Auto Parts: Mitsi Eclipse 2000 manual trans, modern invention, mitsi


Question
First, when cold- hard to shift into first gear, gets much better
when car worms up.
Second, when shifting from first to second,slight grinding of the
gears all others are fine, even when down shifting no grinding.
I found work around when shifting from first by moving shifter in nuetural to the right and then quicly into second - no grinding.
Mitsubishi replaced the cluch last year, that's when problem started 2 months later and got worse. Car has 148K miles. Other then that runs fine.
Is it possible that sincros are shot? Cluch problems? Shifter is out of adjustment? or
Tranny is on the way out?  

Answer
    It sounds like your 1-2 synchro is worn out, or is wearing out.  This probably causes both problems.  Since this will be an expensive repair, you might want to live with it as long as you can.  Engaging the clutch in neutral between first and second will probably reduce the noise and delay the need for repair.  Remember, synchro between first and second is a fairly modern invention; my first car only had synchro in the higher gears.  You might want to change the oil in the transmission for fresh, it will have a lot of bronze particles circulating in it from the worn synchros.  Use a high-quality oil, or get some from the dealer; it shouldn't hold more than two quarts.