2001 Boxster S issue engaging second gear

[Gavin Crouch]

Had my Boxster S for about 18 months and love driving it. The only mechanical issue I have is that it seems reluctant to engage second gear, especially when cold. If I'm very positive in my gear change it always goes in, but if I'm a little lazy I'm soon woken up by the noise and feel of it not correctly engaging. Once it has been engaged it never comes out inadvertently.

I heard rumor that demand for Boxsters was very high at the time mine was built and Porsche supply was struggling to keep up with demand, and they therefore contracted out assembly of some gearboxes to a third party which resulted in this issue, but I have no evidence that this is fact.

I've read posts relating to other models, and the recommendations seem to be lubricate the linkage and change the transmission oil. I've not done either of these as yet, but plan to do so.

Any other Boxster owners suffered/suffering from a similar problem?

 

[AndyW1973]

I had this issue with mine two years ago and it got progressively worse until it was doing it more often than not. I had the engine mount replaced and the problem has pretty much gone. I say pretty much because every now and then, when cold, it can sometimes occur. I find that when I first start the car if I go through all the gears three or four times whilst stationary second engages fine, even with a cold engine/transmission.

From what I can gather, the engine mount was the original one and they are apparently good for around 50-60 k miles. Mine stated to fail around 52k. The ride, handling and gear change transformed after having the mount replaced.

I found that when I had the gear issue I could get second to engage perfectly 100% of the time by using a certain 'technique' when changing gear. I applied slight pressure on the gear stick towards second before depressing the clutch, then whilst maintaining pressure, press the clutch in and complete the shift. Worked every time!

 

[Gavin Crouch]

Cheers Andy, I'm employing the same "technique", but would really like to get the issue sorted properly.

I also suspected that due to the gears being operated by cables, some wear in the cable sheathing internally, or at the ends may be the culprit.

I'll certainly take a look at the engine mount. Thanks again.

 

[lawrencemoss]

I have a Jan 2001 Boxster S that I have had from new. 60K miles. Around the time I bought the car a second gear issue appeared in some forums saying that it was difficult to engage. General view was it got better by about 15K miles. My car had this issue to a minor degree but it has gone now. The gear never crunches and it can be worse on a cold start for the first couple of gear changes to 2nd. Gearbox is as original including gear shift cables etc. Engine mounts are original as well. Gearbox has always been slightly notchy but I am very happy with it. The car has been OPC or good specialist serviced throughout its life. Always in garage overnight. Had car out this morning and it feels as tight and robust as ever. The flat six Boxer engine has got to be the best car engine ever. Brilliant.

 

[Gavin Crouch]

Nice one Lawrence. Let's hope it stays that way.

 

[Souter]

Hi, I have a 2002 face lift boxster S I have Owned for 7 years (87000 miles ) I also have had this problem mainly from cold ! I find driving in first gear for a short distance helps the problem, ( slowly I may add ) As I live on a small fairly quiet estate I can get away with it. The mechanic who works on the car says its the way the gears are selected thru the gearbox before the oil has time to work its way thru the rods and selectors. How true this is not sure but the short distance in first gear usually works for me ??

Mal S
986 Blue Boxster S

 

[Glyn]

The second gear difficulty is a well known issue - its a gearbox fault, the second gear synchromesh is the problem.
There is a reported fix by modification of the selector detent spring but predominately the problem will get worse, changing the gearbox oil does make a difference - for a time.
Majority of the 6 speed gearboxes suffer this issue, many use the double declutch method when cold - once warmed up the problem does seem to disappear.
The 6 speed gearbox is nowhere near as slick as the old 5 speed fitted on the 2.5 and 2.7s.

For more detailed info have a look on Boxa.net