Can't get into first after reverse
 

I picked up my 6MT 2010 370z a few days ago. I searched all over and could not find anything related.

This has happened a total of 3 times so far. I try to do a 3 point turn and after backing up I can not get into first. The shifter will go there and it appears as if it is in first (the indicator even shows it is in first), but when I try to get going (1200 rpm and clutch to the contact point) the gear just casually slides right out into N. No noises or anything like that and the car does not move as if it was in neutral in the entire time. Yes, I definitely push the gear in all the way when I try to get into first. I end up having to start in second since I am in the middle of the road at that point and people are getting pissed.

So far this has only happened right after backing up. Any ideas?

I also have an odd chatter coming from the rear when slowly (1200 rpm) launching the car in 1st, while slipping the clutch. Not sure if that is related.

Loving the car so far except for that issue!

Take it back and turn it in and get a different one. You have a certain amount of days you can return the car if not satisfied.

If it is truly fully engaged in 1st (you feel the positive click) then there is something wrong, but more than likely it never fully engaged in the first place.

The Reverse to 1st move may occasionally require a double clutch, i.e. shift to neutral and let the clutch out, then clutch in and select 1st. The reason this happens is because the input shaft stops spinning fairly quickly, and R to 1st is the longest shift and takes your hand more time to get over there. The other alternative is to select 1st while still slightly rolling backwards.

No it definitely never fully engaged. Thanks, I will double clutch from now on.

well first gear on this car is really sensitive. ive realized that if you are even slightly rolling, that it wont go into first gear. so make sure you're not rolling at all before shifting into first and letting the clutch out. but if you are trying this, AND Chrisslicks post, and still it happens, then take it to dealership, but make sure its not driver error before you do :)

i can go into first while rolling, gotta be rolling kinda slow though.

I dont think double clutching should be accepted if it has to be done all the time. Take it in and let them look at it and if it does it for them too, then like I said you have a fail safe time period to return the car if not satisfied, but its not a long period so get it in now.

well i mean the Z doesn't have to be completely still when shifting to first, but you do have to be rolling extremely slow. i noticed it because compared to my G, the Z's first gear engagement is a lot more sensitive.

I never had to doubleclutch with my megane.

seems like the AT was the better choice after reading all these MT topics

There is nothing wrong with the manual guys, double clutching is a simple operation and shouldnt deter you from enjoying the car. The clutch chatter comes with the territory, this car has a very very noisy gearbox/clutch/flywheel, its a raw sports car, thats one of its endearing qualities. Dont sweat the noise, if a gear wont lock up, clutch out, clutch in again then shift, that simple.

if a gear box/clutch starts making odd noises and if you HAVE to double clutch to get into gear it just means poor components.

you cant defend a car forcing you to double clutch because else you cant get into first gear.

I'm not sure how many new cars you've owned through the years, or manuals for that matter, being that you drive an automatic, clutches in many cases, much like engines, need breaking in. Sometimes you have to bang through the gears for a few hundred miles before it'll smooth out. While possible, I highly, HIGHLY doubt Nissan would ship a car with a bad transmission or clutch, each car is test driven once built, thats where the miles come from. I'll blame operator error before i'll ever blame a car with less than 20 miles on it.

no you do not this is a myth..

I owned a renault clio with 30.000 miles on it. 5MT. no problems.

bought a brand new 2009 megane coupé 6MT. no problems ultra smooth clutch.

I drive a renault master for delivering kitchens 5 days a week. no problems.

drive my parents old renault megane CC. no problems.

test drive a MT 350Z. no problems.

I never had to double clutch to get to first.

(Yes we owned alot of renaults)

I guess we just can't compare to your skill and finese driving a stick shift...