1st 2nd and reverse shifting problems

[wildbilly32]

2005 996 C4S manual with 54k miles. Yesterday after running errands with no problems I had the following issue while parking in the garage: After waiting in turn lane for traffic for a minute or so in neutral, put in 1st gear(normally), turned into circle into driveway everything normal. To get into garage I have to do a "Y" maneuver which is where problems start. Stop, pull out of 1st gear and try to put into reverse. Operative term..."TRY". It was every difficult. Did the double clutch routine...neutral-clutch out-clutch in-try reverse had to do this a couple of times to get reverse. Backed up and had to do the same thing for 1st gear. Got it in garage. Tried shifting to all positions with engine running 1-2&R very difficult to impossible. No gear grinding but felt like clutch was not fully disengaging. 3 thru 6 smooth as butter. Shut engine off and all gear positions work normally. Did notice a squeaking noise in transmission area when operating clutch pedal, both in and out, that I've never noticed before, however, hard to hear now with engine running so not sure this new. Tried again this morning same deal as above.

 

No liquids on garage floor. Brake/clutch oil reservoir full and clean.

First thought was shift cable popped out of holder on trans, but wouldn't it shift hard whether engine running or not? Didn't hit anything nor drop into any giant potholes near end of trip. Have not crawled underneath, yet.

Suggestions? Search found nothing specifically of this nature.

 

Thanks in advance

Edit: As far as I know everything is stock and original.

[JFP in PA]

I would get under the car and look at the cables and their mounts on the gear box; when these come loose, all Hell sets in............

[creekman]

There are 2 cables with rod ends that connect to the transmission on the right side, I believe in your case the low and reverse work off the same cable so that's why you were having trouble.  You'll have to get under the car and remove the belly pans.  It's probably an easy fix if you can get your car up in the air.

[wildbilly32]

JFP and creekman: Thanks I will put it in the air and crawl under. Here's something weird: I went out this afternoon to start looking for problems. Started with checking the clutch pedal and cylinder. While pressing the pedal looking for proper function I notice I am not hearing the squeaking noted above! Went on to the frunk removing covers and verifying no leaks and fullness/cleanliness of fluid. No defects noted. Went back to the pedal...no squeaks. Checked shifting engine off...perfect. Started engine...guess what...perfect all gears smooth like butter. Am I nuts?

[creekman]

I'm guessing, and I'm no expert, but the cable/rod end got cocked some way and that was your shifting problem, not the clutch.  You didn't tell us when you had the low and reverse problem whether you were able to shift into the other gears ok?  If so then that would make it the rod end at the transmission, if not then maybe your clutch theory holds up.

 

Either way, I'm glad it worked out, however it's always nice to know why...

[wildbilly32]

creekman: as per original post "3 thru 6 smooth like butter" at time of failure. I will still check the cable ends, anyway and reply back. Thanks.

[wildbilly32]

Still haven't crawled underneath as retirement is just so demanding! However, not believing that the car self corrected went out again today to try. Tried all gear positions with engine off...normal. Started engine and waited for it to drop out of high idle. Tried all gears 1-2-R more difficult than the rest but not impossible. Car is in garage which has a flat floor. The car will sit there all day out of gear, handbrake off and never think about rolling. So I released the handbrake and put in 1st gear left clutch pedal down. Car slooowly moved forward about 1 foot. Shifted to R, left clutch pedal in and car slowly rolled back about 1 foot. Went back to 1st same result forward. No noticeable movement in 2nd. Definitely no movement 3-6. Did not notice any rpm change when placing in either gears that made car roll. This is a "SLOW" roll not like just easing the clutch out to inch forward. Like someone leaned on the car and it moved. Seems like clutch is not fully releasing?? I still plan to check underneath but wondered if anyone had any further comments. Is this "normal"?

[creekman]

Billy,  How many miles on your car or clutch in the event it has been replaced.  I think, or been told that 60,000 miles is a typical service life of the clutch.  So the bottom line is you can get into any gear now, but when you depress the pedal to the floor you get creep as the clutch does not fully disengage?

[wildbilly32]

54k miles. No idea on age clutch but guessing original. Plan is to visually inspect cable securement then concentrate on hydraulics. Change and purge oil first. Then check the various cylinders next, if necessary. Squeak from rear when pushing clutch pedal makes me suspicious.

[creekman]

So is the squeak when the engine is not running?  Could be a bent or broken throw out arm?  Sounds like you're on the right track, take one thing at a time.  I hope it's an external problem, and not open heart surgery.  

 

Remember if you get the car up on jack stands put some blocks or wheels under the car for safety so you don't get squash if it falls off the stands.  It does happen...