Do I need a new transmission?
 

Hi,

I am a little freaked out right now - as last night I apparently "lost" 6th gear. It wouldn't even begin to enter the gear - it's like I was driving a 5 speed. I've done some research on some old threads where this happened to others and it was blamed on skip-shifting, which I do not do. It's also blamed on the brass synchros.

I'm in a 2003 (AP1) with 91K miles.

I've called a trusted mechanic who basically told me there is no way to know what is wrong without taking the transmission out and inspecting it, and at that point I should just rebuild or replace it. Also, time to put in a new clutch.

All I can see are $$$$ flying out of my bank account. What is the general advice on how to troubleshoot this problem? I am thinking I will do a transmission fluid change tonight, but I doubt that will help. :(

Any advice is appreciated - those with experience on this problem especially! How did you fix it? How much did it cost you? etc.

Original clutch?

I have fixed this in a few minutes. Its worth a shot. You have a burr on the gear cog.

Turn car off. Hold clutch down.

From 5th, you will need to try to force it fast into 6th.
once you can get it in 6th, row it from 5 to 6 about 50 times. This could lower the burr and cure it completely.

Wow Billman - it's worth a shot! even if I destroy 5&6 I still needed a new transmission ;) Going to try this and report back.

How is the bur created?

By shifting as if a gear change is one fluid motion...it is not.

A 5-6 shift (all shifts) should be 2 parts.....first part is pulling it out of 5th, and letting it slow the mainshaft with the syncro. Syncro is nothing but a friction brake to slow a moving shaft. Basically holding the shifter against 6th till it wants to go in.

The second part is to pull it into 6th.

This can be done very fast, once you have a feel for it.

look for metallic color if do do the fluid change and go from there.

Ok I haven't had time to do the fluid change yet, but I did perform Billman's suggestion.

I now have regained the ability to enter 6th, but it feels VERY strange - especially leaving 6th (It's like I'm dragging something along when I exit 6th.) However 6 works and moves the car, which is far better than what I had before. It looks like I am going to need to budget a new transmission soon, unless Billman has another magic suggestion. :)

This is a great, insightful post - especially when you see so many people jerking their shifters around like teenage boys spying on a naked Jessica Alba.

This metaphor reads like a Top Gear 'some say'. Love it.