Problems with the 5-Speed
 

So this is my first car('99 GT) and I have been having problems with my transmission. The car grinds going into 5th and reverse. Most of the time I can't even put the car into reverse while running, it either won't go into gear period or it grinds going into gear then gets stuck(can't get it out). Lately I just haven't been using 5th gear and for reverse I turn the car off run through the gears until it's in, then turn on the car. When I do this the transmission doesn't make any bad sounds, and it doesn't get stuck in reverse. All other gears work fine. Took the car to the transmission shop about two weeks ago, they said they didn't know what was wrong with it until they tear it apart. Maybe something with the forks, but they had no clue it just popped up as a common problem in the computer. I'm a little afraid to find how much it's going to cost to repair, but it could be as simple as an adjustment. I was hoping some of you gear heads can help me out trying to diagnose the problem.

forks might be bent in the transmission or the synchros are gone, does it grind in any other gears? i know going into reverse in my old fox (t5 trans) it always had grinding issues and i had to let the clutch out a little bit for it to grab and go in. if it doesnt work all the time try putting it in 5th with the car on then straight back into reverse.... and transmission repair kits are cheap. do urself a favor and do some good research on ur problem before takin it to a trans shop. some of them can be real greaseballs in my expierence.

Thanks for your help 02trgt. I just want to find someone who may have had the same problem and knows what was wrong and how to fix it.

I do not that reverse will grind going in because it is a non-moving gear unlike gears one thru five. I believe you have to wait a few seconds for it to synchro up (correct me if I'm wrong) or either put it in first then into reverse. At least that's what I do...

most likely the synchro's are going out. you probably got a T-3650 in there, which are notorious for synchro problems. run by your local Ford dealership and ask the service dept. to look up your VIN to see if it has had the recall repair work done on it for the synchro's. Ford has been eating this alot since they got slammed for it a ferw years ago. If the recall has not een done yet, ask them to do it.

Thanks wildride02gt, I will definately check into that. I certainly didn't know there was a recall on that transmission.

the t-3650 was introduced in mid-late 2002.... 99-early 02 =t-45

The 3650 started in mid 01 and his 99 for sure does not have one unless someone changed it out. Also that is a T-45 common problem, not for the 3650 so much.

biggest glitch with 3650's is whining.

And the 2nd gear crunch when it's cold.

Yeah, my transmission is definately a t-45.

Kyanbi, putting it into first then iinto reverse really does help. Thanks! It just makes me cringe every time it crunches and grinds like that.

i have never had this problem yet, lol.

although i do hear the whine. and it only has 10,000 kms on it :nunu:

just make sure your at a complete stop before you put it in reverse, dont ease it in either, gives it time to grind...i just whip it right in reverse after the wheels stop moving and it goes right in without a problem. mines a t-45. only have problems grinding in fourth...and as for the sticking and not wanting to come out of gear, my clutch cable is stretching so it dont recognise me pushing that shit in, put in a ford cable to save yourself on that one.

I have had the same problem with my T-45 for a couple years now. It first started out as a problem with reverse, getting stuck or not wanting to go in at all. It had a warranty thru the Ford dealership and they said they couldn't find the problem, of course not. About a year ago it starting grinding going into 5th. I have seen a T-45 taken apart and reverse and 5th are on the same shaft, seperate from 1st-4th. The transmission shop said it would be cheaper just to find a rebuilt or used T-45 rather than having it rebuilt. He quoting me at $400 for rebuilding it, I'm not sure if that including labor or not. Let us know what happens I know I am interested as I haven't had it fixed yet.

Thank you everyone for your help.