Manual 5 speed getting harder to shift.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 03-09-2011
Posts: 41
From: Indiana
Manual 5 speed getting harder to shift.
2k8 HHR SS and 42k miles. My 5 spd has been getting harder and harder to shift recently. I don't want to take it to the dealership if they are going to tell me it isn't warranty related and rape me on cost, plus I don't trust their abilities. My questions to all of you:
Do you think it could be the linkage or clutch?
Do you believe those are covered under the drivetrain warranty?
Have any of you had this problem?
I did a search but didn't come across anything that helped me nor anybody really having the same issue.
As a note, the lockout for reverse no longer works either, the shifter can go into reverse without pulling up on the release on the shifter just as easily as any other gear. I keep forgetting to bust out my repair manual, but I will check it soon as this could leave me stranded if it gets worse any time soon.
Clutch pedal is fine, no change in feel. Thanks in advance.
Do you think it could be the linkage or clutch?
Do you believe those are covered under the drivetrain warranty?
Have any of you had this problem?
I did a search but didn't come across anything that helped me nor anybody really having the same issue.
As a note, the lockout for reverse no longer works either, the shifter can go into reverse without pulling up on the release on the shifter just as easily as any other gear. I keep forgetting to bust out my repair manual, but I will check it soon as this could leave me stranded if it gets worse any time soon.
Clutch pedal is fine, no change in feel. Thanks in advance.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 03-09-2011
Posts: 41
From: Indiana
I don't want to mess with it much if I can do a warranty repair. I'm about to call chevy customer service and check on warranty coverage.
Update: Spoke with Chevy customer service. Clutch not covered as it is a wear and tear item, which makes no sense, isn't a transmission and engine a wear and tear item? They requested to inspect the vehicle to determine if the linkage was covered. So, I'm going to a trusted repair center to have him take a quick look at it. If the clutch is going out, then I'll replace that with an aftermarket clutch, anybody recommend a clutch? I know BartSS is running an aftermarket clutch. He might respond, anybody else?
Update: Spoke with Chevy customer service. Clutch not covered as it is a wear and tear item, which makes no sense, isn't a transmission and engine a wear and tear item? They requested to inspect the vehicle to determine if the linkage was covered. So, I'm going to a trusted repair center to have him take a quick look at it. If the clutch is going out, then I'll replace that with an aftermarket clutch, anybody recommend a clutch? I know BartSS is running an aftermarket clutch. He might respond, anybody else?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 03-09-2011
Posts: 41
From: Indiana
Senior Member
Joined: 04-22-2009
Posts: 763
From: Southern California
If the clutch is not completely releasing, you should be able to tell that, at a dead stop when you put it in first. Put it in gear very slowly, so you can actually bypass the syncro's, and if the clutch is not releasing, you will hear a feel lots of gears clashing. My guess, and this is just a guess, would be the cable connecting the shift lever to the transmission. I don't know if it can be lubed or if its a throw away. I would be wary of taking it somewhere, where they may not be familiar with the car, and that may mean taking it to a dealer. Some dealers are actually ok to deal with, but of course not all. At least they would have access to all the documentation, parts, and factory help if necessary. Sometimes, I have learned, saving a few bucks can wind up costing more in the long run. Just my 2 cents worth.
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
2k8 HHR SS and 42k miles. My 5 spd has been getting harder and harder to shift recently. My questions to all of you:
Do you think it could be the linkage or clutch?
Do you believe those are covered under the drivetrain warranty?
Have any of you had this problem?
I did a search but didn't come across anything that helped me nor anybody really having the same issue.
As a note, the lockout for reverse no longer works either, the shifter can go into reverse without pulling up on the release on the shifter just as easily as any other gear. I keep forgetting to bust out my repair manual, but I will check it soon as this could leave me stranded if it gets worse any time soon.
Clutch pedal is fine, no change in feel. Thanks in advance.
Do you think it could be the linkage or clutch?
Do you believe those are covered under the drivetrain warranty?
Have any of you had this problem?
I did a search but didn't come across anything that helped me nor anybody really having the same issue.
As a note, the lockout for reverse no longer works either, the shifter can go into reverse without pulling up on the release on the shifter just as easily as any other gear. I keep forgetting to bust out my repair manual, but I will check it soon as this could leave me stranded if it gets worse any time soon.
Clutch pedal is fine, no change in feel. Thanks in advance.
As Laco posted: Does it slightly pull in gear at a stop ??
Member
Joined: 10-16-2007
Posts: 34
From: New Jersey
The VUE has the same trans and it has had trouble with shifter cables needing to be replaced. I haven't had to check out mine but I'm told that if you look at the cable ends under the shifter and you see black stuff that looks like pencil shavings that means that a cable might need to be replaced... Just a thought..... and a lot cheaper than a clutch...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 03-09-2011
Posts: 41
From: Indiana
If the clutch is not completely releasing, you should be able to tell that, at a dead stop when you put it in first. Put it in gear very slowly, so you can actually bypass the syncro's, and if the clutch is not releasing, you will hear a feel lots of gears clashing. My guess, and this is just a guess, would be the cable connecting the shift lever to the transmission. I don't know if it can be lubed or if its a throw away. I would be wary of taking it somewhere, where they may not be familiar with the car, and that may mean taking it to a dealer. Some dealers are actually ok to deal with, but of course not all. At least they would have access to all the documentation, parts, and factory help if necessary. Sometimes, I have learned, saving a few bucks can wind up costing more in the long run. Just my 2 cents worth.