Fellow forumites,

I have a question in regards to gear shifts on my RX8.
If I shift from 1st gear into 2nd gear at 4000 rpm or less (for daily drive/ street use), the transition is somewhat jerky (the car would seem to jerk a little before resuming the acceleration)
From 2nd gear to 3rd, it'll be pretty similar, but less jerky
3rd gear onwards, it is smooth.

I went to see a Mazda service technician and he told me it is quite normal for RX8s to do so
I'd like a second opinion as my 13 year old MX5's gear shift is way smoother than the 1.5 year old RX8
I tried testing the car for a slipped clutch (turn engine on, lift up clutch in 4th gear), and it is a relief to know that the clutch is still good.

Could it be spark plugs? fuel air ratio? clutch issues? I am a little stumped on this one

 

most likely the transmission, i would check with another dealer. Actively follow this, it might be an issue with the trans that you'll have to fight to get the dealer to fix.

 

Thanks for the advise mate. I'll make sure I'll follow this up with the dealer.
Is the transmission covered under warranty if faulty?

 

Hey... funnny you should mention this.... how old its your baby? or more to the point how old is your battery?

I ask because I've just recently had similar problems. It's like hesitation at lower rpms (below 4kish) on a gear shift, then shes pick up power pretty quick. Sort of like she's being lazy.
This was then followed by lights on the dash flickering a little every now n then, some weeks later.. And then i noticed that my baby would stall heaps easier in traffic, especially if i was stationary and I turned the wheel a little.

After many hours of thinking it through in my head, I decided to change the battery. And viola!!!! Everything 100% again..
I changed to an Optima Yellow Top btw..


hope this helps..

EDIT: I had my battery replaced under warranty a year or so back due the cold start recall. I'm pissed to find out that Eurocars Mazda replaced the oem battery with a cheap *** 12mnth Warranty EXIDE battery. Especially when I know that the oem is of much higher quality and that EXIDE have a performance line too.
I would have perfered them to replace the oem with a Pope Battery from blacktown if they were wanting to save money. $120 gets you a battery with 5yrs warranty.. no questions asked.

cheers.
LJ

 

LittleJohn, I just bought the car about 3 weeks ago, so not too sure at the moment how old the battery is. The built date on the VIN plate is July 2005.
I might check the battery later when I get home. Sounds quite plausible as I am finding the car stalling quite easily when I am reversing back into the garage.
Crossing my fingers here that the problem will be easily fixed.

 

are you sure its not just your foot?



If youre having gear problems, i would probably be thinking the gearbox playing up?


maybe the previous owner liked to smoke it up and ate up the clutch?

 

LOL. I'd like to think of myself as an average driver who's pretty clued up about gear shifting, but I may be wrong.
I had myself, my dad and a mechanic test driving the car.
My dad and I agreed that something is definitely wrong (either clutch or transmission), the mechanic at West End Mazda said it is pretty normal due to RX8's nature.
Previous owner seemed sensible to me and the car is always serviced on time (had all the recalls and latest software) with no faults in the service history.

 

It is normal for any car. You shift the 1st gear below 4000rpm, then you will be around 2000rpm for the 2nd gear. You lift the clutch, you bunny hop.....

Rev it harder!

 

Yes sir!

 

Taka,
I know what you mean.. but the lethary that my car had after a shift didn't feel the same as what you get from a laboring engine. ie as if it was in too tall a gear.
It definitely felt more like an ignition / problem.
That combined with weird electrical symptoms lead me to change my battery... but only cos it was easier to change than my alternator... lol

 

You could try giving the throttle a blip before releasing the clutch to see if its the problem.

 

I think it is just that the 8 gearchage take a little getting used to ....