1-2 shift

[HalM]

My 2005 997, the 1-2 shift has been notchy over my 2 years of ownership.  It is not terrible, but not as smooth as a previous 993, 996, and clearly not in the zip code with an older Audi S4.  I could live with it, but I would like it to shift better.

I have researched this on several of the enthusiast’s forums and found a lot of chatter but little in the way of guidance for seriously improving the situation.  The most common “fixes” include some combination of Mobilube PTX, stiffer engine mounts, and/or stiffer transmission mounts.  There seems to be a huge debate as to actual ability to adjust the linkage.  Some say that is the way to go and others have said there is no linkage adjustment.

So, I am hoping that a technical forum can give some solid direction on how to approach this issue.  Any and all thoughts are welcome.

[JFP in PA]

1 hour ago, HalM said:

My 2005 997, the 1-2 shift has been notchy over my 2 years of ownership.  It is not terrible, but not as smooth as a previous 993, 996, and clearly not in the zip code with an older Audi S4.  I could live with it, but I would like it to shift better.

 

I have researched this on several of the enthusiast’s forums and found a lot of chatter but little in the way of guidance for seriously improving the situation.  The most common “fixes” include some combination of Mobilube PTX, stiffer engine mounts, and/or stiffer transmission mounts.  There seems to be a huge debate as to actual ability to adjust the linkage.  Some say that is the way to go and others have said there is no linkage adjustment.

 

So, I am hoping that a technical forum can give some solid direction on how to approach this issue.  Any and all thoughts are welcome.

 

 

First thing I would check is to see if the gearbox has the correct factory lube in it.  If that is unknown, I would drain it and refill it with the factory stuff  You would be surprised how many shifting issues are solved by doing this.

[HalM]

Thanks Jeff.  That was something quick and easy I could do.  I changed it to the PTX.

 

Other thoughts?

 

 

[JFP in PA]

Possibly a shifter cable wear/misalignment issue.  If the car has the factory shifter, you can get a cheap (`$10) alignment tool from Porsche that holds the shifter in the correct position while you adjust the cables to match:

 

 

If that does not do it, you are into checking the gear box internals

[HalM]

That is the exact info I was looking for.

 

Thanks!

[JFP in PA]

Just make sure you get the one for your exact car as there are several different versions.

[HalM]

Thanks agin.  The tool is on order from Suncoast and I will report back either way.

[jchapura]

I too have a less-than-smooth 1-2 shift. Not very bad but noticeable compared to the other transitions. I have changed the oil and used PTX. I have Function First inserts for the tranny and semi-solid motor mounts. All the changes were done separately; none of them really benefited the 1-2 transition.

 

What was the part number of the tool you ordered? Have you found a source for the adjustment procedure?

 

Thank you for reporting back your results. I will too if I do the adjustment.

 

 

Update: I found the part number [shift adjustment tool #SKU9X7 Suncoast] and I just saw a post on the replacement procedure and it looks like the adjustment threads are in the center console rather than the transmission end so I probably won't be taking all that apart for a relatively trivial issue (or unless your results are really fantastic).

Edited March 18, 2017 by jchapura
updated with recent info.

[HalM]

JFP,

 

For anyone that comes across this thread on adjusting the shift cable, the most important piece of advice I can offer is to make sure the car is in NEUTRAL before you unhook the cables to start the adjustment.

 

Which brings me to my question.  With the console apart, can I test drive the car, or will it throw a lot of faults?

 

Thanks!

 

[JFP in PA]

You are OK to drive the car with the console apart.

[HalM]

A quick summary for those that may be interested.  Taking apart the console will be tough the first time.  Should be pretty easy if you go back in for any reason.  I think total reassembly time took 20'ish minutes today.

 

My car now shifts better than at any time I have owned it.  Is it "snick-snick" smooth and quick?  No.  But it is close to my BMW 335i 6-speed and on par with a 996 I owned a few years ago.

 

Well worth the time and effort.

 

JFP, THANKS AGAIN!

[JFP in PA]

Anytime, that is what we are here for.

[fastsvo]

I'm following this thread of a lot of enthusiasm. For years I have complained about the 1 to 2 Shift to the dealer especially when the car is cold. It is very difficult to engage 1st gear to the point where I have to come to a complete stop and disengage and reengage the shifter and clutch to get into 1st gear.

The dealer adjusting the cables a couple of times and refilled transmission. What is the likelihood that the dealer used this tool to perform the adjustment? It almost sounds like this has been the missing link the entire time. The vehicle does have the factory short shifter in it and when warmed up it shifts beautifully.



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[JFP in PA]

Welcome to RennTech

 

I can only assume they did it correctly, as there is no way to know for sure.  As much as I hate to say it, yours sounds more like the wrong gear oil than a shifter adjustment.  A maladjusted shifter does not heal when it gets warm, but the wrong lubricant will tend to behave that way.

[fastsvo]

Welcome to RennTech
 
I can only assume they did it correctly, as there is no way to know for sure.  As much as I hate to say it, yours sounds more like the wrong gear oil than a shifter adjustment.  A maladjusted shifter does not heal when it gets warm, but the wrong lubricant will tend to behave that way.

Yup, good point. Which is the preferred brand and type of lubricant?

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[JFP in PA]

The factory fill.  Porsche has used unique spec gear oils for years, which no one in the after market has a match for.  We buy ours in drums from a dealer.

[fastsvo]

I can only assume and hope that is exactly what the dealership used. The vehicle only has 15k miles on it.

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[JFP in PA]

32 minutes ago, fastsvo said:

I can only assume and hope that is exactly what the dealership used. The vehicle only has 15k miles on it.

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I'd ask them what they used; they would not be the first dealership we have seen use aftermarket gear oil.  Assume nothing, question everything.

[fastsvo]

This is the information from the service records at @7k miles. I am hoping the identification used in the description points to OEM spec fluid?

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[JFP in PA]

There is nothing there that tells me what fluid they used.

[fastsvo]

Darn. Thanks for checking!

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[JFP in PA]

They also did not change the fluid, they just topped it up, which probably was not a lot of fluid.  I'd suggest a full drain and refill with the correct lube.