Bruce In Philly

2009 C2S coupe, manual, 64K miles

OK, this notchy 1st gear thing was classic Porsche "charm", but now it is getting annoying. Same issue I had with my Boxster and a common annoyance. From neutral, stopped.... won't go into 1st. Gotta double clutch and or spin up the revs and or pop it in 2nd then back... then goes in.

This used to happen rarely, but now is happening with increased frequency. Still not often, but of course it happens when the light turns green and someone hits me with their horn (the north-east just gushes with love).

Is there some adjustments? Cables need to be tightened?

Peace
Bruce in Philly

997_rich

There are adjustments but the adjustments won't help with this problem.

I would double check the transmission-side of the cables to make sure they're not popping out of the mounts slightly. Mine were popping out and causing some binding. Solved with heavy duty zip ties.

AWay

Bruce, have a look below at an old thread I posted in last year. Similar problems on mine, although it culminated with refusing to engage reverse AT ALL!. Thankfully I was in our garage and not a parking lot. Bottom line is though I'm guessing a simple cable adjustment at the base of the shift lever will solve your problems. Still perfect shifting/engagement to this day on mine.

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...l#post10677268

Ben Z

Mine is like that, was before the shift cable broke, same after it was replaced. All my stick BMW's were like that too. Never had it with Toyota or Volvo sticks.

mwolfe

My first gear is getting harder to shift into. My indy mechanic said that's normal, but it seems to be getting worse.

AWay--I looked at your other post and your great photos, but cannot tell what you adjusted or how. Is it obvious when you get in uncer the console?

Thanks,
Mike

Fahrer

Assuming it is not a cable adjustment, might it be a worn release bearing? Do you often hold the clutch pedal down at traffic lights? This can accelerate wear.

mwolfe

Where is the release bearing? Is it a DIY project (without removing the transmission)?

Fahrer

The release bearing is what holds the clutch open pushing the clutch pedal. It is part of the complete clutch assembly. It is a wear item and does not last as long when the clutch pedal is pushed needlessly like when waiting for the traffic light to turn green or holding the car on a hill while in first gear. It will also wear quickly if one uses the clutch pedal as a foot rest.

ADias

What does the clutch's throwout bearing have to do with shifting a gear?!? If it did, when parked it would affect all gears. Worn throwout bearings become noisy and ultimately affect clutch function, nit shifting.

To the OP: look for bushing wear at the shift mechanism and at the transmission. Look also at cable movement, checking for binding.

AWay

Mike, if you look closely the shift cables have a threaded attachment closest to the shift ****. When you pull back the spring/shroud you can see the threads more clearly but you simply spin the threaded part left or right and then release the spring/shroud and it locks back in place. Hope it helps a little but it's more difficult to describe than to actually perform. If you were face to face with the cables it would be quite self explanatory. You can do it!

Fahrer

A worn release bearing will result in a dragging clutch which will definitely be more noticeable when trying to get into first gear and possible shifting into second. It would be less noticeable when shifting in higher gears under normal driving until it really wears down. Ever **** without using a clutch. Relatively easy in the higher gears.... not so much in the lower gears.

dasdman

Since install F1 motor mounts and transmission insert I have no issues getting into first gear. I didn't have a big problem problem prior to the new parts, but it did happen from time to time.

LexVan

Have you done a trans gear lube service yet with Porsche 75W90? What about a proper brake fluid flush? I thought the brake fluid is a shared system with the clutch fluid?? These might help.

USMC_DS1

+1... I've installed and removed my fair share of shifters: the Porsche stock shifter, a B&M, and ultimately the Numeric shifter then back and forth just for experimentation sake. I've played with all all of these shifters enough during install and tear downs that I'm convinced... adjusting the cable length has a significant impact towards the 1st gear shift issue that is considered "normal". FWIW, my Numeric shifter is set for the most aggressive/shortest height and I have no issues going into 1st gear after 66K+ miles.

mwolfe

That's good to hear about the cable adjustment. But this spooks me a little. It sounds familiar: