Hi everyone, I'm new to the site and have a problem. I took my 06 Cobalt SS out two days ago, and while driving in 5th at about 70mph cruising, it popped out of 5th gear. I didn't think much of it, but then it happened again. So I started holding it in gear so it wouldn't pop out anymore. After about an hour of holding it, I let go and it did fine for the rest of the trip. I took it out the next day and it drove fine, no issues. Well the day after that (today) it was popping out constantly. It got worse and worse until I could barely even hold it in gear pressing as hard as I could on it. I know it's not the syncro because it will shift into 5th just fine with no abnormal spooling noise... but as soon as I hit the gas, it jumps out like a straight dude in a gay bar.

Now it only pops out of gear on acceleration. If the engine is decelerating it stays in gear and is normal. The rest of the gears operate just fine. I was thinking maybe my linkage vibrated loose or maybe it's low on fluid. Any ideas on where to start? I read somewhere that people were having issues out of 5th gear from the linkage and a brake booster hose or bent pins... what do you think? Also, to avoid guessing at it, how do you disassemble the boot/center console to access the linkage?

Thanks a bunch!

 

Did you ever have a short shifter in the car, where the shift linkage may have been adjusted and is now causing issues? maybe?

 

I bought it used off a factory outlet dealer... when inspecting the shift boot linkage it doesn't appear to have ever been removed or otherwise adjusted. This morning while trying to figure it out, I was parked with the engine running, placed it in 5th gear, then depressed the clutch and it immediately came out of gear without much pressure at all. All the transmission shops I've called so far all think it's a syncro but I really don't think so since it goes into gear so easily... but I could be wrong.

 

i have the same issue as described above but only in second gear. need it fixed too

 

There was a issue with a hose or something interfering with the linkage on the tranny with some 06's.
Wouldnt hurt to get underneath and take a look.

 

Will do. The linkage is behind the drivers side wheel well, on the upper side of the tranny near the door, right? I was inspecting it earlier but forgot totally about looking for a hose.

 

My car did the same thing but in second gear. I went to the dealership and they just put a brand new trans under warranty.

 

Nothing appears amiss with the linkage. According to the wear patterns on the two rods on the outside of the tranny where they are received into the transmission, the linkage is functioning as it should. At this point I believe I have a bent rod internally, which caused the initial popping out of gear. I probably bent it more trying to hold the shifter in place to get home that day because now, I can jack the car up, remove the wheel, put it in 5th, and manage to pop it out of gear with my bare hands turning the rotor. Oh well, time to hit up AAMCO for a transmission rebuild. I'm going to have them slap a new clutch in there for me too, as my 2nd gear pull would slip sometimes when the car was really warm.

Speaking of, what is a good performance street/mild race clutch (something like a 4 or 5 puck stage 3) brand for our cars?

 

How many miles you have on it the Powertrain warranty will cover the tranny im sure.(Not sure
What the mileage limit is but worth your time to ask)

Try the dealer first and get it done under warranty.Dont mention trying to hold it in gear though,just
tell them it pops out of gear and seewhat they say.
But make sure it is under warranty before they do anything.