New to forum, MP5, **Please Help**

[avorobyev]

Please Help, I have a shifting problem:
I got a protege5 about 3 months ago. I am a rough driver, but I don't think that I'm that bad.


I usually shift at 4500, including the first gear , so I wanted to protect my car...

Therefore, I had a tranny flushed to have BGSynchrotech full synth. + additive, and my engine is running pennzoil platinum full synth.


Here is the problem, before tranny flush, didn't always shift smoothly into second. After the tranny flush, I still have a hard time shifting out of first into second, but now it almost feels like I touch teeth and then they fall into place, but they don't really grind.

Some tests:
Does not happen if I double clutch
Happens less if tranny is warm vs. cold
Doesn't always happen


So I think my possible problems are:
1) fluid too think for the temp (around 40 - 60)
2) master cylinder going bad
3) air in lines

I don't think it's the synchros because it's frequent, but still intermittent


I've talked to mechanics, but I bet that 3/4 of the people here know more about our car then any mechanic would.

P.S, it's the first generation MP5, without the clear side marker by the door, if it helps... Thank you so much for your help

 

[thrasher]

Mine grinds into second when shifting hard, I have to let the RPM's drop below 4000 before popping it into 2nd.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

first to second shifts on these cars are somewhat notorious for being stiff, as for repeatedly grinding the teeth, not so much. it has been said by many here that Syncromesh is not good for these transmissions and though I myself use it, I will soon be switching back.

 

[Moonman8]

first to second shifts on these cars are somewhat notorious for being stiff, as for repeatedly grinding the teeth, not so much. it has been said by many here that Syncromesh is not good for these transmissions and though I myself use it, I will soon be switching back.

What he said^^^^. I use the Redline MT-90 synthetic trans-axle fluid and have no complaints whatsoever. It smoothed out the shifting a bit and cold weather and cold starts aren't as bad anymore.

Also, get the Pennzoil crap out of your engine! If you want a synthetic, go with Royal Purple or Mobil 1.

 

[MyZmZm]

Redline MT-90 here as well (though I use Amsoil, but may try RP or M1 soon), but it is common knowledge that shifting from first to second will be rough, no matter what you do - it's just the way the car is. I've changed both sets of bushings, and gone with a short-shifter so my car is definitely tighter than stock for shifting, but I still have issues every now and then. Unfortunately the only recommendation that can be given in this circumstance is "Get used to it".

Now, if someone could figure out how to easily swap the tranny from the miata into the P5.... That gearbox (not to mention the 6th gear) is beyond beautiful.

 

[Moonman8]

Now, if someone could figure out how to easily swap the tranny from the miata into the P5.... That gearbox (not to mention the 6th gear) is beyond beautiful.

That would rock somethin' fierce if it were only possible!

 

[avorobyev]

Could it have been a hotspot on the clutch disk, thus my clutch acting up??? cuz it's somehow fixing itself

 

[clicknext]

Mine used to grind sometimes going into 2nd or 3rd, but ever since I put in some Castrol synthetic stuff and installed kartboy shift bushings that help me shift more accurately and therefore quicker, I think it's been perfect.

 

[jamesk]

i just bought a heavy weighted shift knob ( stanless steel ) and that actually fix the problem between 1st and 2nd. the extra weight really lets in go into gear much easier and smoother, that is what they are made for. i think this can help your problem..

 

[hellcat]

Keep in mind that these syncros are made out of cheese! Shift carefully always..lol !

 

[gottacatchup]

That would rock somethin' fierce if it were only possible!

RWD p5 anybody? (glare)

 

[redpr5]

^JDM all wheel drive sport20?

 

[Action Jackson]

I don't even think that I shift at 4500 in first at the track since the ratio is so close to 2nd gear.

 

[Purrfectangel]

^^^me either. I find she shifts best around 4000 so from first to second I just shift for the smoothest ride, which is around 2500, then from 2 up I shift between 4000-4500.

For about a month I thought it was me at first and I was like WTF, cause every other gear was fine but the more I drove it the more I realized it wasn't me but just a fact of life for this beast! So I just take it easy shifting and play with the clutch a little to smooth it over then once I'm in second I'm gone..

 

[Action Jackson]

^^^me either. I find she shifts best around 4000 so from first to second I just shift for the smoothest ride, which is around 2500, then from 2 up I shift between 4000-4500.

For about a month I thought it was me at first and I was like WTF, cause every other gear was fine but the more I drove it the more I realized it wasn't me but just a fact of life for this beast! So I just take it easy shifting and play with the clutch a little to smooth it over then once I'm in second I'm gone..

The gears are so close and the torque is relatively high at lower rpms that I find myself starting in 2nd alot, and even the occasional 3rd gear in winter.

Yeah I know that kills the clutch.

There are times where traffic is so slow that I'm short shifting around 1500 rpm's.

 

[thrasher]

The gears are so close and the torque is relatively high at lower rpms ...

I hope you are kidding. You ever try to accellerate below 2500 RPM? This motor blows in the low range.

 

[neuspeed_junker]

my second gear is completely smooth , only trouble is with reverse, always have to release clutch and push it in more than once to get it to go into gear.

 

[neuspeed_junker]

I hope you are kidding. You ever try to accellerate below 2500 RPM? This motor blows in the low range.

true

 

[P-Funk!]

Yup. Change the fluid. GM Synchromesh has been been good to me. Kartboy bushings help the shifter feel - but won't help engagement.
My $.02 worth.

 

[Purrfectangel]

my second gear is completely smooth , only trouble is with reverse, always have to release clutch and push it in more than once to get it to go into gear.

I've always had that issue too since day one..sometimes she goes in smooth and sometimes not...