About a week ago my 6 speed seemed to become more notchy... Now all shifts have some of it. Where in the past certains shifts were always smooth (like 3 to 4). Im very perplexed. Why would this change? Yes I fully depress the clutch.

 

What the fuck does this have to do with the moon????

PS....i have no idea why it would change....bring it to the dealer, thats there job to figure out.

 

Same delimma here...I don't know..just crossing my fingers and hoping it's not a tranmission failure! Seems to be notchy here and there in mostly 2nd, 3rd (sometimes) and 4th (rarely). 5th to 6th is super smooth probably cause the damn car is moving so fast already.

Also I've noticed that during certain RPM range it's easier to shift into gear...usually rev matching helps a bit with the downshift and for the upshift, sometimes revving the engine a bit higher than normal range will allow for smoother gear engagement...as for why this is..it's beyond me...

Dealer says it's fine...and the problem with engaging into first gear is due to the triple synchros...

 

Strangely enough my engagement of first gear (very notchy at first) is now much much smoother.

 

Was it really cold out about a week ago ??

Most 6spd owners have reported that the notchiness goes away when it got warmer out. It was kinda cold this weekend up hear in New Engand (at least in the mornings).

I got my car in the winter, and even when it was cold, I did notice the tranny got smoother (especially 1st gear) with more miles on it (syncros breaking in )

I have noticed that you have to be really "percise" when shifting the CLS 6psd. It's all in the clutch release. Shifting a little too soon or a little too late, and it feels notchy (if you're really off you'll grind). If you time it just right tho' the shifter can almost be flicked into place (or with 1 finger).

Mine shifts like butter when it's warm out. I supose having 8000 miles of experience now driving it doesn't hurt either

 

I notice a similar behavior. But here's what I've been able to pin point.

1) Warmer outside temps make it easier to make repeatable smooth shifts.
2) The 6 speed M/T is finicky when it comes to shifting. If I get a little tired or sloppy, the shifts tend to feel notchy for 2nd and 4th gears.
3) The more mileage I put on tranny, the smoother shifts feel, the less I experience the notchy feeling.

I've also heard changing to a better gear oil at the recommend milage can help reduce the notchiness.

 

Greenmonster. so you are saying that as long as the clutch is fully depressed during the movement of the shift lever, your shifts are "one finger" smooth?

 

My shifts are always 'one finger' smooth.

I'm beginning to think that I have the Wednesday car of the bunch. I've not had any of these clutch/shifting issues that are discussed.

Either a Wednesday car, or I'm just better at shifting then others (which I doubt!).

It is a little harder to move the shifter when the temp is under 20F, but ALL transmissions move less easily when the temperatures are frigid. This is not something to be concerned about.

 

I agree with greenmonster. Notice the exact same thing. You've got to be precise with your shifts - otherwise they may feel notchy. I would also add one other part of shifting. My car is California smogged. When shifting, the revs don't drop off right away which makes it even harder to shift smoothly. So not only do I need to make sure the clutch is fully depressed, I need to let the revs to drop off a little before shifty.

Now if I'm really on it, taking it up to 5k, 6k or 7k before each shift and then quick shifting, it shifts smoothly all the time. But for normal driving around town, the 6 speed is finicky.

 

They all are/they all do that.

 

Yes. Except for the downshift into first. I think it's tougher to shift into 1st by design rather then a flaw. If I'm stopped (or at low speeds) I can shift easily into first (under 15mph).

I don't remember how many miles you have on your car, but I do remember that it took several thousand for my tranny to "wear in" (about 4500-5000).

The clutch on the CLS is funny. I don't know if it's from the dual mass flywheel or not

When Acura designed the 6spd for the CLS I think they put too much emphasis on making the clutch "soft" for non-enthusiasts. The CLS 6spd is an enthusiasts car, and I'd be willing to have the clutch action alot more "harsh" to get rid of the funny action. I've gotten used to the CLS clutch, but it'll be interesting when I put my VW bus back together to see how I adjust to the primitive clutch action on the VW (which feels more natural to me).

Edit: I've found that the CLS 6spd took more time to get used to then any other stick shift vehicle I've driven.

 

I'm willing to bet that it's a little bit of both

 

Thanks for the compliment, but I've never thought of my shifting as anything special -- I've just been doing it for over 20 years now.

As said, I have no complaints with my gearbox/transmission/drivetrain. I my CL-S!