I'm a first time stick driver, having operated automatic vehicles all of my driving tenure. I sort of have a feel for the clutch now, it's mostly putting the gear into first that's causing me most problems.

Sometimes I do it PERFECTLY and my vehicle takes off in a fashion that feels more clean than an automatic lol but other times it is extremely difficult to even put it into first gear, let alone take off in that gear (it will stall out and sort of lurch and sputter forward)

At first, I was able to accelerate to almost 60 (and climbing) in first gear. Now, it accelerates and the engine sounds loud at 20-30km/h until I clutch in and put it into second gear. This transition feels smooth and presents me with little to no issue whatsoever. I also feel a lot more confident and safer putting it into second gear as it does not stall when I'm accelerating.It will still accelerate kind of loudly until I put it into third gear, but then it almost sounds like it's in neutral and doesn't seem to accelerate too fast, although I can comfortably maintain an 80km/h speed with it (and slowly gain speed) But the thing is, in third gear it doesn't sound like I even have it in drive, it almost sounds like an electric vehicle (the engine makes little to no sound) I'm fine with this, I just don't know whether I've damaged the drivetrain or not..

Sorry if some of the things I mentioned don't seem to make any sense, I'm completely new to driving manual and further, I do not know nor understand mechanics very well. BUT I PLAN TO. I'm no longer taking no for an answer. As naive and foolish as it might sound, I am prepared to do what is necessary to remove and replace/repair any and all components so that I DO know mechanics in the future. I already did my first oil change and replaced the spark plugs with little help whatsoever (small, I know. But a year ago I wouldn't DARE think of doing it by myself) I'm determined, please believe me.

 

I have no idea what you're actually asking, and barely an idea of what you're saying.

When is it hard to put it into first gear? At a stop or when already moving? If at a stop, then you likely need to bleed your clutch system (and probably your brake system too)... or you aren't pushing the clutch in all the way... or both.

If you mean while the car is already rolling... then yeah, that's just how it is.

 

Not trying to sound condescending with this question, what rpm are you shifting into third at?

Also what version of cobalt do you have? (SS/SC, SS/NA, SS/TC, LT, LS).

 

I think for general advice your best bet would be to drive with someone that has experience in a manual car. They will be able to tell you if the differences you are describing are normal or not. It's really hard to gauge with your description alone if you have any problems in your car.

 

Not condescending at all! So I just began to learn how to drive manual, before I'd shift gears at about 3.5 - 4k RPM (my shift up indicator would not turn on for some reason..) and as soon as I'd shift into third, the RPM's would drop to 1.5 and the engine sounded 'quiet' (think of what a cab sounds like when it picks you up and the windows are closed) It actually felt preferable to get it into that gear and leave it there because it sounded normal. 1st and 2nd gear are awfully noisy compared to the 3rd gear. After watching several videos explaining how to drive manual, I now shift into the next gear at 2.5 - 3k RPM as I cannot rely on that indicator light to guide me through.

Yesterday, I did my first rev match and downshifted from 4th into 3rd and the RPM's did not immediately plummet, I could maintain them at 2.5 - 3k but only when shifting down from 4th. When I shift from 2nd to 3rd they plummet and I cannot accelerate even if I put the pedal all the way to the floor, I pick up speed VERY slowly..

I have the Cobalt SS (NA I believe, it's not supercharged)

 

I'd try shifting higher from 2nd to 3rd, it's a 4 cylinder that doesn't have snail (turbo) so you'll need to keep the revs a bit higher to prevent it from lugging which is what I think you're explaining. You're not going to hurt anything by shifting at a higher rpm (I'm meaning like 5k) and speed just go easy on the 3rd gear engagement.

It's hard to diagnose over the internet as it's strange it's only 3rd and not any of the other gears.

 

I don't think the shift indicator light worked in any Cobalt. I know for sure it didn't work in my Supercharged Cobalt. It'd flash at random high RPM times... but nothing consistent.