drain the transmission and then find that you can't get the fill plug out.

Is is a bit difficult to get into first or reverse when the car is stopped? That could be a sign that the clutch isn't fully releasing, which in turn could be a problem with the clutch hydraulics.

[lonestar22]

nope it goes into first and reverse the way it always has. it drives perfect until you get to 2nd or 3rd. if i rev match it drives perfect. but it will not go in 2nd or 3rd AT ALL unless i rev match it

[jlevie]

That does sound like a failing transmission. Change the fluid and start looking for a good replacement.