Sometimes when down shifting and upshifting to 3rd the gears grind. Is this a common thing on an 03 P5 2.0L 5spd? Switch to synth. tranny fluid or take to the dealer???

thanks
Jim

 

i've wondered this also i have a 02 dx and when i'm driving in a 'spirited' way it clicks or grinds into 3rd

 

Some people think the synth fluid is too slippery for the synchros, which need friction to match the gear speeds. At least change the gear oil, especially if it's older than 30,000 miles.
Also prevent this kind of problem, make sure you don't drive around with your hand resting any weight on the shifter. That will wear down the synchro rings. Could wear the shift forks making them sloppy too. When that happens, sometimes it will jump out of gear.

 

Good to know. What do the aftermarket bushings do for the shifter that I've read about?

 

I switched to full Royal Purple Synthetic Gear Oil at 5K miles and my tranny is glass smooth. I've got just at 24K miles on my car and 19K would be with the new fluid. I highhly recommend it. I've also heard that GM Syncromesh is great. I may switch to it at my next flush date and see if I can tell a difference.

p.s. Kartboy makes shifter bushings that keep the shifter handle firm and less wiggly. Also, "bronzeoil" bushings are recommend by other users though I've not personally used them. My shifter/tranny is so smooth I don't think it needs any more improvement.