GT Jumping out of first gear

[Richhill43]

I recently purchased a 2005 GT and I could not think of a better place to ask my question. In only first gear, it will sometimes jump out under acceleration. I have tried several things like ensuring that it is fully forward, hands away from the shifter until I am shifting and it sometimes still does it. It is a fairly violent dis-engaging and I don't want to hurt anything further.

In the old muscle cars, if the shifting linkage is not properly adjusted it would cause a similar action. I am just trying to see if anyone has heard of this and maybe can tell me if I possibly have a rounded gear or an adjustment issue. Any help is appreciated.

 

[PL510*Jeff]

This is not normal. Call Kyle Millen at Stillen. Ricardo trained GT transaxle specialists in house. And really nice folks too.

Rich - Welcome to our wacky world. Get your Forum status changed to GT Owner. And send a couple of $ to DBK for one of the upgraded memberships.

 

[Empty Pockets]

This specific pblm has never been reported here on The 'Forum that I can recall. It's a new wrinkle tranny-wise. There have been 1 or 2 (DARN few anyway) minor linkage adjustment related 'issues' reported though. It would seem your linkage adjustment would be the most LIKELY culprit here, as the Ricardo is darn near bullet proof mechanically.

I'd follow Jeff's suggestion.

 

[fjpikul]

It would help if we knew where you are. Welcome. You might open the clamshell and take a look at the back linkage where the counterweight is at and see if there is something impeding it. Post some pictures (must be a member). Do you know if you have the short throw shifter or not? Where did the car come from?

 

[dbk]

In the old muscle cars, if the shifting linkage is not properly adjusted it would cause a similar action. I am just trying to see if anyone has heard of this and maybe can tell me if I possibly have a rounded gear or an adjustment issue. Any help is appreciated.

That is likely the case here. It is very rare. There is a tool that Ford has to solve this problem which allows you to ensure the cables are aligned properly. Rich Brooks should be able to hook you up with it. If it were third gear I would be more concerned.

PM "thegtguy"

 

[BlackICE]

Why would 3rd be of greater concern?

 

[dbk]

Just based on the fact that out of every single FGT transmission I've seen that legitimately has a problem that dictates replacement, it's started with 3rd gear. I've never heard anyone say they had a problem with 1st gear and then have the trans blow, and I've had more than one have it happen starting with issues with 3rd. Could be meaningless.

 

[BlackICE]

On another car years ago, I learned the hard way not to downshift to 1st when except when moving very slowly, unless you want to wear out your 1st gear synchros! :ack

 

[nota4re]

I hope, hope, hope this is a linkage issue. However, I wouldn't bet on it.

 

[Shadowman]

Contact me and I will share how to check linkage and then a decission can be made

Takes care

Shadowman

 

[Richhill43]

Wow - thanks all for the quick responses. I have been very busy driving this awesome car that I have been neglecting the others and pretty much everything thing else. I will have to poke around this site to figure out how to change status and stuff but I have no idea who DBK is. I searched everywhere online and I also could not find a reference to my particular problem. It has not done it for a while but I don't want to risk launching it hard and doing something really stupid and possibly preventable. I did add my car to the registry as it is sn 61 2005 Midnight Blue/White Stripes with all four options.

 

[fjpikul]

DBK is the owner/supreme moderator of this site. He is in Detroit. Judging from the pictures in LeMans, looks like he lost a little weight.

 

[drof gt]

I started having this same problem, I've had the car since new, it has about 3500 miles. I was interested to see what the final out come was for your car? Also how can I check the linkage and whatever else I should check?

 

[Shadowman]

There is a tool aka a fixture that is secured to the OEM shifter with the cables disconnected at the transaxle and then they are adjusted as needed.

If I can help please let me know

All the best

Shadowman

 

[Richhill43]

I started having this same problem, I've had the car since new, it has about 3500 miles. I was interested to see what the final out come was for your car? Also how can I check the linkage and whatever else I should check?

I have not come to a final outcome as of yet. I have called Kyle Millen at Stillen but he had not heard of this problem. He did say that there are no spare parts for the Ricardos so the obvious hope is an alignment. I have been so busy with other stuff that I have not gotten back to this yet. I was hoping over the winter to address it. I have put over a 1000 miles on the car since I bought it and there is simply nothing like it. I am a huge fan of the car as it is simply the best driving, best performing car I have driven. It is beyond my words to describe the thrill of the compound boost (1100 HP on pump gas). I don't think the additional HP caused this issue but I am careful of getting on it hard in first because of it. I love this car. I absolutely love this car.

If you find out any more, I would appreciate an update. Like I said, I plan to dig into it deeper and if I find anything out I will let you know. Did I mention I love this car?

Rich

 

[ALLRYZE]

Did you ever determine the cause of your first gear issue. Mine had the dredded third gear seperation but Aaron Scott repaired and after 1,000 miles it is flawless. Ricardo gears are two piece "electron beam" welded together. When the weld fails, the gear freewheels. There is no "jumping out" of gear. My guys are betting it was a synchro. Parts can be reproduced but it takes some serious research and understanding the Ricardo. Hoping as well it was an adjustment. I was not that fortunate but have the guys to repair if you need help.