Transmission Downshifting trouble

[why_me]

While out riding yesterday, I ran in to a problem that I had a few times last year and forgot about. Occasionally, when downshifting, it feels like the lever completely missed and it doesn't downshift. When it does this, I have to sometimes attempt the downshift 2-3 times before it catches and does what it is supposed to. I haven't been able to notice any particular set of circumstances that cause it to happen every time, so it isn't that repeatable where I can take it in and say I really have an issue. I'm sure that they will take it out, shift up and down, and if it doesn't happen to them on that ride, there isn't a problem as far as they are concerned. As of right now, all service to the trans has been performed by the dealership, and that probably isn't a lot considering I only have 2400 miles on it. Basically, they put fluid in it. Has anyone else run in to this? Common issue, or am I looking at a serious problem down the road?

[MegaGlide]

Just make sure that the long part of the shift lever isn't riding on the side of your boot. That can keep it from returning and grabbing the next gear. Happens w/ my heel-toe shifter if I get lazy(er) and pivot on my heel when downshifting.

There are a couple springs on the shift linkage inside the tranny that put pressure against the shift pawls so they engage the notches in the shift cam.

Could be that the spring for that shift pawl is broken or weak...

[why_me]

Mega, thanks, I'll try to pay better attenetion to that the next time it happens to see if that's the cause.

Woody, if it isn't what Mega posted up, I'll have that checked out, thanks for the input.

[Dirty Dan]

Whatever happened here, Ed?

[squish]

Originally Posted by MegaGlide

Just make sure that the long part of the shift lever isn't riding on the side of your boot. That can keep it from returning and grabbing the next gear. Happens w/ my heel-toe shifter if I get lazy(er) and pivot on my heel when downshifting.

statement of the week right there...

[y2k king]

i don't know if you have a zerk on your shifter linkage, but if ya do, pump some grease in it.

[Geezer-Glide]

Originally Posted by y2k king

i don't know if you have a zerk on your shifter linkage, but if ya do, pump some grease in it.

He ain't gonna like that........................

[Berserker]

Trust me, you would know.

I am not into being pumped, with lube or dry.

[Geezer-Glide]

Just lookin' out for ya, Zerk!

[SafetyMan]

Originally Posted by why_me

...am I looking at a serious problem down the road?

Not really.

it has been known to cause the purchase of brand-new FLHTCU's.

[CDouthitt]

Originally Posted by y2k king

i don't know if you have a zerk on your shifter linkage, but if ya do, pump some grease in it.

You could do the same thing if you have a zINTa on your shifter...

[Totenkopf]

Originally Posted by why_me

While out riding yesterday, I ran in to a problem that I had a few times last year and forgot about. Occasionally, when downshifting, it feels like the lever completely missed and it doesn't downshift. When it does this, I have to sometimes attempt the downshift 2-3 times before it catches and does what it is supposed to. I haven't been able to notice any particular set of circumstances that cause it to happen every time, so it isn't that repeatable where I can take it in and say I really have an issue. I'm sure that they will take it out, shift up and down, and if it doesn't happen to them on that ride, there isn't a problem as far as they are concerned. As of right now, all service to the trans has been performed by the dealership, and that probably isn't a lot considering I only have 2400 miles on it. Basically, they put fluid in it. Has anyone else run in to this? Common issue, or am I looking at a serious problem down the road?

are you rolling or stopped when it happens?