Shifting

[fafforte]

Ok, I know this is old news for these cars. But i want to know if this is a common issue. every morning I have the hardest time shifting into 2nd, when the car is cold. It doesnt get much better, when it warms up. Sometimes 1st is almost impossible to engage at a stop. I'm at 12k miles already, partially due to a long trip to california, on thxgvg. thinking of changing the fluid in the trans.

[CorsaKoup]

Change the trans fluid to Redline MT90. It's greatly improved several of my cars' shift feel, even when cold.

[Chino Koup]

I always had good luck with the Redline gear oils on my track car, but maybe the 90 would be a little heavy?

I noticed that they listed Kia applications for the MT-85 75W85 GL-4 Gear Oil. Safe for brass synchros... not sure if Kia uses brass or not?
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=140&pcid=7

I feel the hard shift into 2nd for the first couple shifts on cold mornings or after the car has sat in the garage for several days. But no problem once it's run a couple blocks.

[ItsaRuck!]

I'd have the dealer take a look at it. Sounds to me like a synchro issue. There is a chance that the clutch master cylinder is low on fluid or even bad.

[CorsaKoup]

Mine did the exact same thing until I changed the oil. I think they use crap gear oil for factory fill. Too thick, and synchros can't do their job. It probably thickens a LOT when cold. Syn won't.

[fafforte]

Good idea Corsa. I had the same issue with my subaru impreza track car when it was new. After a break in period of about 5k miles, I changed the fluid with a special racing man trans synth oil by Royal purple (they were sponsoring my team at the time). Man what a difference!! the car was so much smoother and quicker. Albeit, quieter as well. that's my plan.

[mschiavoni]

when i had mine, it would often refuse to, without force, go into 3rd... very odd. i also had trouble with 1st and 2nd sometimes too

[Oilfreak]

(01-11-2011 01:46 PM)fafforte Wrote:  Ok, I know this is old news for these cars. But i want to know if this is a common issue. every morning I have the hardest time shifting into 2nd, when the car is cold. It doesnt get much better, when it warms up. Sometimes 1st is almost impossible to engage at a stop. I'm at 12k miles already, partially due to a long trip to california, on thxgvg. thinking of changing the fluid in the trans.

Mine is great even in sub zero temps. Sounds like a mechanical issue perhaps.

[fafforte]

(01-12-2011 01:06 AM)Oilfreak Wrote:  Mine is great even in sub zero temps. Sounds like a mechanical issue perhaps.

been like that since I drove off the dealer lot....

[mschiavoni]

(01-12-2011 05:07 PM)fafforte Wrote:  been like that since I drove off the dealer lot....

should've turned around and said something lol