Grinding Gears

[Halo9809]

So we've had this problem on our vibe , it's an 03, base five speed. When going from second to first gear at speeds the owners manual states is okay , under 15mph or even under 10mph it will grind viciously. It also likes to grind when going into third, doesn't matter from what, it will grind, but only sometimes. Also sometimes it well go into first gear from second, but only at say speeds of less than 5mph anything above and it will grind, sometimes you have to be at a full standstill or else it weep grind. There didn't seem to be any other issues with any of the other gears. Although sometimes it's temperamental about going into reverse, but it generally goes into reverse without any problems.

[Salsa Guy]

Time for a new Tranny. Have you ever changed the fluid? If so you use a GL-4?

[Halo9809]

No we haven't changed the fluid. I didn't mention earlier that it h has been going on since we bought it, nine months ago. It is also a manual and I looked, and searched online, and couldn't find an easy way to check the transmission fluid without lifting it up, which is really difficult for me to do.

[Salsa Guy]

You can get at it with out jacking or putting on a lift unless it lowered at least on the 6 speed, I did mine yesterday. The fact it's been having issues since you bought it it could be a transmission, clutch out throwout bearing. The C59 transmissions in these cars have know issues. How many miles?

Here's a link to change it
http://matrixowners.com/index.php?/topi ... msearch__1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Might be something on here also. The Vibe/Matrix/Corolla all share the same engine, tranny, electronics and etc

[Halo9809]

Had 93k miles when we bought it back in March, have since put almost 30k miles on it reading a whopping 120k. It has been doing it d sense we got it sip I don't think it is something crucial, otherwise especially with me learning how to drive a stick, the transmission would have been completely shot months ago. Although the grinding does concern me about the overall shortening of its lifespan.

[Salsa Guy]

ahh No. Just keep on driving it. It's time for new clutch/pressure plate/throw out bearing if you are lucky. You can't seem to change the fluid but I'm willing to bet it would be a waste because the tranny is on it's way out. You can always check the shifter bushings, something could be a miss there.

[Halo9809]

Alright thanks for your help man, when it finally goes out, I well post on here v what the cause of it was and the damage to other components as well as my wallet.

[triz]

On a manual it really couldn't hurt to change the fluid.

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/g ... e=SVGQT-EA

I was having trouble finding a good pic of the C59. Is it similar to the c56/C60 series? Drain plug should be at the bottom of the case if so. Could be bad synchros, bearing.

[Salsa Guy]

Server Gear is a good fluid however I'd stick with ONLY GL-4. The Server Gear makes no mention of being Yellow Metal safe.

[joatmon]

The reliability issue with the 03 5 speeds has been one of internal bearings, primary symptom of noise while at speed, especially in the upper gears. Grinding while shifting could be worn synchros, or perhaps clutch not releasing enough. Changing the oil is a good idea, but certainly not a sure thing to fix the problem. viewtopic.php?f=20&t=23439" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; has some oil change info, some of the other links already provided might be better, I didn't check.

[circuitsmith]

Changing the fluid is an inexpensive thing to try.
I recommend Red Line MT-90 fluid, which is GL-4.

[triz]

Changing the fluid is an inexpensive thing to try.
I recommend Red Line MT-90 fluid, which is GL-4.

I know a lot of people like the Redline MT-90 (which by the way I have run in my MR2). What I did not like with the Redline was that in cool/cold temps (BTW I live in FL) I would have trouble shifting. I also had trouble shifting after spirited driving.

I was not happy with it and asked a friend what should I use and he put me on to the Amsoil GL-4. Look at me now. I was really happy with its performance that much. It's not a cure all but I have had several people go from the Redline to the Amsoil and they highly recommend.

Here is the Amsoil GL-4 link as well.

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/t ... e=MTGQT-EA

I

[triz]

Server Gear is a good fluid however I'd stick with ONLY GL-4. The Server Gear makes no mention of being Yellow Metal safe.

I put the link of the GL-4 as well. The question has been put up with technical services. I do know quite a few people who use the GL-5 and have not reported any side effects . I will however post up technical services response whether it is or not.

I do believe the GL-4 is what I have in there right now as that was what was recommended to me at the time.

[triz]

Response from Amsoil technical:

The Severe Gear lube is yellow metal safe IF the application calls for a GL-5 Gear lube

[Salsa Guy]

Good info there so at least my 03 Vibe calls for GL-4 and that's what put in.