Problems shifting into reverse when cold?

NICE ASP · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 08:13 AM

Hello Club Cobra,

My name is Jason and this is my first post on this forum. I purchased Backdraft #194 from Reg just after Christmas. The car has been great and the only reason I don't have more than 280 miles on her is due to the inclement weather here in Cincinnati. The last two times I've had the car out I had problems shifting the car into reverse when cold. After the car gets warmed up this isn't a problem but makes for a difficult time backing it out of the garage. I have the TKO500 5-Speed and have no problems finding any of the forward gears when cold. After shifting through the gears a bit I can eventually find reverse but I know it shouldn't be this difficult. I spoke with Reg and we discussed the option of adjusting the linkage on the clutch fork. I didn't want to proceed until I received some feedback from other owners first. Has anyone else experienced this issue when the outside temps are between 45-60 degrees? I value the experience on this forum as it played a crucial role in my decision to purchase this car.

Thanks, Jason

Ron61 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 08:43 AM

Jason,

I haven't had this experience, but it seems to me that if the linkage is off it would affect the shifting at all times. However I am by no means a transmission expert and I suppose it could be that if it were just a hair off and the oil is cold it could cause your problem. Some of the really knowledgeable guys will have an answer for you soon. Simple solution for now is to back into the garage so you can leave going forward until you get the oil warm. Just joking and sorry I can't tell you what the problem really is.

Ron

Ford of France · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 08:47 AM

Cold shouldn't really have much to do with it. The Tremac uses, I think, an ATF oil which is very thin and viscous. It isn't like the 80/90 weight hypoid oil that is used in transmissions like the Toploader or Muncie. If heavy oil viscosity was the issue, the trouble in shifting wouldn't be restricted to reverse alone--you would have the problem in all gears.

Big-Foot · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 10:54 AM

It's usually a clutch adjustment that needs to be made when a Tremec or T5 are involved.

The Technique is also to be considered. If you shift from Neutral into a forward gear and them quickly shift from the forward gear into reverse, it will stop the rotating mass inside the transmission and allow a shift into reverse with minimal grinding of gears.

Art Burtt · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 03:25 PM

Could it be your shift boot is stiff when cold? I know mine wants to pop out of 4th gear until it gets warm from engine heat. The rubber it is made from is pretty thick and the way it was formed
adds to the problem.

tpiini · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Big-Foot

It's usually a clutch adjustment that needs to be made when a Tremec or T5 are involved.

The Technique is also to be considered. If you shift from Neutral into a forward gear and them quickly shift from the forward gear into reverse, it will stop the rotating mass inside the transmission and allow a shift into reverse with minimal grinding of gears.

Absolutely check the clutch engagement. I went through months of hell trying to diagnose a shifting problem with my 3550. After disassembling the transmission and finding nothing wrong with it I went to the clutch. That had been my problem all along.

hey,littlecobra · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 08:48 PM

had that problem. Dallas group seemed to get a kick out of pushing me back into parking spaces.... Have had tranny rebuilt, and also have a new clutch. Went in reverse, no problem.
toploader, tho'.

Dwight · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 09:04 PM

Remove the boot and check to see if anything is between the shifter and the stop. Adjust the stop to allow deeper engagement of the gear. Adjust a small amount and try it. Don't over do it.
DWIGHT

NICE ASP · #9 (**permalink**) 03-10-2005, 07:14 AM

I wanted to thank everyone for their input. I have plenty of things to check out now for a possible cause to this problem. I just realized I started this thread under Cobras for sale so if the moderator could please move this thread to Transmission Talk I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks Again!

Jason

Ford of France · #10 (**permalink**) 03-10-2005, 08:40 AM

Big-Foot:

In the Tremac, I believe that reverse, unlike that which is found in most older designed transmissions, has a reverse synchronizer which prevents the traditional "grind".

Dwight · #11 (**permalink**) 03-10-2005, 05:45 PM

MY TKO GRINDS WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE.

Mr Barry · #12 (**permalink**) 03-14-2005, 02:40 PM

I have a T-5 in my FFR , and have noticed that when it sits for a long period , during colder weather , reverse and 3rd gear can be hard to find...no grinding takes place , the tranny just doesn't cooperate...Once warmed up , the problem disappears....
The T-5 was rebuilt only 2500 miles ago , and I suspect that the long period of non-use is the culprit...I'll know more this summer , as the car gets used more.

Roscoe · #13 (**permalink**) 03-15-2005, 05:49 AM

Jason,

Before you start pulling things apart try going into 3rd first and then in reverse. In many cases, this seems to alleviate the problem of grinding into reverse.......and make sure your idle is not too high.

Roscoe