this is kind of an emergency request.
 

I just bought a 04 rx8 and I can't seem to get the transmission into reverse. Is there a certain way of getting the shifter in to the reverse? Everytime I try to I end up in 6th.
Is my transmission messed up? Please help, I'm kind of panicked because I just bought the car and it's very late at night.

THANKS A LOT!

Push hard right, then PRESS DOWN, then push right again. That should work.

Edit: Also, after pushing right the 2nd time, pull back and into reverse.

I always stick it into third (or any gear really) to get the synchros lined up. Then just push down and while down over and into gear. Should work fine and its much easier with the synchros lined up (same with shifting into 1st if it doesn't go first time)

my apologies guys, the car didn't have the owner's manual and I just did a search after I made this topic and found out the solution which you guys have stated. SORRY!
Now I'm happy, hahahaha funny thing was before I couldn't get the passenger side window to open and thought there was electrical problems with it but after looking at the controls I figured out that there is a switch to lock that side. I really do need to get an owners manual asap so I don't have any other stupid problems that could be easily fixed.

Thanks again guys for helping me out and not calling me nasty names for not searching before making the topic. I'll be looking forward into participating in this online community as I am now an official owner of a RX8!

If you want the owner's manual just go here - http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...ersHome.action - and register to download it

DONT WORRY NOOB! I too did the same thing when I first got in the car..hahahha

ME TOO! <lol>

push down, then right, then back

:)

i think we all did the first time.. mine was during the test drive.

That's why I made an animated gif for you :)

http://rotaryinsider.com/rx8-33.html

i got it right the first time, and I had never owned a manual transmission at the point.

its easy to deduce that this obviously means I am better than everyone on this forum.

i thought my trunk was broke be i noticed that button in the glove box

when i was leaving the dealer with it I had to run back in and ask how to put it in reverse

Strangely enough, I don't think that's an uncommon occurence. I did that once in a Volkswagen Bug, and had to ask a friend hth to get it into reverse. But then, I'm an idiot sometimes.

That happened to my brother when he was driving my car. He thought it was in reverse, but was in 6th. Needless to say, the car stalled :)

The OP did a search and found the info. Thank you thank you thank you! :)

My shift knob. Where did you get it. I love it and I want it. Please tell me it is threaded, not just some clamp on.
Who makes it and where can I get one?

Buy an automatic and you won't have this problem.

Nobody deserves that punishment with this car.

Team Voodoo, it's $35 or so, threaded, OEM fit. And it's piano black, same as the dash.

Yesterday, I couldn't get mine into reverse. I tried and it felt like it was being blocked. I just installed the rp short shifter about 3 weeks ago too. Twice it grinded because it wasn't in gear. I went through the gears and tried again and it went right in. Hasn't happened again though.

I had trouble with my RP short shifter - had to grind a small taper on the side dog to get it right . Smooth as now .