I just purchased a 91 firebird with TBI and a 5 spd, on the way home, i tried to downshift into 4th gear from fith, and it would not go in, i tried third still no luck, the car will only downshift into 3rd and 4th gear, after i push in the clutch and put it in 2nd gear, and then move to either fourth or third. I have no problems with the 3-2 down shift, or the 2-1 downshift, has anyone run into this problem? its really annoying when to put it into fourth gear, i have to put it in second first.

 

i dunno for sure but perhaps there is a problem with the syncroniation betwen the 5-4-3 gears?

 

I'd say synchromesh problems too. My Ford Capri had trouble between 4th and 5th.
Whilst this isn't a solution, have you tried blipping the throttle whilst downshifting to equalise the shaft speeds in the gearbox? It may work and sounds great too

Mark.

 

Your problem lies in the 3/4 synchro assembly. Probable causes are a damaged sliding sleeve or damaged engagement teeth on the 3rd speed gear and/or the input shaft (4th gear).

When you put the trans in 2nd gear and then shift into either 3rd or 4th you momentarily bypass the 3/4 assembly, and then start fresh in one of those gears.

The trans needs to be disassembled, inspected, and the damaged parts replaced. Depending on the milage this might be a prime time for a rebuild too.

 

thanks for all your replies, i plan on pulling the transmission this winter a rebuild will definitley be in order