Gear Shifting 101

[SD987]

The inability to push the shifter into first gear at inopportune moments, reported by myself and a couple of other over at ppbb.

Fortunately, this lock-out seems to be a rare flaw found in certain 5-speeds installed on 2005 987s (obviously, not the S model). There is a Porsche TSB where they realign the shifter for you, with mixed results. My guess is that the problem will go down in history as an isolated problem with the new Japanese tranny in the 987, that was "worked out" in subsequent builds and could be characterized as one of those minor glitches that frequently materialize in the early years of "new" models.

[eslai]

Originally Posted by SD987

The inability to push the shifter into first gear at inopportune moments, reported by myself and a couple of other over at ppbb.

Fortunately, this lock-out seems to be a rare flaw found in certain 5-speeds installed on 2005 987s (obviously, not the S model). There is a Porsche TSB where they realign the shifter for you, with mixed results. My guess is that the problem will go down in history as an isolated problem with the new Japanese tranny in the 987, that was "worked out" in subsequent builds and could be characterized as one of those minor glitches that frequently materialize in the early years of "new" models.

wow, I hadn't heard of that. Bummer.

[rickhuizinga]

Originally Posted by SD987

The inability to push the shifter into first gear at inopportune moments, reported by myself and a couple of other over at ppbb.

Fortunately, this lock-out seems to be a rare flaw found in certain 5-speeds installed on 2005 987s (obviously, not the S model).

I have this problem in my 987S 6 speed where I cannot shift from neutral into first gear when rolling (in neutral) above 4 or 5 mph. This is a problem because sometimes selecting second gear isn't an appropriate starting gear when rolling between 5-10mph (especially up hill). Whenever this happens, I have to stop the car, shift to first, then drive on - often pissing off those who are following. If I select 2nd, I have to slip the clutch and bog the engine.

Any suggestions?

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by rickhuizinga

I have this problem in my 987S 6 speed where I cannot shift from neutral into first gear when rolling (in neutral) above 4 or 5 mph. This is a problem because sometimes selecting second gear isn't an appropriate starting gear when rolling between 5-10mph (especially up hill). Whenever this happens, I have to stop the car, shift to first, then drive on - often pissing off those who are following. If I select 2nd, I have to slip the clutch and bog the engine.

Any suggestions?

Hi,

Even with Baulk Rings (Synchromesh) there has to be a certain relationship between the Speed of the Crank and the Input Shaft to the Tranny. This is most noticable in the Lower Gears. Try giving the Throttle a Blip and see if that doesn't cure the issue.

I don't know the answer to this, but could the DME (Drive-by-Wire and such) be preventing this? Some Cars do have a Lock-Out to prevent over-revving the Motor, does the Porsche have this too?

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[SD987]

Rick, the bugaboo I'm referring to happens from rest (at a traffic light) going from neutral to first with the 5 speed. I didn't try downshifting into first when I test drove an S, but I know most transmissions no-likee the downshift into first and will put up resistance (as MN Boxster alludes to).

That being said, downshifting into first at sane speeds/rpms with the 987 5 speed is no problem...although not personally recommended.

And yes, I did use "bugaboo" in a post.

[denverpete]

Originally Posted by rickhuizinga

I have this problem in my 987S 6 speed where I cannot shift from neutral into first gear when rolling (in neutral) above 4 or 5 mph. This is a problem because sometimes selecting second gear isn't an appropriate starting gear when rolling between 5-10mph (especially up hill). Whenever this happens, I have to stop the car, shift to first, then drive on - often pissing off those who are following. If I select 2nd, I have to slip the clutch and bog the engine.

Any suggestions?

Wow, I've only ever seen this problem on Harley's! I have absolutely no problems shifting into 1st (provided the RPM's aren't too high) and I don't see any reason not to. I like to pull up to the corners, downshift into 2nd while braking, then shift into 1st to pull out of the corner. I do notice that it works better if you don't completely let off the throttle.

Giggle. 987S can't shift into 1st. Ah, there's justice in the world after all!

[SD987]

"I like to pull up to the corners, downshift into 2nd while braking, then shift into 1st to pull out of the corner."

- DenverPete

"The engine on my 99 failed this past June at 12,800 miles after only owning it for a month."

- DenverPete


...ummm do you think these two might be related?

[denverpete]

Originally Posted by SD987

"I like to pull up to the corners, downshift into 2nd while braking, then shift into 1st to pull out of the corner."

- DenverPete

"The engine on my 99 failed this past June at 12,800 miles after only owning it for a month."

- DenverPete


...ummm do you think these two might be related?

Ummm. Let me think. Yeah, that would be no? Unless Porsche is publishing incorrect information the maximum downshift point from 2nd to 1st on my '99 is 35 mph or 4000 RPM.

Hey, it's not my fault the guy can't downshift above 5 mph. Like I said, I've only ever had that problem on my Harley and that was fixed with a set of new back-cut Andrews gears. If that was a problem on MY Porsche - I'd be looking for solutions.