YJ 2.5L-1992: 5-Speed, gearshift problems in winter

G

Georg

New member
The 5-speed transmission of my YJ (2.5L / 1992 / 110,000 miles) causes problems when the outside temperature is below 6 degrees Celsius:
Shifting into 2nd / 4th and reverse gear is difficult to impossible in cold weather.
At temperatures around freezing point, problems also arise when shifting into first gear.

The transmission oil has just been changed (SYNGEAR 75W-90).
After about 10-15 km it gets better.

In 2018 a ProComp K3061RXT suspension was installed.
Up until 2018 there were no problems in winter even at temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius.
The car has not been driven in winter since 2018. Now in winter 2024 / 2025 this transmission is causing the problems described.
I am not sure if this has anything to do with the suspension.

Does anyone have a solution? Thank you!
 
Georg said:
The 5-speed transmission of my YJ (2.5L / 1992 / 110,000 miles) causes problems when the outside temperature is below 6 degrees Celsius:
Shifting into 2nd / 4th and reverse gear is difficult to impossible in cold weather.
At temperatures around freezing point, problems also arise when shifting into first gear.

The transmission oil has just been changed (SYNGEAR 75W-90).
After about 10-15 km it gets better.

In 2018 a ProComp K3061RXT suspension was installed.
Up until 2018 there were no problems in winter even at temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius.
The car has not been driven in winter since 2018. Now in winter 2024 / 2025 this transmission is causing the problems described.
I am not sure if this has anything to do with the suspension.

Does anyone have a solution? Thank you!
Click to expand...
What is the shifter linkage like? Does it use a cable? If it uses a cable, maybe it should be replaced or be lubed with a lubricant which does not harden up in the cold.
 
bobfriesenhahn said:
What is the shifter linkage like? Does it use a cable? If it uses a cable, maybe it should be replaced or be lubed with a lubricant which does not harden up in the cold.
Click to expand...
Bob, here are two photos.
 

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Georg said:
Bob, here are two photos.
Click to expand...
It seems like the shifter is attached to a removable housing in front of the actual transmission and there is mechanical linkage inside. It may be that some of the linkage inside is worn, or gummed up, or mis-adjusted so there is insufficient travel while cold. It may also be that the transmission synchros are worn out.

If you are not able to open this up in order to see what is going on (possibly not leading to a useful finding), then finding a trustworthy transmission shop to work on it is your best bet.
 
bobfriesenhahn said:
It seems like the shifter is attached to a removable housing in front of the actual transmission and there is mechanical linkage inside. It may be that some of the linkage inside is worn, or gummed up, or mis-adjusted so there is insufficient travel while cold. It may also be that the transmission synchros are worn out.

If you are not able to open this up in order to see what is going on (possibly not leading to a useful finding), then finding a trustworthy transmission shop to work on it is your best bet.
Click to expand...
I believe this hint makes absolutely sense. I'l come back here when this is checked!
 
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