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April, 2025

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Standard transmission question

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hurrisun
Posts: 6284 - Karma: 49
I just got my first car its standard transmission its my first time driving standard im getting the hang of it but when im rolling pretty slow up to a red light or stop sign the car wont let me shift into first unless i totally stop and starting from second while rolling at like 10 km sounds rough on the transmission

Obviously ive stalled a few times and mad some less than pleasant sounding gear changes the first couple days I just wanna make sure i didnt break anything the car is a 2003 subaru impreza i looked online for helo but nohting really helped i want some first hand ns experience because i know there are tons of subaru standard drvers here
15 years ago
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Gnarshred
Posts: 5670 - Karma: 18
I dont drive a subi, but I drive a standard, and sometimes I have trouble getting it into first while rolling, Like I have to try 2 or 3 times before it goes it. Some transmissions are just moody like that. If it never ever goes it, I don't know what to tell you...
15 years ago
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hurrisun
Posts: 6284 - Karma: 49
well it might go bt i would have to force it and i dont wana be forcing anyhting
15 years ago
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Thenowhereman42
Posts: 5682 - Karma: 65
You driving a manual I assume? WRX's do tend to have sticky first gears, its a fairly common problem with the Subaru transmission (usually reverse is a little iffy too). When you shift into first is it sometimes like grinding the gear? I've driven a couple civics that did that, and the key is to ease the stick in to the gear, hold it just at the point where its about to change, and wait for a second, try to feel the right time to shift into first. Then shift confidently.

A decent amount of cars do that, my GTI did a little when I first drove it, but now that I've had it for a while I have the sweet spot.
15 years ago
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
When rolling up to a stop sign, shift the car into neutral, and release the clutch.  The press the clutch back in and shift into first.  Not sure why, but it works.
15 years ago
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hurrisun
Posts: 6284 - Karma: 49
is that like double clutching?
15 years ago
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0123456789
Posts: 9226 - Karma: 148
That's effectively double clutching, its your syncros that are making it a little screwy.   By clutching, then letting out and reclutching, the engine rpms will match up with the trans rpms( i think thats how it works) basically eliminating syncro usage, resulting in a clean shift.  Also, it is REALLY bad to shift into first while moving, and release the clutch, and get going again, its a lot better to just do a 2nd gear roll, just dont burn your clutch out.
15 years ago
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dreadyboy
Posts: 2306 - Karma: 34
yes it is. have you tried it? my drivers ed teacher said to always double clutch into and out of first, except don't actually release the clutch just do dub clutch speed.
15 years ago
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RICK_ROSS
Posts: 6983 - Karma: 3,341
subarus have extremely small first gears. you can force it into first below 10 mile per hour. just make sure the clutch is all the way in. do your best to mach RPMs before you let it out and your in great shape.


oh and your cars breaks are a lot cheaper to replace then your cars tranny.
15 years ago
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Shadows
Posts: 8068 - Karma: 43
1st gear has such a low ratio. its pretty much a problem on all cars. thats why i get pulled over so much for rolling stop signs in second. its too much effort to stop completely just to get into 1st.
15 years ago
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987321654hgfd
Posts: 5133 - Karma: 5,449
You shouldn't even bother trying to get it into first gear, its not good for the transmission. Once you shift out of first gear you shouldn't put it into first gear until you fully stop.
15 years ago
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1337
Posts: 31078 - Karma: 29,667
my 4runner does it too, its just something manuals do. answers are stated above.
15 years ago
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sol.
Posts: 231 - Karma: 181
even if i'm barely rolling i put it into 2nd gear...im pretty sure 1st is only meant for when you are at a dead stop anyway
15 years ago
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cclan
Posts: 742 - Karma: 19
idiot, you dont put it into first while moving.
15 years ago
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.travis.
Posts: 1737 - Karma: 46
Yeah, like a couple said above, you shouldn't really ever downshift into first when you are moving. It's just to get you going really. Either keep it in second and keep rolling or stop completely at stop signs.
15 years ago
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
amen, first isn't needed unless you are dead stop. Unless you truck is fuckered like mine, I can't get it into first at a stop, I have to shift into first while rolling. It's screwy and my mechanic said it has something to do with the clutch not being installed correctly.


But yeah regardless, don't shift into first unless you are at a dead stop, otherwise 2nd will handle it just fine.
15 years ago
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BenWhit
Posts: 4654 - Karma: 3,257
never try to downshift into first. most cars have sticky gears and you really dont wanna go to first unless youre going really slow then you can kind force it.
15 years ago
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