Sometimes not going into 5th gear

[Suomi]

I just picked up a silver `02 Protege5 5-speed today, and after driving for a while I'm having trouble going into 5th gear. Sometimes it goes in fine, and others it simply won't go in. Is this a common issue, or does anyone have any idea what could cause it? Thanks for any suggestions.

BTW, I coulcn't find anything when searching

 

[mp3moose]

How many miles?

 

[Suomi]

78,000 miles

 

[Erci]

Probably synchro is going. I noticed that if I get it up to 5k or so RPM in 3rd and then try to go right into 5th, it's not too happy about it (from day one.. brand new). With double clutching, it goes into 5th like butter though (I only do this from 3rd to 5th. From 4th to 5th, I never have a problem).
So, in your case, either try to double clutch into 5th all the time (if it works, and it should), or be ready for an expensive repair.

 

[NJP5Guy]

Double clutching is a thing of the past. it does not pertain to new cars.

 

[Pretzellogic]

Double clutching is a thing of the past. it does not pertain to new cars.

What are you talking about? Double clutching is mandatory on cars without synchros. While a modern car with a manual transmission will always have syncro gears, this fellow is having trouble with his synchros not working. Therefore, double clutching is a viable alternative.

That is, at least until the problem is fixed.

 

[02ESwBoost]

Problems w/ Reverse

Having troubles w/ my manual also; it will go into 1st - 5th easily, but it won't go into reverse and if it does, it will sometimes get stuck between neutral and reverse. Any Ideas ? Vehicle only has 43,000 all fwy miles (shrug)

 

[haaswyk]

you bought a 02 with 78k miles ... did you get a extended warrenty ? ... or some form of a service contract ... allso what did you pay for it? im just curious about that

 

[Pretzellogic]

Having troubles w/ my manual also; it will go into 1st - 5th easily, but it won't go into reverse and if it does, it will sometimes get stuck between neutral and reverse. Any Ideas ? Vehicle only has 43,000 all fwy miles (shrug)

This is normal, and you'll find it happens on many cars. My old Escort, my dad's Focus, my friend's Subaru, and my Pro5: all of them are stubborn when it comes to reverse.

A couple solutions:
1) After you start the car, don't let your foot off of the clutch.
2) Put it into first, and then take in to reverse.

You can also let it roll just a tiny bit in first, and then try reverse.

It works. Trust me

 

[Suomi]

you bought a 02 with 78k miles ... did you get a extended warrenty ? ... or some form of a service contract ... allso what did you pay for it? im just curious about that

I paid a little under $8900. It drives like new other than the 5th gear issue, but I figured out how to get it into 5th. I didn't get a warranty. They wanted way too much for one. Besides, I usually do all my own car work (last year I replaced a few valves and the waterpump on my Prelude), so I'm fine with no warranty.

 

[NJP5Guy]

What are you talking about? Double clutching is mandatory on cars without synchros. While a modern car with a manual transmission will always have syncro gears, this fellow is having trouble with his synchros not working. Therefore, double clutching is a viable alternative.

That is, at least until the problem is fixed.

I should have been more specific. my bad.

 

[Pretzellogic]

I should have been more specific. my bad.

S'okay. I've also heard that double clutching is manditory for Mitsu Eclipses with seven-speed transmissions. If you don't double clutch, you could blow the welds on the intake manifold, and then you'd have to rip apart the block to replace the piston rings you fried. You don't want that, do you Granny Shifter?

Man, I must be tired to think that this is funny...

 

[anarchistchiken]

Damn dude, I was like "They made 7-speed eclipses?! Holy crap!!" Thank god I read the whole post before I respond.

I knew a guy with a 280 Z a while back and he only doubleclutched. Everywhere he went. And a huge plume of black smoke came out of it every time he shifted. Oh, and lets not forget the back wheels being cambered out by at least 10*. God that guy was a douche...

 

[NJP5Guy]

S'okay. I've also heard that double clutching is manditory for Mitsu Eclipses with seven-speed transmissions. If you don't double clutch, you could blow the welds on the intake manifold, and then you'd have to rip apart the block to replace the piston rings you fried. You don't want that, do you Granny Shifter?

Man, I must be tired to think that this is funny...

Yeah, that was pretty bad.....i even had to think for a second where that came from........i just woke up.

 

[Chiguy_2002]

Shouldn't have a problem getting into any gear. Reverse is tricky sometimes, but going into first before, or letting the car roll a bit helps if you can't get into reverse. I got mine with about 29k for $9999...but it has a few dings on the body. (shrug)

 

[Suomi]

I had the transmission looked at today. The problem is a worn fork. Pretty much what I expected, and it will only cost $200 to fix. The good news is that the dealer who sold me the car is paying for 75% of the repair cost. So I only have to pay $50.