I drive a 03 GT w/tr3650...It is getting very hard to shift, it grinds alittle and have to force it into each gear. No smooth, fast shifting! Also, I have to start engine in reverse when it is warmed up or else it wont shift into rev. Clutch doesnt slip but does make noise when pedel is down. Can it be clutch, clutch cable, clutch fork or shifter problems? Any ideas before I pay for new clutch?

 

When was the fluid last changed, how much was used? Per TSB 04-15-6 it should be 3.0 L (3.2 qt), not the 3.8 L (4 qt) specified in the owners manual.

There should be 1 to 1-3/8" free play in the clutch pedal, if there is more than that it may not be fully disengaging--here is how to use the semi-automatic adjuster...

 

Did u adjust the cable as Cliffy mentioned, if you been forcing it into gears and the transmissions been grinding while you've been doing theres a chance those synchros are Nicole Brown Simpson and you just went OJ on their ***.

 

Yup, both of the guys above have hit my first two thoughts...
You should start by changing the fluid and ONLY filling it to 3.0L (the factory fill level was revised).

The syncros may be beat and need replaced.

I suspect both are contributing to the condition you describe.

 

Just changed fluid 3.2qt of syncromax (purple ****). I adjust the auto adjust quadrant thingy from time to time. No change in shifting really. I did pour alittle tranny fluid directly into shifter box. and seemed to help for alittle while.

 

Not really forcing and grinding gears, more of a extra effort like its not lining up quite right...reverse definantly griding to the point where I have to turn car off to shift into R

 

Is the clutch adjusted?

 

How much free play does the pedal have? Push on it with your hand, it should not move more than 1 to 1-3/8" before you feel the TOB contact the spring fingers. What you describe sounds as though the clutch is dragging.

Could possibly (maybe but not likely on a 3650) be a bad pilot bearing...

 

He did in fact mention that it makes a little noise when disengaged. Maybe the bearing.