2nd gear shift

[Dimitrios]

The only issue I have with 1st to 2nd is the "delay" and in the winter it takes a while to get it all warm (otherwise I "grind" - however, if I throw it into neutral before the 1st to 2nd while it's still warming up and then into 2nd, it won't grind - a direct shift will......better fluid would help.

 

[chuyler1]

I get the "winter grind" from 2nd to 3rd the first two or three times I accelerate then it goes away. It only happens on those really cold days though.

 

[FunkyBuddha]

Used to have this problem. 1st to 2nd at around 6500rpm. It disappeared after a month or so.

 

[jjac28]

no problem here...both with relaxed and aggressive driving.

 

[Familia323]

i have a problem going from 1st to 2nd too... I have to almost wait a second to try and force it in gear when Im in High RPMs cause Im afraid of grinding... Sucks...

and reverse can be a b**** too...have to let the car roll, or release the clutch while im in neutral, then press the clutch back down and put it in reverse..

 

[protegeV]

i hate when i grind 1st to 2nd.. it's very painful

omfg I HATE that.. It happens a few times a week and its like it gets stuck there grinding even though Im trying to pull it back out of second.

 

[jjac28]

what rpms are you guys shifting when you get this problem?

 

[jjac28]

1st to 2nd = pain
2nd to 3rd = pain
4th to 5th = pain....

I can't shift to reverse on most of the time... and sometimes I can't even shift to 1st gear...WTF...

maybe a course on how to drive a manual transmission would help?(uhm)

if not, then get mazda to check out your transmission...you obviously have a major problem on your hands!

 

[protegeV]

what rpms are you guys shifting when you get this problem?

over 4500rpm

 

[JonKlsn]

Have the same problem between 1st and 2nd. Mines been doing that since I got it... I have issues getting it in reverse too. It doesn't grind, but its difficult to find persay...

 

[tyusha]

That make me feel better, but not really. What the heck is up with this. Is that a synchro? I just kills me every time i hear the grind. I guess that is the only annoyannce i have.

P.S. Yeah happens mostly when accelerating hardish (never too hard) but happend while driving rlaxed as well

 

[eljefe305]

i get a pretty bad grind when i'm letting the engine idle after a 100mph run down the high way and then shifting back into 5th going 80, the gears mesh and grind before the tranny engages

 

[mcstark]

My second gear will intermittently grind during normal driving (i.e. shifting at 3000-3500 rpm). I just switched to Redline as well. I think I'm going to switch back to regular old dino tranny oil. Anyone know what kind Mazda uses at the factory?

I talked to the Redline tech yesterday, and he said MT-90 would be his choice (I used 75W90 NS). He said the only difference is the additives. I get some gear whine now too, which makes me think the synthetic is too thin to protect the gears, and hence is not getting the synchros up to speed. I never had a problem with second gear before, and I would only occasionally grind third - I was trying to shift too fast.

Oh, BTW...75W90 NS is a GL-5 oil, while MT-90 is a GL-4.

 

[creednet69]

My second gear will intermittently grind during normal driving (i.e. shifting at 3000-3500 rpm). I just switched to Redline as well. I think I'm going to switch back to regular old dino tranny oil. Anyone know what kind Mazda uses at the factory?

I talked to the Redline tech yesterday, and he said MT-90 would be his choice (I used 75W90 NS). He said the only difference is the additives. I get some gear whine now too, which makes me think the synthetic is too thin to protect the gears, and hence is not getting the synchros up to speed. I never had a problem with second gear before, and I would only occasionally grind third - I was trying to shift too fast.

Oh, BTW...75W90 NS is a GL-5 oil, while MT-90 is a GL-4.

I had the same problem. I brought to Mazda and they replaced the stock tranny oil with better quality oil. Worked like a charm!

 

[mcstark]

I had the same problem. I brought to Mazda and they replaced the stock tranny oil with better quality oil. Worked like a charm!

Any idea what they used? I'm taking my car in on Friday for something unrelated, and just may have them change it then.

 

[creednet69]

Any idea what they used? I'm taking my car in on Friday for something unrelated, and just may have them change it then.

Sorry man, I have no clue. But they said that it's a common problem and that's all they have to do to fix it. Just explain to them what the problem is they should know what to do....

 

[mcstark]

Sorry man, I have no clue. But they said that it's a common problem and that's all they have to do to fix it. Just explain to them what the problem is they should know what to do....

Thanks man! I'm going to change mine to Pennzoil Syncromesh tonight just for S&G's, and see how it drives tomorrow. I had to shift back to neutral twice on the drive in to work this morning. Second gear just wouldn't engage...I was soooo pissed. I'm starting to think about trading it in, even though I may take it on the chin in the process.

I had a choice between my P5 and a 5-door Focus SVT. I chose the P5 for reliability and lower payment....now I'm starting to second guess myself!

 

[maple_leaf]

I've got the same issue. Only happens when things are cold, though. Once the engine and the transmission warm up it's fine. Haven't noticed it as much now that it's getting warmer outside. I figure I'd just ask the dealership next time I'm over there. Of course they'll probably just say there's no known problem.

(mswerd) True. After driving it a good 5 minutes, everything's okay. But it's still ******* annoying! (yupnope)

 

[sfradkin]

(mswerd) True. After driving it a good 5 minutes, everything's okay. But it's still ******* annoying! (yupnope)

Yep, it is! I haven't noticed the 2nd gear problem in awhile because it's too warm out. Now the only issues I have are that it's sometimes hard to get the transmission to engage into 1st gear and reverse.

 

[mcstark]

Well, I switched to Pennzoil Syncromesh ($4.99/qt) tonight and my problem is pretty much gone. I didn't drive enough to proclaim it fixed, but I'll surely know by tomorrow night. Syncromesh is designed to a GM/Chrysler spec, but people on here swear by it. Now I know that Redline 75W90 NS has the same problems that Mobil 1 has in our trannies -- it's too thin. Probably be fine for Alaska, but during the summer and normal winters it thins out too much when warm.

I'll update tomorrow night if everything goes ok.