1st gear playing up in the GU

Submitted: Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 15:32

ThreadID: 8528 Views:2264 Replies:7 FollowUps:4

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Member - Melissa

A few times over the last 6 weeks or so I've had trouble getting the GU into 1st gear (manual gear box of course). Then in the last week this seems to be happening more frequently, like 2 or 3 times a day. Hubby noticed it too when he drove it the other day for the first time in weeks. 2nd gear seems a little clunky too but not having any problems with any others. Also, I can't be sure but I think the clutch felt a little "light" this morning. Oil and fluid levels are OK and up to date service wise. Oh, and because I know you'll ask for more info its a 1998 model Series I. Before we go traipsing off the the mechanics, I was just wondering if anyone has any idea's as to what the prob could be?

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
http://members.westnet.com.au/flatdog

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Reply By: Martyn (WA) - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 16:17

Reply By: Mickl - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 18:10

Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 18:10

If the clutch pedal feels a little lighter than usual the air may have entered the hydraulic system. Check it for leaks and bleed the system to check for air bubbles. If you can select reverse without any problems then that is a good sign the clutch is ok. Difficult 1st & 2nd gear gear selection is fairly common in 4wds with a few k's on the clock, It may be time for a transmission oil change, I've found 75w synthetic or semi synthetic oil to do wonders for for difficult gearchange problems.

AnswerID: 37328

Follow Up By: Member - Melissa - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 18:53

Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 18:53

Thanks Mickl,

Vehicle has 85K on the clock so it surprises me that gear selection probs would occur at this point without a reason. No trouble at all finding reverse. Good point about the tranny oil...now you mention it I recall we ended up putting some u-beaut stuff in our Paj which worked a treat. Re the clutch, I can't decide whether it is actually lighter than usual or whether I'm just "looking" for other symptoms.

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
http://members.westnet.com.au/flatdog

FollowupID: 27050

Follow Up By: Mickl - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 21:13

Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 21:13

Melissa,

As you can select reverse with no problem it is likely the clutch is ok, and I would think that the hydraulics are fine to. However for peace of mind a quick visual check of the hydraulic system and action of the slave cylinder/release fork will show any obvious faults and is quick and easy to do. Next step would be to change the gearbox oil, about $40 will get you a bottle of 75w grade synthetic blend, changing the oil is the first thing your mechanic will try anyway so you might as well do it yourself and save some time and money.
After 85k if the oil has never been changed it may be starting to lose its properties. (BTW as a point of interest: There are two schools of thought on gear oils, some say never change trans/diff/transfer case oils unless theres been a repair/contamination/overhaul, and even Gregorys type workshop manuals state this to be the case. Others say do regular changes. Look in a factory workshop manual for instance and the service schedule will say a change is due every 40K or so. My personal opinion is to do regular changes)
Hopefully this solves your problem as the next most likely causes lie within the gearbox (selector mechanism or synchros). :(