Subject: 2nd gear in 95 3000GT
Question:

i have a 95 mitsubishi 3000GT SL 3.0L v6 manual transmission. the problem i'm having is as i shift into 2nd gear it grinds a bit, but if i shift it very slowly,it will go in gear without any grinding. the faster i'm going the harder it grinds,unless i shift really slow. i read that it could be a synchronizer gear. all the other gears are fine. the car has a new clutch. the car also has 161 thousand miles on it. what do you think?
Thanks
Jack

Answer: Jack,
Sometimes a sticky gear can be remedied with a transmission oil flush and fill. When your clutch was replaced, there's a good chance that whomever performed the job refilled the transmission with a non-recommended transmission fluid. Your transmission takes an oil with a GL-4 viscosity rating. That type of fluid is not readily available at most auto parts stores. So unless the dealership replaced your clutch, you probably have a GL-5 oil in your transmission, and over time that will cause sticky gears and grinding. Usually, 2nd gear is the worst affected.

Your tranny fluid should be replaced at least every 30,000 miles or so anyway. I would recommend draining your old fluid and replacing it with a GL-4 full synthetic manual transmission fluid. Three major brands that I've had good luck with have been BG Synchroshift, GM Synchromesh, and Redline MTF (GL-4). You may be lucky enough to find them in your local auto parts stores, but if you can not find a full synthetic GL-4 fluid, you can always get some from your dealership. Mitsubishi usually carries the BG Synchroshift. You'll probably only need a couple quarts.

It's also a good idea to check your shift cable linkage. Just remove the gearshift boot, and make sure the shift cable linkages are tight and secure.
Good luck!