Grinding

[attrapereves]

My transmission is now grinding when shifting from 1-2, sometimes from 2-3, sometimes from 4-5, and sometimes from 4-3 or 3-2.

Does anyone else have these grinding problems with all of these gears? I'm thinking about taking it to the dealer, but fear they will just play it off.

 

[ahtoxa]

If you can replicate the issue with them, I don't see why the dealer would dismiss it. It's an issue that needs to be addressed though them.

 

[attrapereves]

Interestingly enough, all of the grinding except from 1-2 stops once the car warms up.

I love this car, but I must say that this is the pickiest and choppiest manual I've ever driven. I can't seem to get a smooth 1-2 shift unless I release the clutch very slowly.

 

[ShadowRS]

Welcome to the garbage 6-speed manual. It shall forever be plagued with grinding issues until GM mans up and fixes it. You're going to have to adjust your driving style because this manual is "special" and needs to be treated like your mothers fine china. Proudly displayed and never used. Heaven forbid you want to use the full range of RPMs deemed acceptable by GM's engineers for a quick 1-2 shift.

Also the fluid sucks from factory. I have noticed when cold the transmission shifts like garbage. Never had this problem with my last 3 manual cars, just this one and the cruze. Odd. Take her easy until it warms up, but I never get a "grind" in all gears. Just the 1-2 and sometimes 2-3 shifting at 2500 rpms....

 

[ShadowRS]

I noticed you have the 5-speed manual!

My apologies, as I know nothing about that. I just assume:

grinding gears = Chevy 6-speed in cruze and sonic.

 

[$ub$onic]

95%of the time, the 5 speeds never have a issue. But, sadly,some do. From what I have gathered it's the same issue as the 6 speed. Plastic shifter fork tips.

Only real fix is to change the trans.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

My transmission is now grinding when shifting from 1-2, sometimes from 2-3, sometimes from 4-5, and sometimes from 4-3 or 3-2.

Does anyone else have these grinding problems with all of these gears? I'm thinking about taking it to the dealer, but fear they will just play it off.

Hi attrapereves,

I apologize that you are experiencing grinding with your transmission. I would be happy to look into this matter further or schedule an appointment with your dealer. If you would like any assistance PM me.

Sincerely,

Jonathan A. (Assisting Erica)
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[n_balkau]

Grinding into reverse

I haven't experienced any grinding when shifting between gears. However, after a month of buying my 2012 Sonic, brand new, I started having difficulty shifting into reverse. It will either lock and I'll have to try a few times before it sticks, or what most often happens is there will be a loud grinding/clunk noise and the car will buck a little bit as well as the clutch will vibrate a little at the end of the throw. This only happens the first time the clutch is engaged. After I leave the clutch engaged I can go in and out of reverse just fine.

I took it to the dealership, twice now. The first time they told me it was normal. Which is a load of bull****. The second time, just the other day, the service advisor had the nerve to tell me that I was shifting wrong, which I have not been. He shows me how to "shift correctly", and basically the only way it won't make this noise is when I take about 5-7 seconds to shift.

I'm bringing it back and demand that they fix it, but I'm sure they will give me some other excuse.

Has anyone else had this issue or have an idea of what it might be?

 

[$ub$onic]

The 5 speeds grinds in reverse. It's normal. Just put it in a forward gear before reverse. Reverse is not synchronized


The grinding issue is more then likely the same issue the 6 speed has. The plastic shifter fork teeth are wore down, or came off. Causing the synchro not to engage completely or not at all.

 

[ChrisJ]

The 5 speeds grinds in reverse. It's normal. Just put it in a forward gear before reverse. Reverse is not synchronized


The grinding issue is more then likely the same issue the 6 speed has. The plastic shifter fork teeth are wore down, or came off. Causing the synchro not to engage completely or not at all.

Its amazing how many posts we get here complaining that the reverse on the 5 speed is messed up. Wonder what these people would do without any synchronized gears. I'm pretty certain double clutching would be far too much effort for most people these days.

 

[$ub$onic]

True that.

 

[n_balkau]

Thank you $ub$onic, i'll try doing that and see if that helps.

No thanks to you ChrisJ. You simply could have explained further rather than try to belittle my question. Sorry I'm not as knowledgeable as you. And I've been driving standards for I don't know how many years...and none of my other cars have handled this way, so you can't blame me for asking this type of question.

 

[ChrisJ]

Thank you $ub$onic, i'll try doing that and see if that helps.

No thanks to you ChrisJ. You simply could have explained further rather than try to belittle my question. Sorry I'm not as knowledgeable as you. And I've been driving standards for I don't know how many years...and none of my other cars have handled this way, so you can't blame me for asking this type of question.

let's be clear.

I responded to this.

"I took it to the dealership, twice now. The first time they told me it was normal. Which is a load of bull****. The second time, just the other day, the service advisor had the nerve to tell me that I was shifting wrong, which I have not been. He shows me how to "shift correctly", and basically the only way it won't make this noise is when I take about 5-7 seconds to shift."

This was written by someone who cannot drive stick and was blaming the machine. I could not see any other way to respond. Take the advise or leave it, no skin off my back.

 

[ChrisJ]

And yes, $ub$onic is a lot less harsh them me. I'll never deny that.

He's a good man.
Too bad he owns a 1.8. :banana:

 

[$ub$onic]

And yes, $ub$onic is a lot less harsh them me. I'll never deny that.

He's a good man.
Too bad he owns a 1.8. :banana:

A bad ass 1.8 mind you

 

[ChrisJ]

A bad ass 1.8 mind you

Perhaps.

 

[Stanley]

Speaking as a 1.8 5sp owner, they do grind as well. Mine is most particular about going into 3rd, while 2nd is picky too.

Today when I got out of work, it was 10°F (not sure what the index was), but I started up and let it warm for a couple minutes (long enough for the phone to connect and complete a call to my wife). As I pulled out, I struggled to get it into any gear, grinding a few times no matter how I shifted. I've seen others complaining about shifting when cold.

One thing to note though is that I don't believe I've ever had problems getting into reverse.

 

[$ub$onic]

Mine has a knochy 3rd when cold and will not go into first until your completely stopped. But once warm I have no issues.

I am also running royal purple in my trans. It made a difference


I have a how to guide around here somewhere on how to do it

 

[n_balkau]

let's be clear.

I responded to this.

"I took it to the dealership, twice now. The first time they told me it was normal. Which is a load of bull****. The second time, just the other day, the service advisor had the nerve to tell me that I was shifting wrong, which I have not been. He shows me how to "shift correctly", and basically the only way it won't make this noise is when I take about 5-7 seconds to shift."

This was written by someone who cannot drive stick and was blaming the machine. I could not see any other way to respond. Take the advise or leave it, no skin off my back.

I am aware that you responded. I know how to drive a stick. Every other person who has looked at my car drives a stick, especially considering that they all race cars. So perhaps I don't know everything about cars, and I'm certain that neither do you, but that doesn't mean I don't know how to drive a manual vehicle. But thanks.