down shifting in to 3rd

[crazyychriss123]

when i drive and i go to slow down i down shift to help slow me down. sometimes though when i try to down shift in to 3rd it wont get in gear, then ill have to stick it in 4th and try again. that will usually do the trick. then sometimes i'll have to play with it like that 2 or 3 times before it finally goes in to gear, also by that time it will grind its way in to gear and i hate it

this only happens while down shifting never up shifting. it just gets annoying sometimes when i go to make a turn and i'll have to skip putting it in 3rd and just use 2nd, in some cases.

this happens frequently enough to the point where i need to ask what the deal is, and i'm sure there wont be a straight answer and there's the chance it could be anything. it's just that one simple little thing.

[manny_turbo]

it's better if you do not use the clutch and tranny to help you slow down as it puts alot of wear on the clutch, and you would be changing it out real soon. Now the downshifting issue could be alot of possibilities, like a clutch pedal adjustment, worn clutch, clutch master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, or the 3rd gear synchro, start with the easiest one first...

[flatrex]

Try rev matching

[deevergote]

Rev matching is your best bet.
And yes, while it puts extra wear on your clutch and tranny... I do this in my Fit, and I got nearly 200,000 miles out of my original clutch (before a spring came loose and trashed it... it still had at least 20,000 more miles worth of friction material, though!)
I rev match, heel-toe downshift, launch, feather the clutch... I seriously beat the crap out of that thing!

The issues you are experiencing are most likely due to worn synchronizers in your transmission, and possibly (but unlikely) a slightly damaged shift fork.
Try changing your transmission fluid. I suggest using GM Synchromesh Friction Modified Formula. You can get it at any GM dealer. Many people have compared it to Honda MTF and found that the GM fluid produced better results.

[GhostAccord]

If you know how to properly shift and you do not slip the clutch. Down shifting gears to a stop will not put any noticeable wear on the clutch or it's components. It will also give you better fuel economy as the ECU will go into a deceleration fuel cut. Where as if you were to put it in neutral/free wheel the ECU will burn fuel at it's moving idle speed. 1000-1200rpm IIRC.

OP, x2 .... This kind of sounds like your syncro's are starting to go. Try doing a fluid change and see if that does anything.

How hard is it to put into reverse?

[deevergote]

Also, do you have a short shifter installed? I noticed MUCH notchier shifting with a short shifter, to the point where I put it back to stock.

[crazyychriss123]

lol it can be a real pain to get it in reverse, no i just have a regular shifter knob

[GhostAccord]

Sounds like you're going to need a new trans. Try the fluid change and see if makes things better for a while.

[deevergote]

A fluid change actually made quite a difference in mine. I had difficulty shifting into reverse when it was cold (thanks to a shop that put thick gear oil in there!)

[crazyychriss123]

well after reading http://www.drivingfast.net/car-control/rev-matching.htm

i assume rev matching is just driving and changing gears as smoothly as possible, but i'm going to read some more articles about rev matching.

idk if that's the case because i will be going a good speed but it just wont get in gear like the reverse for instance and also 1st gear which you will never get in gear if you're moving. keep in mind it's only 3rd gear while down shifting.

i'll take it to the shop for a fluid change need to get new tires anyhow.

[deevergote]

Rev matching means revving the engine up in neutral (or just with the clutch pressed in, if you're lazy) to match the speed it will be going in the lower gear. It puts less strain on the clutch and transmission, and keeps your car from bucking as it gets into gear.

Be sure to get the GM Synchromesh fluid. Don't just say "I want a transmission fluid change" at a random shop, or they'll put motor oil in there... or worse, gear oil. Motor oil is actually what our manual says to use, but after 20 years of use (and abuse... people rarely think to change their transmission fluid), better fluid offers much more protection against wear.