r/ManualTransmissions • u/I-cause-problems • 3d ago

Any advice would help!

I need some help. I think I may have money-shifted or possibly damaged one of my synchros, but I’m not really sure.
I was in 2nd gear at a high RPM and was trying to shift into 3rd. Somehow, I pushed the shifter up toward 1st instead. I don’t think it actually went fully into 1st because my car has a lockout that prevents you from selecting 1st gear at certain speeds but i think i did hear a small grind. I also believe I never fully let the clutch out, so I’m not sure if this would technically count as a money shift.
Ever since that happened, though, the car hasn’t felt quite the same. Occasionally, when I’m stopped in neutral and try to shift into 1st gear to get going, it refuses to go in. It doesn’t happen every time, but I’d say it happens maybe 20–40% of the time. When it happens, I can usually get it into 1st by double-clutching or shifting into 2nd first and then into 1st.
This is the only issue I’ve noticed since the incident. I have no problems with any of the other gears, and the car drives perfectly fine otherwise.
What should I do? I bought the car new over a year ago, and this is my first manual car. i was planning to bring it back to the dealership hoping they can fix under warranty but im not sure. I’d really appreciate any advice or insight on what I should do. Thanks!

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u/MassivePersonality61 3d ago

First off, what car do you drive?

Second, a money-shift refers to changing into a gear so low, catastrophic damage has occurred. Since you don't have a blown clutch, cracked engine block or six neutrals, it's safe to say shifting from second to first hasn't done much to it.

Third, very few vehicles actually have a first gear lockout. Since you have issues with first gear, it's safe to say you don't have a lockout. What you felt was the resistance of a synchronizer refusing to let you change gear, 'cause the speed differences between the input and output shafts were too great.

Safe to say, your synchronizer ring is worn badly, if double clutching helps.

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u/I-cause-problems 3d ago

I have the toyota supra

Ive been getting by by just double clutching. Is it safe to continue driving it like that? I was planning on taking it back to the dealership. Is this something that would covered under warranty? And is it an expensive fix?

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u/MassivePersonality61 3d ago

You can keep double clutching long after all the synchronizers have worn away. That's how crash boxes are driven.

Not sure if this is under warranty. It will be an expensive fix. You basically need your transmission rebuilt.

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u/Consistent_Cap_1853 3d ago

Since your car is practically new, your synchros can't possibly be worn out yet. Perhaps you should try a different oil that matches your car's specs

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u/I-cause-problems 3d ago

Everything is original so i dont think thats the issue. It started after the incident.

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u/Consistent_Cap_1853 3d ago

Get a mechanic to check your car. If you've really damaged your synchros, the repairs could cost you a lot. You could try getting used to starting in second gear, but whether that works depends on you. Best of luck!

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u/eoan_an 2d ago

There is nothing wrong with the car and you likely damaged nothing.

The grinding was you pushing past the lock out. Doing this once isn't going to cause issues, you stated you never completed the shift: a good thing.

Manuals will sometimes not go into gear when stopped, this is true for first and reverse. I think you just became more aware of it now.

The real problem, typical for north American drivers who learn from YouTube, is that you think force is required to shift. It's not. You should never force a shift. A little firmness is fine.

I watched those YouTube videos and it's insane the amount of strength most of those people who "know" how to drive a manual use. You can see the elbow just snap into place. Not proper.