Transmission Grinding: Am I doing something wrong?

5406 Views 46 Replies 21 Participants Last post by WandersX, Jan 8, 2011

kjinxx2

Discussion Starter · Dec 1, 2010

I'm currently running a Koup SX 6 speed and here is my problem. Whenever I do a 3 - 6 shift my transmission grinds, in fact, if I do a 4 - 6 shift, my transmission grinds. So I'm wondering, am I not supposed to be shifting from third to sixth (say accelerating onto the highway then shifting into 6th to cruise)? I was always under the impression that this was okay. Does anybody else's transmission grind when doing this or should I get it checked by the dealer?

21 - 40 of 47 Posts

sspak9

· #21 · Dec 2, 2010

kjnxx2,

Take your car to the dealer to check it out. I often shift from 3rd to 6th after short burst of acceleration and I do not have grinding problem... although I do have sticky shift going from 1st to 2nd when the engine is cold.

kjinxx2

Discussion Starter · #22 · Dec 2, 2010

Alright, I've done some more tests and here are my results:

A 'double clutch' shift (shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch then shifting to sixth) does not cause the problem (I will try again later today on my way to work).

However that did sort of cause me to try another thing.

While accelerating to ~60mph in 3rd gear, with the clutch fully depressed, shifting into 6th causes grinding, once in 6th, I pushed the clutch down again, shifted out and shifted back in (releasing the clutch while in neutral), no grinding.

While driving at about 30 - 35mph in 3rd gear (usually I'd cruise in 4th but this was for experimental purposes) I fully depress the clutch and put the transmission into 6th, without re-engaging the clutch - no grinding.

My final test was to, while traveling at ~30 mph, push down the clutch, and bring the engine's rpm to 4,000 - then immediately put the car in 6th gear (without re-engaging the clutch), still no grinding.

Therefore, to me, it seems that the transmission only grinds when shifting from 3rd (or 4th) straight to 6th while under load.

Thoughts?

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Geek.Verve

· #23 · Dec 2, 2010

Sound to me like your throw-out bearing is simply not functioning properly at low RPM's. I'd take it in for adjustment or repair.

Matemorh

· #24 · Dec 2, 2010

If you can reproduce the grinding, take it to the dealer!

corytate

· #25 · Dec 2, 2010

kjinxx2 said:
I do not have any grinding issues going from 5th to 6th, however I can't find anything at all that I could be doing wrong?

That's weird because I figured it would be the blocker ring for 6th, but if there's no problem going 5 to 6 then it more than likely isn't
If you are pushing the clutch down enough and leaving it depressed until you are in the gear then I ave no clue what could be up with it, and I'm guessing you are otherwise there would be problems with all gears lol
I can't think of anything else that could cause it, because the gears aren't damaged if it easy to get into 3 and 4 and 5 to 6 is good
Good Luck, hopefully the dealership can figure this one out=]

xSilverX9x

· #26 · Dec 2, 2010

I had a grinding problem before on my 5-speed manual tranny (this was over a year ago). It was intermittent and it happened from 1st to 2nd and sometimes 2nd to 3rd. It got resolved when they finally decided to replace my transmission. The biggest thing I noticed on the new transmission was that there was more resistance when shifting to 2nd gear...

kjinxx2

Discussion Starter · #27 · Dec 14, 2010

Alright, so here's an update: the car was brought to the dealership, one of the tech's wanted to see it after I described the problem since there's a known issue with 6th gear completely failing (lol).

However that wasn't the problem with my car, they don't know if it's a defect or 'just how the transmission is designed' so they're calling the engineers in Cali. to figure out what the deal is.

They also replaced a part (which I don't know just looking at the invoice) under warranty:

STEER/SUSP RECALL (Part number 54619-1M000QQK) PAD... Don't know what that is.

Anyway, we'll see what happens

Rainyraven

· #28 · Dec 14, 2010

abrax894 said:
Hey Rainy, define 'cold' for me. I've noticed my car has similar problems when it's been a bit chilly the night before. I define chilly as around 30 F. It's staying pretty warm in GA this fall so far so I'm just curious as to what temps your looking at.

well honestly I think its only on nights that it gets around 30 f or colder that I tend to notice a bid change so we may be on too something here..
sorry I did not see your post tell now

noodile

· #29 · Dec 14, 2010

abrax894 said:
Hey Rainy, define 'cold' for me. I've noticed my car has similar problems when it's been a bit chilly the night before. I define chilly as around 30 F. It's staying pretty warm in GA this fall so far so I'm just curious as to what temps your looking at.

Tranny starts sticking from 1st-2nd below 40F degrees. Warming up the car eliminates the problem. From what i heard changing your tranny oil to synthetic reduces the problem significantly. My dealer tried bleeding the clutch- tranny, everything, but i haven't tried it called since. (Remote start

)

KiaTech

· #30 · Dec 14, 2010

That recall is for the front strut boots falling down, and is just some small adhesive pads on the boots to keep them where they belong. It's mentioned elsewhere in several threads on the forum usually in "knocking sound from the front end" threads.

kjinxx2

Discussion Starter · #31 · Dec 15, 2010

Got an answer today, here's the TechLine transcript:

*** NOTES 12/14/2010 05:47 AM clarify Action Type: Manager review
*** Performed by contact:
*** This is a Request for Assistance ***

Problem Description :
Customer states that they cant shift from third gear (with rpm's high) into sixth gear. Fourth and fifth gear go in ok. Third to sixth shift grinds.

Diagnostics Performed :
Test drove and verified concern. Is this normal?

*** PHONE LOG 12/14/2010 06:09 AM Pacific Daylight Time RHicks Action Type:Incoming call
Advice 1:
I believe this is normal... I'm driving one now and it does the same...
it is recommenced to shift all the way through gear pattern normally
- this reduces wear on blocking rings/springs and syncros

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MtnGoat

· #32 · Dec 17, 2010

kjinxx2 said:
Got an answer today, here's the TechLine transcript:

*** NOTES 12/14/2010 05:47 AM clarify Action Type: Manager review
*** Performed by contact:
*** This is a Request for Assistance ***

Problem Description :
Customer states that they cant shift from third gear (with rpm's high) into sixth gear. Fourth and fifth gear go in ok. Third to sixth shift grinds.

Diagnostics Performed :
Test drove and verified concern. Is this normal?

*** PHONE LOG 12/14/2010 06:09 AM Pacific Daylight Time RHicks Action Type:Incoming call
Advice 1:
I believe this is normal... I'm driving one now and it does the same...
it is recommenced to shift all the way through gear pattern normally
- this reduces wear on blocking rings/springs and syncros

Sorry, but the "advice" given by the person on the phone sounds like a bunch of bologne to me. My translation of this reply is that just because he possibly drove one other car and it behaved in a similar fashion that this is normal??

Didn't you say in a previous thread that they were talking to an engineer? I would think that any engineer would immediately be able to say if that were normal or not without having to drive one. He or she isn't even sure! They say " I BELIEVE it is normal."

I hate to be the alarmist, but I wouldn't let this go. I'd find another SX 6 spd and drive it myself to confirm first and foremost.

WandersX

· #33 · Dec 23, 2010

So about three weeks ago I started experiencing a grinding problem from only one gear. 2ND. Anytime I shift into second it grinds and falls out of gear unless I aggressively hold it into second. I immediately called my service dealer and brought it in.

Last week I was told they will be ordering a new transmission and it will be covered by warranty. And they will replace it all.

Today,
I received word that after further inspection, whilst working on the transmission, the clutch is burnt out and the plates, flywheel and full clutch will have to be replaced and as we all know the clutch is only covered for 12k 1 year under warranty. Seeing as I have 15k on my car I now have to pay out of pocket 1,400$ for a clutch.

Pretty upsetting news.

After discussing with a service rep., I was told if they had brought a Kia rep to check out the situation my warranty may no longer be covered seeing all the "sporty' mods on my car.

I guess I'm left just to pay..... Any opinions or anyone who could shed light on the situation?

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tmccorkel

· #34 · Dec 24, 2010

Does that $1400 include labor? If they were a decent shop, they'd just make you pay for parts. I mean, they're already going to have the transmission out. Replacing the clutch assy. and flywheel shouldn't take much more work- maybe a few bolts.

Edit: Might also be a good time to think about removing that stupid CDV too, so you won't find yourself replacing the clutch in another 15k.

tmccorkel

· #35 · Dec 24, 2010

kjinxx2 said:
Got an answer today, here's the TechLine transcript:

*** NOTES 12/14/2010 05:47 AM clarify Action Type: Manager review
*** Performed by contact:
*** This is a Request for Assistance ***

Problem Description :
Customer states that they cant shift from third gear (with rpm's high) into sixth gear. Fourth and fifth gear go in ok. Third to sixth shift grinds.

Diagnostics Performed :
Test drove and verified concern. Is this normal?

*** PHONE LOG 12/14/2010 06:09 AM Pacific Daylight Time RHicks Action Type:Incoming call
Advice 1:
I believe this is normal... I'm driving one now and it does the same...
it is recommenced to shift all the way through gear pattern normally
- this reduces wear on blocking rings/springs and syncros

Sorry for the double post.. Anyway, sounds like a good time to contact KIA's customer service. "I believe" and "mine does it too" is an ignorant way to justify proper operation of a vehicle- especially for a Techline representative.

As it has been said before, test it against a BRAND NEW car.

Rainyraven

· #36 · Dec 24, 2010

I know Kia tech has said that in the past he has seen kia pay for repairs on cars that were all but postive was the drivers fault..
but since they could not prove with out a doubt, kia ate the bill..

In your case I'd think you should not give up and make kia pay for the new transaxle
It sucks that clutch/pressure plate and throw out bearing is not under the warrenty
If you only put little mods on your car like a CAI and muffler etc.. I can't see how they can blame you,
Inless you changed something with the transmission (*transaxle*)
*which I don't think you did*

WandersX

· #37 · Dec 24, 2010

Yeah good point. I didn't do any crazy mods. Just CAI and Turbokits exhaust it looks sporty and my tires were a bit bald so they were chalking it up to the drivers fault. I believe the transmission problem I had has lead my clutch to burn out. I wonder who I should talk to next. The GM? I already talked to the service manager and he just wanted to blame me and that i shouldn't open that "can of beans" because they may not even cover the tranny. I definately need to do some more leg work.

As far as the price goes 1400 will include all the clutch, fly wheel, plate and my two tires and all the labor included. Seems fairly reasonable but I don't think I should pay for a clutch that was burned because of faulty product that IS covered by warranty.

tmccorkel

· #38 · Dec 24, 2010

Call KIA's customer service. They're above the GM.

Kia customer service phone numbers and support

WandersX

· #39 · Dec 26, 2010

Think that will help?

tmccorkel

· #40 · Dec 26, 2010

Yep.. Definitely worth a shot

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