1st Gear high pitched whine, and super high pitched whine downshifting into first
 

I've seen other 1st gear threads but I have an additional question about it.

First, I have an '10 and my friend has a '12 model. Whenever I let off the gas in 1st, there is a high pitch whine similar to how a Honda's reverse gear sounds. It is very audible, so much so that I wonder if bystanders on the street can hear it. Anyone know if they can?
My friend's '12 whine is barely even noticeable. The only explanation I can think of is that it the '11+ models have more insulation/noise dampener added to them.

Second, whenever I downshift into 1st, the high pitch noise is on a whole new level. I've tried it at 20 and 30mph, and it sounds as if you can hear the syncro or gear moving extremely fast. It sounds violent and feels unsettling. Once the car slows down to <10mph, it goes back to the typical whine sound that we're familiar with. Fyi, it doesn't sound like this when I'm starting in first and just let the revs climb until I shift into 2nd. Anyone else experience this or have an explanation for it?

Personally I don’t recommend down shifting to 1st. Let gear 2 do the work if you’re going that slow or need to stop clutch in and break.

This.

However, I can't really comment on the whine that you're hearing, as I've never heard it (I don't downshift to 1st, and very rarely does SRM occur if I'm rolling and need 1st gear - happens at on ramp lights when I try to time them w/o using the brakes. :icon17:).

I would assume it's the synchro's playing catch-up though. :ugh:

I have a faint whine also. It doesn't bother me much and I use 2nd as the workhorse -- I only go into first from a stop.

As others have mentioned, don't downshift into first unless you're at a complete stop or, at most, under 5mph. First is designed as a gear to get you moving from a stop in this vehicle.

Secondly, the transmission is very loud and the sounds you are hearing are completely normal.

Downshifting to 1st at 30 mph? :icon14:

You are downshifting to 1st at 20 and 30mph?:icon14: I feel sorry for your syncros, they aren't going to last long if you keep doing that.

Racecar!! :driving:

This is why we all have to be very careful buying used sports cars. :icon17:

The high pitched whine is a feature not a defect.:tup: Your not supposed to downshift to 1st gear when you are at 30mph. If I were the car I'd scream at you instead of whine.:icon17:

I agree with the downshifting to 1st... a normal DD doesn't need to do that (if you wanna keep your transmission "healthy" :p ). If you are racing on the other side... :driving: but it that case you probably have an upgraded drivetrain/clutch

you ever think about just getting a AT car? :ugh2:



:icon17:

that sound is a synchro being pissed off about being downshifted into first at speed. basics of driveing a manual, if you're rolling, throw it in 2nd. even my volvo does this if u try to go into first at speed

That whining sound is your Z crying from the pain you are putting it through when downshifting into 1st at ANY speed! OUCH! :shakes head:

Thanks for the replies. My intensions for downshifting into first wouldn't be for normal daily driving, of course. I figured first gear is a gear like any of the other 5 forward gears. So I thought if the others can be downshifted into, why not first as well.