My o3 cab with 33,000 miles sometimes has trouble getting into 3rd gear. At first I thought it was me but now I dont think so. About 25% of the time I shift from 2nd to 3rd and it just feels like there is no "gate" until I really fish around for it and then finally find it. Somestimes I seem to be too far to the right and sometimes too far to the left. Other times it slides in effortlessly. I do have the B&M shifter which I love. I thought this might help the problem but hasnt changed much. Is this a sign of clutch failure, transmission problems or do I just not know how to drive a 6 speed? Thanks

 

hard to say without driving the car, if its only 3rd it pretty much rules out clutch.
leaves
trans issues
adjustment issues
drivers issues


there is no gate its a free movment shifter

 

It could also be the B&M shofter needs a tad bid adjustment. I had the same issue but going into 2nd after installing my SSK. After a few tweaks here and there, 2nd goes in smoothly. I noticed the issue about 4-5 months after the install as it gradually became more noticable.

 

I dont think its the B&M because I noticed it before the install and I hoped it would help but it didnt.

 

I notice the same kind of thing, and I attribute it entirely to driver error. I would expect that a short-shift kit would exacerbate the problem.

Michael

 

You may have already tried this but what happens if you slow shift from second to third - take the car out of second, take your hand off it and let the shifter center itself and then try just tapping it straight up into 3rd.