Had my tranny oil changed at Mazda. Ever since, I am finding there is more resistance when shifting and I can hear the linkage noise. Mostly 1st, 2nd and 3rd. As the car warms up it diminishes somewhat.

I told this to Mazda and I was told the tranny fluid has nothing to do with the gear linkage. So I am thinking, then what lubricates the gear linkage?

And do I trust the dealership that I told to use conventional oil and they said they will, only to find out from the guy who changed my oil, they don't carry conventional oil but use semi synthetic.

Needless to say, I'm done with these Bozo's.

The question remains....what lubricates the linkage?

 

Everything is inside the trans and washed by trans oil. Resistance when shifting in motion would be the synchros and fluid interacting. Resistance when shifting while stationary or with the car off would be something upstream like the linkage.. but that's unlikely, it's a very simple system with few variables.
Depending on what oil you had in there before, and what they put it, it's entirely possible the new fluid is giving you this new sensation. Especially if the old fluid had lost viscosity.

 

That's exactly what I was thinking. The fluid was 15 years old. It shifted more easily with the old fluid. Kinda regret I changed it.
FYI...it occurs in motion.