I switched to GM Synchromesh FM fluid about 1000 miles ago. The very occasional 3rd gear grind, and more frequent 3rd gear notchiness was instantly gone.

Now that it's been cold out a few days, I notice a new issue-

I'm nearly getting locked out of 2nd when the trans is cold. Like first drive off after a minute cold. Pulling the stick into 2nd can be tough. I'm having to double clutch for smooth engagement. On a couple of occasions, it has "thumped" into gear, like the synchros weren't even there. Other times, it just ain't going into 2nd without clutch out, and back in.

After a few miles and a couple of shifts, all is golden.

It looks like I've traded one issue for another. Not cool.

 

Nope, sorry. Nothing like that.

I switched 1000's of miles ago. Could barely get it into 3rd anymore. 2nd was also a problem, only not as frequently or as tough. Since the change, it still shifts smooth. Coldest it has been is about 25F. I take off almost immediately after starting in the morning. Would never switch back. Now at 40k on my '05.

Are you sure you got all the old fluid out? How about did you put enough back in? I don't know for sure.
-Jeff

 

Just a suggestion...Since it gets so cold in VA, maybe you can try to work through the gears, ALL the gears, while warming up your car (assuming you do) when you first start it. It'll help to get the fluid to flow through the transmission. It might help to alleviate the 2nd gear issue? I'm not sure, but it can't hurt, so it might be worth a try.

 

Nope....switched to GMSM in both my '05 and '07, and have nothing but rave reviews. (I live in freezing CT BTW). You must have some other transmission issue.

 

Switched my 04 several years ago. No problems with any gear when cold. My car is garaged so that might help. I never had a real problem with 3rd gear before the change to GMFM, but the new fluid sure makes the car shift smoother.

 

Changed to the GM Syncrhomesh Friction Modified at 7,000 miles, and changed it again at around 36,000.
Still shifts as smooth as silk. No problems whatsoever.

 

best thing I couldve ever done for my tranny

 

Same thing happens to me every now and then, although, I'm currently using Redline (which is also great). I wanted to try that GM stuff next. But I also heard Honda improved their fluid alot?

how often do you guys change tranny fluid anyway? is it supposed to be around every 10-15k (i do mostly city driving).

 

Define "cold" in northern VA
Being in CT I guess I don't consider northern VA as "cold".

I've got about one year to-the-day (~8Kmi) in my GMSMFM. Perhaps the first few shifts (to any gear) have a bit more resistance but that quickly goes away and only happens when it's sat overnight at when the temps are about 20 or lower (F).

Try double-clutching your first few shifts. That should do it.

BTW - The my TL's gears never get tight in the cold like many other MTs do. Try shifting an old Saab (pre-synth MTF) when it's cold. The word "molasses" comes to mind !