[Caddylacker]

I just bought a 2004 CTS-V with 30K miles on it from a private party. For some reason, there are many times I cannot shift from neutral to 1st gear. Physically cannot. I have to either shift into 4th, then 3rd, then 2nd and then 1st, or I have to rev the engine to 3K rpm. The factory rep told me that this is a normal characteristic of this car. Can that be true. I've gotta believe nobody would/could accept that lame excuse.

Sorry if this is a topic that has been beaten to death here. I am new to the forum. Any ideas, suggestions or comments?

 

[StealthV]

One should be able to depress the clutch and after a brief delay, go directly to 1st gear. Most of the time, my V will operate this way. For the occassional time it doesn't, a quick drop into 2nd gear and then first works. Another little trick that works well is if it won't go into gear is to release the clutch, and then press the clutch pedal in again and it should be a clean shift.

If it still won't engage 1st with either those two tricks, probable causes may be the clutch is either not fully releasing due to mechanical damage or air in the hydraulic system, the synchronizers are worn in the transmission, wrong transmission fluid or low/overfilled tranmission fluid level.

The factory rep can't be serious...

 

[ctsvett]

I have this issue too.. I am going to meet with the regional rep at some point over this cause my dealer says they cant do anything...

Reed

 

[Jon]

My '04 doesnt do this.... Not 'normal'

 

[Ishminder]

If you are in Southern California, e-mail me Caddylacker and lets go to the dealer together to complain. I figure it puts more pressure on them that way and they might actually be able to solve this problem. By the way, I also have a 04 with 35K miles.

Email me at [email protected]

 

[LS6-CTS-V]

The colder it gets the worse it will be. Trust Me, I have this issue also,but only under 38 degrees.:banghead:

 

[benjet]

I'm in this boat with all of you.

 

[JRoller]

I told my dealer about this exact issue on my '04, and without even looking at my car, they ordered a new transmission, shifter, etc..."just to have it in case they find I need it". It's going in this Sunday. I'll let you know what they actually replace, and the difference.

 

[cdog533]

Mine does this too.

I always thought it was due to a beefy 1st gear that would sometimes be tooth on tooth and not go in.

I can usually get it by going to 3rd then to 1st.

 

[ace996]

Similar issue here, too. There's a TSB on it. And most dealers will say anything is "normal" because they're scared s-h-i-t to work on the car...they don't know how...
-ace

 

[Joey'sVee]

As many problems as the V has this is one that I luckily have not experienced!

 

[51PHFTY]

One should be able to depress the clutch and after a brief delay, go directly to 1st gear. Most of the time, my V will operate this way. For the occassional time it doesn't, a quick drop into 2nd gear and then first works. Another little trick that works well is if it won't go into gear is to release the clutch, and then press the clutch pedal in again and it should be a clean shift.

This is exactly how my '05 behaves.

Probably a dumb question, but what is the difference between an '04 and an '05 in this area?

Marty

 

[V Amazed]

mine does it too. Its the nature of manual transmission cars. My 6-speed Saab 9-3 does it too. I don't think I know anyone who drives a manual tranny that doesn't experience this from time to time. It is, however, for me infrequent. If it is frequent for you guys, maybe yo shit be broke.

Ben

 

[calicadi]

Seen a lot of threads about this. I've always encountered a mild form of this condition in every synchromesh transmission-equipped car I've owned. Doesn't matter the brand; Dodge, Chevy, MG, Jeep, now Cadillac, or the number of gears or pattern. As a result I'm in the habit now that if I'm at a long stop, where I don't want to keep the clutch depressed, I shift to neutral. Then when about to move again, I shift neutral-to-second-to-first (as Stealth mentions), all with the clutch in. Works every time.

 

[BowenCT]

Probably a dumb question, but what is the difference between an '04 and an '05 in this area?

Nothing at all.

 

[timmayz]

Anybody seen the R (reverse) indicator lit up on the speedo when driving down the road? Maybe the V thinks I wasn't driving fast enough? :devilheh: I was doing legal speeds, maybe that was the issue...

 

[ctsvett]

Nothing at all.

NOT TRUE>.. i fyou have this problem in an 05, the dealer will fix it because there is a TSB on this issue.... However, this does not help any of us with an 04...

I am with you ish/ caddy... send me an e-mail with your phone number and I will call you when i get back to the western hemisphere...

Reed

 

[51PHFTY]

NOT TRUE>.. i fyou have this problem in an 05, the dealer will fix it because there is a TSB on this issue.... However, this does not help any of us with an 04...

Reed

That's why I was asking - I thought there was no difference and if that is the case, why would they have a TSB on one year and not the other?

Marty

 

[blown65]

ya, mines a pita for 1st and R every time.

 

[Ishminder]

I AM SO FED UP WITH CADILLAC. I talked to them and they had a zone rep come out and drive it and he claimed that the problem was normal with all CTS-V's. Who the hell is the Zone Rep for Orange County area? Come on Cadillacforums you damn idiot and we'll see how many things are considered "normal" for manual cars! I am going to transmission specialists and 2 other auto shops and going to get this diagnosed, and if there is something that is definetely wrong, Im going to make sure Cadillac replaces everything and fixes my car, otherwise Im taking legal action on them! I am starting to regret buying this CTS-V. As for people claiming that other manual cars have this problem as well, I have not found them yet. There may be other cars, but I have a 2000 corvette and a porsche and both these cars have a transmission and shift that is very smooth! Oh, an if you have a whine in the rear of your car, it is also normal according to the zone rep and they will deny to do any repairs on the car. Cadillac needs to get shut down!