disorganise
Member
All,
I need some help/advice.
The gear change in my car has never, in my opinion, been as it should. I reported at the first 3000km service that 1st to 2nd gear change was particularly notchy/lumpy at times but no fault was found.
Over time the experience became worse, with 1st and reverse gear becoming particularly difficult to engage at times (physically difficult/impossible to select the gear and needing a combination of clutch pumps, selecting alternate gears etc to finally 'free' it). Unfortunately, the general response was 'no fault found'
Just prior to the 3rd birthday (and thus end of warranty) the clutch was replaced and whilst it made a small difference, it wasn't lasting. Eventually, in April, Holden approved the gearbox to be stripped down and examined - a process that would take a week. Earlier this month I finally had the opportunity to part with the car for a few days and dropped it off.
The feedback was very vague (something about an input shaft) but the net result was that the gearbox was to be replaced. Said replacement has now happened, and the general gear shift is dramatically improved - but it still isn't right. Driving home from the dealer I had difficulty selecting 1st a few times, and at one set of lights 2nd gear (stationary) was totally 'locked out'. I'm no mechanic, but could there be something loose in the linkage or something?
Am I being unrealistic in expecting the gear shift to be accurate and smooth? Could someone with a manual SS describe their shift experience?
The new box has definitely made a difference - shifting at around 3,500 rpm is spot on now, though I am finding a quick drop into 2nd almost grinds despite toe/heeling, like the clutch isn't fast enough or something - but I guess that could be me!
FWIW I've owned several manual cars over the years ('77 mini, '83 Austin Metro, '78 Renault 18, '78 Volvo 244, '77 Celica GT, '90 Celica GT4) and driven many others, and I don't recall similar issues other than when clutches have worn out through age (although the GT4's 1st to 2nd shift was always pretty crap). This is my first brand new car so maybe I expect too much - but saying that I test drove a clubsport last year and it's box was fantastic (I realise it's different to mine but).
What's the collective experience out there? Are the gear changess crap (in which case I'll avoid buying another commodore) or is there something specific wrong with my car that needs to be looked at/fixed?
thanks
Dave
I need some help/advice.
The gear change in my car has never, in my opinion, been as it should. I reported at the first 3000km service that 1st to 2nd gear change was particularly notchy/lumpy at times but no fault was found.
Over time the experience became worse, with 1st and reverse gear becoming particularly difficult to engage at times (physically difficult/impossible to select the gear and needing a combination of clutch pumps, selecting alternate gears etc to finally 'free' it). Unfortunately, the general response was 'no fault found'
Just prior to the 3rd birthday (and thus end of warranty) the clutch was replaced and whilst it made a small difference, it wasn't lasting. Eventually, in April, Holden approved the gearbox to be stripped down and examined - a process that would take a week. Earlier this month I finally had the opportunity to part with the car for a few days and dropped it off.
The feedback was very vague (something about an input shaft) but the net result was that the gearbox was to be replaced. Said replacement has now happened, and the general gear shift is dramatically improved - but it still isn't right. Driving home from the dealer I had difficulty selecting 1st a few times, and at one set of lights 2nd gear (stationary) was totally 'locked out'. I'm no mechanic, but could there be something loose in the linkage or something?
Am I being unrealistic in expecting the gear shift to be accurate and smooth? Could someone with a manual SS describe their shift experience?
The new box has definitely made a difference - shifting at around 3,500 rpm is spot on now, though I am finding a quick drop into 2nd almost grinds despite toe/heeling, like the clutch isn't fast enough or something - but I guess that could be me!
FWIW I've owned several manual cars over the years ('77 mini, '83 Austin Metro, '78 Renault 18, '78 Volvo 244, '77 Celica GT, '90 Celica GT4) and driven many others, and I don't recall similar issues other than when clutches have worn out through age (although the GT4's 1st to 2nd shift was always pretty crap). This is my first brand new car so maybe I expect too much - but saying that I test drove a clubsport last year and it's box was fantastic (I realise it's different to mine but).
What's the collective experience out there? Are the gear changess crap (in which case I'll avoid buying another commodore) or is there something specific wrong with my car that needs to be looked at/fixed?
thanks
Dave