Low gear shifting notchy! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

sub5kvm · 04-22-2013, 02:38 PM

Hi. Shifting between first and second gears can be really notchy on my box.

Once the car is warmed up it feels better, but i never seem to get a completely smooth gear change.

From 2nd onwards, no issues at all, so wasn't sure if this was just a characteristic of the boxster (considering the age of the car) or whether it's a possible sign of wear?

Anyone else get this?

AKnowles · 04-22-2013, 03:32 PM

I've got a 99 and can't say I feel any difference in the gears, however, from what I've read it could be a motor or transmission mount. If it really gets better when it warms up, consider a fluid change though. Doesn't cost much particularly if you do it yourself. And while you are there you can inspect the mounts.

Spinnaker · 04-22-2013, 03:52 PM

Very common problem with the Boxster transmission. Mine is the same way. Do a search on the forum, lots of posts about this issue.

jacabean · 04-22-2013, 03:54 PM

new motor mount and 997 shifter will make a world of difference .

san rensho · 04-22-2013, 06:02 PM

First, change the gear box oil, use only Porsche fluid. If it doesn't improve, then go to the suggestions above.

Bryan topping · 04-22-2013, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by san rensho

First, change the gear box oil, use only Porsche fluid. If it doesn't improve, then go to the suggestions above.

+1 on this. It made a world of difference on my '01

sub5kvm · 04-23-2013, 05:33 AM

Cheers guys.

Will go with the gear box oil change first as suggested and take it from there.

Andrew McD · 04-24-2013, 08:23 AM

I spent ages trying to sort the same problem on mine too. For what its worth here is what i've done so far... Oil changed, not for Porsche but Millers (Engine Oil, Gear Oil, Fuel Additive, Millers Oils). I cannot remember which one, but call them and they'll advise. Changed the shifter for the short shifter and replaced the front engine mount. The shifter was one of the eBay copies. And then spent a few weeks playing with the cable adjustments. Also the connections at the gearbox end were checked and oiled.

Now it's by no means perfect, but much, much better. One of my cables is a bit stretched so that's going to effect things a bit. As the weather is improving, so is the change. A point my indy made a while ago.

A lot of the stuff you'll read on the forums about the second gear change is actually about the 6 speed, serious problems with the 5 speed look to be less common.