Horrible 3rd to 2nd Gear Shift

[MikeDGTS]

Does anyone else have this problem? At least 3 times I have been near redline in 3rd Gear (around 115mph) and in my quick shift to 4th, I end up going in to 2nd (and it actually goes in!!). Of course, it makes a horrible noise and shakes tremendously until I push it right back into neutral. This has happened on the street racing a pair of rice rockets and a couple times on the track. I assure you, Im not a horrible driver, and I let my buddy take it down the 1/4 a couple times and he did it too. I have driven Trans Ams, Vettes, Ferraris, Porsches you name it, and that has never happened. Anyone else ever have this problem or is it just my GTS?

 

[Joseph Houss]

Common issue.

Solution:

MGW knob
CONSCIOUSLY pull STRAIGHT BACK towards console glove box ... not towards you

 

[SoCal Rebell]

Join the club, I've done it 3 times, twice with the MGW knob

 

[MES]

Yep, been their done that, no damage. I hold my elbow about 2 inches from the console now when shifting, it makes you pull straight back, it's harder to go into 2nd that way.

 

[SAM Team]

I have heard there is great driver out there somewhere who does this and it works, his initials are (TA). When shifting to 3rd and 4th have your hand position with your thumb pointed down. This slightest little pressure pushing away will put it into the correct gear. Try it and see what you think.

This suppose to be a secret so do not tell anyone who should not know.

At Moroso I did exactly what you are talking about and the car did a 180 with me a stopped about 4 feet from the wall, I know your pain.

 

[Tenney]

A thumb down, palm away (facing passenger) grip may better serve to engage 4th.

 

[99 GTS Snakeman]

This happened to me a couple of times.
I haven't had any problems since I got the MGW knob.
I can feel the shifter gates much better.

 

[Chuck 97 GTS]

Happened to me twice this year even with the MGW shifter. I'll definately be working on my shift technique. My biggest concern: what damage could have been done to the engine??

 

[Qualitywires.com]

I posted the same question recently..it's common and happens when you are in a rush to shift...like street racing.

Someone gave me the advice of holding the shift knob like a pistol grip. I have been doing that and keeping my elbow out and I haven't had a problem since...it's the way you postion your arm.

 

[JonB]

Can you draw a straight line? The adreneline is tightening your muscles, and you pull in your elbow AND your shifter. Calm Down. Snich, Snick.

Aslo check your motor and tranny mounts.....they torque over!

A short throw shift kit would likley make this WORSE, and invalidate your tranny warranty. The short-throw knob helps you draw the straight line shorter and faster.

Bob Woodhouse [adreneline ******] designed and carries (as does PartsRack, thanks) a modified OEM shifter, with a protective spring pressure built in to prevent this. You can buy it outright for about $159, built from a new unit (best idea). Or send your core in and have it done for about $119. {Your core could prove worn, cracked, and worthless however..just buy one! )
This unit is warrantee friendly....

 

[jamie furman]

Its not the shift nob its the driving position of a viper that causes it, make sure the palm of your hand is over the top of the shifter when you pull 4th and you won't have that problem. I think by the time most of us run through the gears your hand is in the hand shake position when you go to pull 4th, and you naturally pull the shifter to you and that causes the problem.