What causes difficulty in shifting gears for Dongfeng Tianlong?
4 Answers
The reasons for difficulty in shifting gears in Dongfeng Tianlong are as follows: 1. The positioning component of the gearshift lever's ball head fails: The gearshift lever can rotate freely around its own axis, making it impossible to accurately control the gear position; it may also be due to wear on the spherical working surface at the lower end of the gearshift lever, preventing it from controlling the shift fork or the shift head's groove, making both engaging and disengaging gears impossible. If it's the first case, the issue can be resolved through repair; if it's the second case, the gearshift lever needs to be replaced directly. 2. The clutch fails to disengage completely while the transmission's shifting mechanism is operational. This fault can be resolved by adjusting the clutch or replacing some clutch components to ensure the clutch has appropriate free play and separation clearance. 3. Pressure plate failure: This may also cause difficulty in engaging gears. The issue of hard shifting when the engine is hot is mostly caused by long-term wear of the pressure plate or aging of the separation fingers, requiring replacement of the pressure plate. This repair is relatively complex, as the entire transmission must be removed to replace the pressure plate. 4. Issues with the gear selection or shift cables: Manual transmission cars still use two cables for gear shifting during operation. If either of these cables breaks, it can lead to gear shifting problems. 5. Poorly run-in components: If the components inside the transmission of a new car have not been properly run-in, some gear components may be stiff, causing difficulty in shifting. This situation will naturally improve after a period of running-in. 6. Transmission oil issues: If the transmission components lack oil or the oil quality is poor, shifting will feel stiff. Transmission oil is similar to engine oil and requires regular checks and timely top-ups.
I've been driving Dongfeng Tianlong for long-distance hauls and have encountered gear shifting issues quite often. Mostly it's due to clutch wear - after tens of thousands of kilometers, the clutch plates thin out, causing incomplete disengagement when depressed, making gear shifting difficult. Or it could be dirty or insufficient transmission fluid, where contaminants clog the friction plates, increasing resistance. Another possibility is aging/worn synchronizers that slip and clash during shifting. Winter temperatures worsen things when fluid thickens like glue. Check fluid color and level, do simple tests by shifting through different gears to see if all are sticky. Recommend changing transmission fluid every 20,000 km - don't wait for minor issues to become major. Safety first - sudden gear jams can distract you on the road. Get professional inspection ASAP, it'll save you lots of trouble.
As an experienced driver, difficulty in shifting gears is often an operational issue. I'm accustomed to lightly pressing the accelerator, not rushing to shift gears—pausing in neutral for half a second to let the RPM drop before engaging the gear. The accelerator and clutch should work in sync, with gentle and smooth movements. For beginners unfamiliar with the operation, practice starting and shifting on slopes, avoiding stomping on the accelerator or quick clutch releases. It might also be due to improper clutch adjustment or loose screws—check the clutch pedal travel yourself. Extreme weather, whether cold or hot, can affect lubrication. Regular clutch maintenance and simple adjustments can improve performance. For safety, avoid forcing the gearshift to prevent part damage or accidents.
Having played with cars for many years, I've found that difficult gear shifting is often due to maintenance neglect. Check the transmission fluid level and quality—insufficient or dirty oil increases friction; clutch wear that isn't addressed in time shortens its lifespan; worn or loose synchronizers cause noise during shifting. Dongfeng Tianlong trucks are more prone to these issues as they age, and the oil should be changed every 30,000 kilometers. Keep up with regular maintenance and don't procrastinate. Warm up the car for a minute before cold starts to allow the oil to lubricate properly, and operate gently to prevent most problems.
