Jimny gearchange - they're all like that

Hello all,

I've had Little Suzi since June 2012
56 reg, 7500 miles when bought. One pensioner owner. Full dealer service history.

The gearchange was notchy when I bought it. But the dealer said "they're all like that when they're as good as new". And since Little Suzi was as close to new, I guessed with such little mileage, this was the case.

I've since done about 5000 miles, and adapted my driving style to accomodate:

Not being able to get into first while the vehicle is moving forward, even at walking speed
Selecting reverse, then getting a crunch, and reclutching to select reverse
Selecting first, or reverse, then getting a crunch, and realising you're halfway between neutral and a gear

Q. Are they all like that?
Q. Seems very tight when cold, but problems seem to improve once warm after a run.
Q It could never be described as a slick gearchange. More agricultural.

Is this normal?
Am I worrying about nothing?

Hello Guttercat

- Check the clutch operates appropriately

- Replace oil gearbox. Use only GL4 oil in the gearbox.

(the GL5 oil produce similar symptoms to those described and it damages the gearbox severely)

Gustavo

Never had any probs with the gearbox or selection of 1st at low speed either. If your car is still under warranty get it checked out. Never accept at face value any salesman's view that they are "all like that". Get him to put it in writing and take it to Suzuki and ask them for their response. Not sure about the UK but in Oz items, new or second-hand, must be of "Merchantable quality" and any defects must be fixed during the warranty period. I had 3 gearboxes replaced in my Holden Cruze AWD many years ago until the vehicle was of an acceptable quality. I became quite good at harrassing salesmen and dealerships, along with a small army of solicitors and various state and federal Ombudsmen. Stick it up 'em I say

guttercat wrote: Not being able to get into first while the vehicle is moving forward, even at walking speed

I don't think it's supposed to go into first gear while moving, only when at a complete stop. Other cars did the same, as far as I've driven. What usually works when slowing down is to push the lever lightly towards 1st and at some point it will go in gear.

guttercat wrote: Selecting reverse, then getting a crunch, and reclutching to select reverse

Yes, happened to me a few times. It's probably due to not pushing the clutch properly, will have to investigate.

guttercat wrote: Selecting first, or reverse, then getting a crunch, and realising you're halfway between neutral and a gear

Yes, happens. Again, probably due to the clutch.

guttercat wrote: Q. Seems very tight when cold, but problems seem to improve once warm after a run.
Q It could never be described as a slick gearchange. More agricultural.

For the cold "tightness" it's normal, but as Gustavo said - an oil change and top-up certainly wouldn't hurt.

Maybe if it had done 100k miles but not 5k miles. Plenty of time for the gearbox to bed in.

I have similar symptoms as above, had a new clutch and cable fitted about 5k ago, still does it!