Hi guys,

Just got a 2012 Fit and I have a question about the manual transmission. I noticed that shifting into first gear at a stop sometimes seems a little bit notchy unless I leave the clutch in for a second or two. I assume this is due to the first gear synchro matching up the rotations?

Anyway I've read that first gear synchros are usually weaker, so I guess I'm just wondering if I'm being paranoid and this is relatively normal or if I should take it into the dealer (the car has 44k miles and is still under drivetrain warranty btw). I seem to remember that my old 98 Integra was kind of like this too, so maybe it's just a Honda thing...

Thanks

Edit: I should clarify that this is where the car is in neutral at a light and then I put the clutch in and shift into first when the light turns green, in case that wasn't clear...

 

Try pulling the shifter back into second and moving to first from there. I picked that habit up years ago and don't even notice if it smooths things out on the Fit.

 

Good point. All you're trying to do is bring the spinning clutch and trans to a stop before engaging 1st. It takes less effort to drop it into 2nd, then slide up to 1st. Otherwise, give it several seconds to coast down after depressing the clutch. These transmissions have such lightweight parts, shouldn't take very long.