Manual trans owners--both 4 and 5

[alex_ct4v_bw]

Did people consider aftermarket shifters to work around this problem? I'd really rather not deal with transmission replacement if this is just linkage / shifting mechanism issue.
I have extremely low confidence in the dealerships here in Los Angeles. They usually break more than they fix

 

[schernov]

I've owned a 2023 CT4 BW in the past that had super nice shifts: smooth, crisp, confident. I ended up trading it later for another car but I wanted to come back to a manual CT4. So I picked up a new 2026 model just a few days ago.

Unfortunately it clearly has some of the problems people are describing here. Hard to shift into 2nd, esp. at low RPM. But also the gear lever gets kinda stuck in 1st and 2nd gear, takes force to get it OUT of the gear, not just in. I haven't experienced this in any other car. Night and day compared to my 2023 BW.
2nd gear occasionally does not fully engage and will grind if I let go of the clutch. It's like there are two positions instead of just one "in-gear". Exactly like explained in this thread.

It's not as bad as to make it undriveable so I'm really wondering what to do. Complain to the dealer and deal with transmission diagnostics and replacement, risking them messing up something else... or live with this problem.
I loved flat-shifting in my old BW but here I won't even consider it. The gearshift is so notchy it's just waiting for a moneyshift.

Your only solution is transmission replacement. Find a competent dealer and get it done. Or lemon it if they can't fix it. And find a used car with properly functioning gearbox.

 

[piranha971]

Bite the bullet and have the transmission replaced. I had this exact behavior in my ATS-V and it is infuriating. Replacing the fluid and bleeding the clutch did help, but fundamentally, there is an issue with the tranny. My CT4BW is flawless and is such a joy to operate. Don't live with and excuse away that pain in the ass. Its just bad luck. There is no 100% fix, but a new one.

 

[schernov]

For a good tech this is a 2 day job assuming all parts are on hand. Takes about 7-9 calendar days to get a new trans from Tremec once GM approves the case.

 

[alex_ct4v_bw]

Thank you for the replies. There are two dealers nearby, I might get the one in Beverly Hills a visit first.

 

[schernov]

Thank you for the replies. There are two dealers nearby, I might get the one in Beverly Hills a visit first.

Start with having them change the trans flud - and capture it in clean container. If there is metal sheen - game over - TAC case, GM will ask to pull it and open it - dealer will do that and get a new transmission. Make sure you and dealer are on the same page of NOT fixing individual parts, but replacing whole unit. Dealer would not be interested in doing a trans rebuild but just to make sure. Trans replacement will include a bunch of new o-rings, seals and some lines, and bolts which are single use. Plus brake/clutch bleeding and coolant bleed and AC recharge. Some dealers do not drop the engine and just tilt it (official GM procedure), some find it quicker to drop Engine/trans combo and take it apart outside of the car. Both methods are fine. You will most likely need an alignment after, if the car would be left on the lift waiting 10 days for trans to ship.
Break in is 500 miles. at which point you must change trans fluid per Tremec manual (at your cost).