MNJohn

Today, after disengaging the clutch and attempting to gently downshift from second gear to first gear, I got a clunk and a slight grind. The car was still cold when this took place. Later, I didn't have any problems on downshifting to first after the car was warmed up.

Three questions:

1) What made the car grind?

2) Is this a common problem?

3) Do you think any damage resulted? How can I tell if any damage occurred?


Thanks for your input,

John

NickS

WHY are you downshifting into first?

JimB

John,
Were you stopped or very nearly stopped? If not, you might not want to be downshifting to 1st. Having said that, it is unlikely that you did any damage.
Jim

yongster

I agree with the others. No need to downshift into 1st!! However, if you match revs, you can do it.

Sloth

Try double clutching if you absolutely must downshift into first. However, I agree with others... not much need to downshift into first.

Kerry

John, what was the outside temperature like that day? I've found my C4 is very difficult to shift into first when the temp drops below 50deg F and the car has not warmed up.

SPR

dude you don't downshift into first and even if you do you heal and toe with a blip, why even ask, first gear has different syncros for this very reason

Kerry

Hmmm, I think what we have here is a failure to communicate. What I'm talking about is starting the car from a dead stop in first gear. That requires 'downshifting' into first gear.

NickS

That's not downshifting, that's engaging first gear from a stop!