Downshifting from highest front derailleur is difficult

[z3phrn]

Downshifting from the highest front gear is extremely difficult. And when I actually do finally make it happen, it doesn't actually shift the gear; only when I downshift a second time does the chain hop twice from the highest gear to the lowest one. I think the derailleur is mounted correctly as there are no other problems.

I've got a shifter similar to this one:
http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/SORA/FD-3300/SI_5EX0C_EN_v1_m56577569830606806.PDF

[z3phrn]

found a workaround:

If I want to downshift from the highest front gear, I just need to pull the upshift slightly while pushing the downshift button normally. What upshifting seems to do is loosen one of the gears in the shifting assembly just enough that the downshifter mechanism can push the the cable locking gear out and release the cable (Forgive my lack of technical terms).

It seems the inside of the lever assembly is lubricated well so I'm unsure of what could be causing the gears to lock up in this way.

[Bill]

Your cables in good condition?