Kizashi Club

I've posted a few times on here (as have others eg http://www.kizashiclub.com/forum/viewto ... =12&t=1383 ) about shifting issues with the 6spd manual transmission.

I've owned my Kizashi from new - brand new, not a demo. From day 1 shifting into 2nd gear was never 100%. Early on the dealer changed the transmission fluid which improved things a bit - but didn't fix it.

Fast forward over two years and nearly 10000km later , 2nd gear still didn't like to be "rushed" - until today! The solution? Bleeding the clutch - not a full on fluid change, but simply three depresses of the clutch pedal to bleed some fluid out.

The difference is amazing. I can now floor it in 1st and change into 2nd as fast as I want - it goes in smoothly with no hesitation or noise. The clutch action has also changed with the take up point closer to the floor. The gear lever even seem lighter in it's action.

A word of warning - when bleeding the clutch (two person job) the pedal will stay on the floor when the fluid is released from the bleed valve. Don't panic, simply close the bleed valve and then lift the clutch pedal off the floor - it will then work as normal.

Basic clutch bleeding instructions are here: http://www.kizashiclub.com/forum/viewto ... 182#p23182

PS: I'd highly recommend removing the air filter box for access - it will make life so much easier and will minimise the risk of spilling corrosive brake fluid.

I have never had problems with the 1st to 2nd shift. The only problem I have is shifting into reverse. Intermittently when I shift into reverse the gears do not engage and the gears grind. Did or do you also have a reverse engagement problem?

Seems like there was air in the line.

Do you know what type of fluid the dealer used?

Thanks for the tip, Murcod.

I don't really have the 2nd gear shift issue, but I'm all about improving the shifting overall. I sometimes have the Reverse gear engagement issue that Redmed is talking about and in rare occasions, 1st can be difficult from N.
I'll try a clutch fluid bleed at my next oil change. I need to top off my brake fluid reservoir anyway so I'll bleed out some of the old fluid via the clutch, remove possible air in the line, and get the new fluid in.

I've never had any major issues with reverse- it would normally go in first time. I would suggest doing it even if you think your Kizashi is okay. There were obviously issues on the production line with them not bleeding my clutch properly- so chances are other vehicles could also be affected to various degrees. I'm certainly not the only person to report 2nd gear issues - have a look at that thread I referenced earlier.

The gear change is a lot smoother and each gear pops straight in now - it's hard to explain.... Less effort is required and as you get close to selecting the gear the lever almost pops straight into that gear by itself. The shift action almost seems too light now, I'll get used to that I guess.

bootymac wrote:Seems like there was air in the line.

Do you know what type of fluid the dealer used?

The trans fluid- when they changed it under warranty? No. I'm hoping not a 50:50 mix with ATF like I know some people try to fix shift issues. I'm also hoping no permanent / long term damage to the box has happened. It makes me mad that the dealer didn't pick the problem up when I first reported it- if I'd had the chance to drive another manual Kizashi I would have realised (like they should have) that something else was definitely wrong.

PS: The brake fluid was also changed at the recent 2yr service. The clutch takes it's fluid from the same reservoir, but they obviously didn't bleed the old fluid out through the clutch line. They just did the brakes.

Never really had to many issues with lower gears only higher ones when really getting on it mainly 4th and fifth. Coulda been driver error lol I think it's done it once or twice in second I just let the rpms come down and just slow down and feel like a failure lol

murcod wrote:It makes me mad that the dealer didn't pick the problem up when I first reported it- if I'd had the chance to drive another manual Kizashi I would have realised (like they should have) that something else was definitely wrong.

Are you referring to those 'qualified' mechanics again?

KuroNekko wrote:Thanks for the tip, Murcod.

I don't really have the 2nd gear shift issue, but I'm all about improving the shifting overall. I sometimes have the Reverse gear engagement issue that Redmed is talking about and in rare occasions, 1st can be difficult from N.
I'll try a clutch fluid bleed at my next oil change. I need to top off my brake fluid reservoir anyway so I'll bleed out some of the old fluid via the clutch, remove possible air in the line, and get the new fluid in.

Have you bleed the clutch yet? Curious if it helps the reverse issue. My fall, oil change/tire rotation/trans oil replacement/rear shock bumper upgrade, day is near. I want to change to Redline MTL to see what the change to different oil does, alone. I will have to wait awhile to bleed the clutch, but I'm curious if it improves your shifts.

redmed wrote: Have you bleed the clutch yet? Curious if it helps the reverse issue. My fall, oil change/tire rotation/trans oil replacement/rear shock bumper upgrade, day is near. I want to change to Redline MTL to see what the change to different oil does, alone. I will have to wait awhile to bleed the clutch, but I'm curious if it improves your shifts.

Nope, have not got around to it yet. I'll do this at the next oil change in about 1500 miles. If you are going to be replacing the MT fluid, you might as well do this bleed. Not sure if you are going to use a pump or a tube for the MT fluid replacement, but if you use a tube like I did in my MT fluid change write-up, you'll see the clutch bleeder nipple after removing the air filter box.
I also have a bleeder extractor/pump so I'll try using that. If it does not work too great, I'll get someone to pump the clutch pedal for the bleed.

Keep us posted on your switch to MTL.

i have this issue also.
changed to genuine suzuki fluid, didn't make any difference.
will bleed the clutch next service, hoping it fixes it.