hellyeahirace

i got an 86 5kcst. i have problems shifting into 1st,from 1st to 2nd, 3rd and 4th are ok and 5th is a problem. most times i hit 3rd instead of 1st and 4th instead of 2nd and 3rd instead of 5th, still with me?this also applies to downshifting. i can sometimes shift if i depress the shift lever (like you do to go into reverse) the clutch is kinda new like 10-20k on it. could this be linkage? it is imperitive i get this fixed and quick!!


p.s. if any of y'all would be interested in buying this car from me let me know.

the red pill

First gear on these transmissions is a little tough to find. You may try releasing the clutch pedal a little bit and then fully pressing it in again.

hellyeahirace

1st is actually not the worst i can get it in buy puting the lever in the upper left and wiggling it till it clicks in. if i hold (with much preasure) to the left i can get it in 1st and 2nd but only at a stop. if i move it between 1st and 2nd the smoothness of it goes and it feels sticky. could this maybe low trans fluid? how do i check it and what fluid do i use?

SteveJ_in_TX

The shifter linkage may not have been tightened enough at the clutch change, check the shifter rod bolts first - that's the cheapest thing to check, also.

hellyeahirace

i'll check that as soon as i can get the leather boot off, or do i have to take out the whole console? also i drove it for two months before this happened. one day it wouldn't got into 5th the next it was 1st and 2nd as well. would these bolt loosen like that?

SteveJ_in_TX

First you lose one gear, then it gets progressively worse.

Make sure you have no puddles of foul smelling gear lube under the car as well - crawl under and make sure it's not weeping gear lube.

Good luck!

rupert

The linkage (rod) on my '85 had to be replaced.

thermonuclear

Just curious, how does the rod go 'bad' ?

rupert

The mechanic said it was damaged. I don't really know.

crotext

I agree it is probably a linkage problem but I do know of at least one similar situation cured simply by adding gear lube. The boot comes off easily and so do the side panels of the console with a couple of screws and pop fasteners but I don't think you need both off just to check it out.