Help diagnose these shifting problems

[Xcellr8]

Geez, can't believe I been fooling around with this for so long. Finally, got around to bleeding the clutch properly. That was an ordeal in itself, but believe I finally got it.

Problem is, still can't shift gears when car is running and on the ground.

Is there a way to test the slave cylinder to see if it is functioning?

I can move the shifter towards each gear, and hear movement in the back, so I believe the shifter cables are trying to go the right places. Still, I'd like to "know" that its not the front motor mount that is keeping the cables from moving adequately to engage the gears. Can I jack up the front of the motor to simulate a new motor mount?

Any ideas? Thanks, Joe

[jb92563]

I don't know much about Boxster specific transmissions but in general it sounds like the syncromesh mechanism in the transmission is worn out and preventing the gear changes.

A transmission rebuild may be required.

There is also a known issue that could occur on rare occasions, frequently when a short shifter has been installed that the linkages may have popped out of their restraints and are slipping when more pressure is applied, or broken plastic retainer.

Checking involves removing the center console around the shifter back to the armrest.

Its fairly easy to do yourself and wise to check the cheap possibilities before getting the Transmission rebuilt or replaced.

Maybe someone with specific tranny knowledge can chime in.

[Xcellr8]

I've had the console out recently and the shift linkage looked good at the shifter - which is stock. Good idea though.

In my first post, I mentioned not being able to start the car with the car in reverse. That is, with the car in reverse, with the clutch in, when I turned the key to start the engine, the whole car was moved by the starter motor backwards. At that time the car was in a garage with no room to move forward.

Today, after bleeding the slave cylinder, I was able to put the car into first, press the clutch in, and turn the key to start the motor. The car did not move from the starter action. The car DID move as it should when I let the clutch out and if I pushed the clutch back in, the car came to rest as it should without rolling. (Reverse also worked with that method which is an improvement, so bleeding the clutch definitely helped.) By the way, the clutch grabbed near the floor on the release. Not near the driver. I think that means there is a lot of clutch material remaining. No?

So, I think the slave cylinder does work. And I think the clutch is not worn out.

It also pushes me a little more in the direction of the suggested synchros not working properly, but then again, that doesn't really explain not getting into reverse from neutral with the motor running.

Hmmmm? How about ya? Got an opinion?

Thanks,
Joe