Before finding this forum, and the GM transmission fluid fix for 3rd gear problems, I reported my 3rd gear problem to the dealer. They disassembed the trans and found "3/4 syncro worn on 3rd gear side". They replaced the syncro & shift fork. After about a week, I now have a 50/50 shot of getting the car into reverse without multiple tries. I'm talking about a 2005 TL. Any suggesstions?

 

When shifting into reverse, start by going into a forward gear first, such as second or third, then go into reverse. You should be doing this anyway even though reverse is synchronized. If you still find you have this problem (and your transmission should not be acting as it is), take the car back and have them fix it.

 

Actually, the dealer suggested the same thing (although they said go to 1st then reverse), but it doesn't help. The problem never happens when cold (sitting for 1 hr. or more) and it never happened before the dealer took the trans apart. Of course the dealer claims they couldn't reproduce the problem when I first complained about it.

 

I'm glad I switched to the GM stuff early. I was amazed at the amount of gold sparkles I saw with only 6K on the tranny. Now I am wondering if I should change it again to see if the amount of particles in the fluid is better or worse.

 

i think i have the same problem with my 3rd gear syncro...when the car is cold its hard to get into 3rd gear ...but it goes aways after 10 mins of running the car?

 

You need them to get you a new transmission.

After I took my car in to fix 3rd gear it was worse when I got it back. I had trouble with 3rd and 4th gears. When I took it back they said they could not reproduce the problem. A few days later I received the customary email asking how my service experience was. I calmly detailed my problem and that it was actually worse after they worked on it. I stated very clearly that this was unacceptable and that they needed to find a way to fix my problem. I received a call later that day from the service manager that they had ordered me a new transmission. I have had no problems with the new tranny without needing to use the GM fluid.

I suggest you respond in writing or via email to both the service manager and his boss outlining the problem and what you expect them to do.

Good Luck!