Trouble shifting into 3rd gear on 5-speed GT

[purplept]

I've been hesitant to post this, but sometimes I have trouble shifting into 3rd gear on my '03 PT GT 5-speed with 9000 miles. It's probably just my shifting technique, but I sometimes miss 3rd gear when shifting briskly, when leaning more than normal, or when shifting much slower than normal. I don't get any grinding or anything like that just can't get the shifter into 3rd on the first try sometimes. Maybe I just overshift. My fellow 5-Speed PT GT owner's comments would be appreciated.

[ksquared11]

I have the same problem. It really pissed me off when I was at the track last week. Under normal conditions I have no problems but under hard acceleration sometimes I miss the shift into 3rd gear. Mopar is coming out with a short throw shifter that I plan on getting if they ever release it.

[Mean Green]

I have the same problem. With a normal shift no problem. Getting on it I can miss third gear very easily.

[flashbk2]

Same here ,although mine is somewhat better since installing the "booger bushings" . However I have the B&M sport shifter from my '01 installed also , so if I miss I hit 5th .

[PTGT Redman]

Ya, the shifter is sloppy. Put in booger bushing also, so it's a little crisper, but the throw from 2 to 3 can be less than concise.

[PTGT_Boy]

My problem is downshifitng from 3rd. Sometimes, when im deaccelerating for a turn , I try to downshift from 3rd to 2nd and all of a sudden my gear box freezes and I'm unable to shift to any gears. I tried double clutching, but it doesn't free up the gear box. It takes about a good 5 to 10 seconds before I'm allowed to shift again. So far this has happen only 2 times and I'm starting to think my syncs were off due to the speed I'm trying to take the turns.

I'm just wondering if all manaul transmissions have a problem on the gear box freezing from time to time?

[Red GT]

Don't get mad guys but no problems here. But, I will admit to having to mussle it into reverse. Have had our GT for a year the first week of April and am finally getting it into reverse really easily now.But, the rest first through fifth easy as can be. Love this car soooo.... much.

[PTGT_Boy]

I was reading tips on driving manual better and read something interesting.....

Tip said:

With many manual transmissions, shifting from neutral to first gear will cause an audible grinding of the transmission’s synchronizer rings.

Avoid shifting directly from neutral to first gear. Instead, move the shift lever briefly into second, then shift into first gear. And never rest your hand on the shift level or your foot on the clutch pedal. Use you right foot for both the accelerator and the brake. Use your left foot for the clutch.

My question is: From a dead stop, I'm not suppose to start from neutral to first, but **** slighty to 2nd than to 1st to start? Sounds kinda funny to me....

[Red GT]

I've never had to do that. Sounds bazar to me. This car has been the best shifting car I've ever driven, and have been driving sticks since '82.

[Gary04GT]

quote:Originally posted by purplept
...I sometimes miss 3rd gear when shifting briskly, when leaning more than normal, or when shifting much slower than normal. I don't get any grinding or anything like that just can't get the shifter into 3rd on the first try sometimes...

I experienced the same problem with my 03GT 5-speed. This was one of the reasons I switched to the Autostick when I got my 04GT.