pcar964

Like most cars, my transmission is always a little harder to shift when cold. For that reason, I always shift *very* carefully before everything's warmed up. But I noticed something very interesting the other day... 2nd gear is the most difficult to shift into when cold... But if I leave the car in 2nd gear (instead of 1st gear) when I park the car -- voila! Next time I drive the car, even when completely cold, 2nd gear feels perfect, no resistance!

Can anyone tell me why? Whatever the reason, from now on I'm leaving the car parked in 2nd gear instead of 1st.

pcar964

bump

kkim

Can't tell you why, but when was the last time you changed your transmission fluid? If it's been awhile, changing it might help. If recently, what did you use?

pcar964

Changed about a month ago, Mobil 1. I'm not saying it's grinding or excessively difficult to shift when cold - it's just a little stiff. Almost every G50 car I've driven is the same way to some extent.

mborkow

my car is exactly the same way and when it is first warming up i usually double clutch into 2nd (seems to make it easier and less "notchy"). i never park my car in gear (i've been told that is not good for the tranny), but as an experiment i will give it a try tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

pcar964

Can someone confirm/deny that parking in gear is bad for the tranny? I haven't heard of this, but now you've got me thinking...

Anyway, I was amazed at the difference the "2nd gear park" had. It literally feels like the gearbox is warm already, it's smooth as butter. Will be interesting to see if you have similar results.

cesar

I've always seen people park manuals in gear. I had an 87 corvette that you couldn't take the key out of the ignition unless you put it in reverse. I always left it in reverse after turning off the car. I can't remember if it would even let you take it out of reverse once you took the key out.

Currently I leave my 993TT in reverse when parked.

GrantG

Maybe the second gear and synchro are sitting right in the tranny oil when you park it in 2nd gear, so that it's extra lubricated when you start driving?

pcar964

That could be. Unfortunately, I don't completely understand the inner-workings of transmissions. I just know that they're quite complicated.

mborkow

this might help: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/transmission.htm

cabrio993

Leaving the car in any gear doesn't do any damage to the transmission. I have always left all of my cars in first gear or reverse when I park. Never have had an issue with any transmission. Also, if you park in a steep street, leaving the car in gear and with the wheel towards the curb is recommended.

I have noticed the second gear being notchy on the 993. But then again, my Alfa Spider was the worst. I had to skip 2nd gear all together for the first few minutes in the winter months.

I'll try leaving it on 2nd gear while parked and see if it helps. Thanks for the tip.

Peter S 993tt

Ok the reason people say that you shouldn't park your car in gear is that if someone bumps it - that could lead to transmission damage. BS! My transmission was made to handle 400+hp. I don't think that someone bumping my car in a parking lot (unlikely event that it would be) would have enough force to damage the transmission. ie in excess of 400hp.

ZombiePorsche44

Never had any of those types of experiences but my car gets new tranny goo every 30K even if it looks perfect on inspection.
Some may call it overkill but why be chinsey with such nice cars....my 02c

ca993twin

Peter,
I don't know if you're right or wrong, and I generally don't park mine in gear only because I'm a lazy ***, and am letting the turbos cool while in neutral. But I will point out that there IS a potential difference in the amount of torque (hp is irrelevant here) that the transmission can tolerate when operated "backwards"... ie... the wheels turning the diff, not the way it was designed. It probably doesn't make a difference, but perhaps it does?

Ray Calvo

Danged if I know - because I don't remember feeling this effect. Shifting is smooth, cold or warm; irregardless of chosen gear. This is even with 90+K miles on the car and shifting for probably 85K miles and 10 years.