Issue with selecting first gear

Hi guys,

I did a quick search but couldn't find anything helpful.
The car
2003 patrol GU ST, with Zd30 motor.
The issue
Once the car has had sufficient time on the road to warm up I have trouble selecting 1st gear, it's very stiff and it feels as though something isnt lined up correctly, I then have to pull the gear stick back into second (which at this stage is also quiet stiff to get into) and then have to really drive the gear stick back up into first for it to then be selected. When the car is cold though I rarely have the issue it's only once I've been on the road for a little bit.

On a side not I've just moved to Melbourne and i'm looking for a good mechanic I know one of the members of this site of from Vic and also a mechanic I'd love to hear from him as I would prefer to do any work on the car along side the mechanic to get a better understanding of mechanics and also I have had allot of shit in the past with them not bolting things back together and stuffing other things on the car while in there possessions.

Thanks in advance
Royce

What condition is the gearbox oil in? And if you open the top plug in the gearbox, the oil should be level with that. Also make sure the clutch is releasing fully.

How do I check to see if the clutch is releasing fully. Haven't checked the condition of the oil, is it just a case of cracking the sump? I'll check the top plug first.

It depends on how long you've had the car.

I give a full service to all vehicles that I buy for me and my family so I know what has been done.

It is always a good idea to crack open the top plug any way, as it is a total PITA if you drain the gear oil and find you can't fill it.

As for the clutch, sometimes air can cause the system to become spongy so bleeding the system should show you if any air is in there.

Just make sure you place a block of wood under the pedal so as not to cause it to push the piston past its normal operating range and maybe making it leak.

Roycey,
sorry to sound like a goose (and it's after beer/wine O'Clock) but have you checked the clutch fluid level?
Col.

yeah clutch fluid is full Col,

Mudnut you seem to know your shit, what part of Vic you from?

Well the first thing i would do is change the gear oil if you haven't checked the oil. So i assume its never been changed since you have owned it? Depending on how bad the oil is that comes out, it might pay to do a second oil change after a 100ks or so.
First synchro is not a common thing to go on these boxes. usually reverse and third are. There is two bushes that the gear stick sits in which are pushed into the lid of the gear box. Theres a chance these might be slightly worn too.
To check these bushes you need to remove the console and rubber boots to do this.

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Thanks Mudski will have a look at the bushes when I get home.
I see that both yourself and mudnut are Vic boys, I don't suppose either of you would be interested in swapping knowledge and your shed for beer and a laugh? I just moved to VIC and sold the majority of my tools before the move.

It would be great to be able to just rock up and meet ya, but I am 4-5 hrs away. Plenty of members in and around Melbourne though. Shame you got rid of your tools, but on the bright side, now you have the chance to buy some new stuff that fits the larger Patrol gear.

Have you any idea of grade of oil in the box?
My son's GQ ute had similar problem until he changed oil to correct type.

Unfortunately not, once I finish this swing though I'll go through the above mentioned list and hopefully one of them will fix the issue. I definitely need to give the truck some love though it just drove across Australia.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Royce

Thanks Mudski will have a look at the bushes when I get home.
I see that both yourself and mudnut are Vic boys, I don't suppose either of you would be interested in swapping knowledge and your shed for beer and a laugh? I just moved to VIC and sold the majority of my tools before the move.

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Yes Craig and myself ate both in Vic. But he is about 4 hours from me. Where are you?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by mudski

Yes Craig and myself ate both in Vic. But he is about 4 hours from me. Where are you?

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At the moment north Melbourne, moving to prahran-ish area in feb, but I work away so I can drive to anywhere any day in my time off, it's not a bother at all, i'm originally from Perth so around the corner in my old life is an hour and a half drive away.

Im in Mill Park but not for long... and havent yet found a place to reside too. So right now my garage is full and my tools have been boxed up.

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Neutral to first has no synchro. If it hard to initially select gears all the time then check the clutch system.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nissannewby

Neutral to first has no synchro. If it hard to initially select gears all the time then check the clutch system.

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I was referring to first to second. Just to clarify things.

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I have a new symptom, my missus is saying that changing from second to third there is a lag from putting it into gear until it's actually in gear, she said that if she puts her foot on the acceleration straight after changing gear the revs his 3-4000 and then she'll take her foot off the accelerator and she can then hear it and feel it drop into gear.

I'm assuming this will definitely be clutch issue? Does anyone know of a good mechanic to take it to in VIC?