Hi guys,
I have a problem with my rx8(2004,88000 miles)..the situation is when I drive for the 1ST gear for 7k rmp or higher, and then shift to 2 gear,,It's always fail ,,,but if I shift the gear at 6k rmp or less it's ok.....This problem just happened at 1gear shift to 2gear,,,and the clutch works good....Does somebody have same problem with mine?or know reason why?

 

Does somebody know reason???please help me ,,,,

 

Don't expect a response in 8 minutes lol.

Explain yourself better, what does "it fails" mean? Does it grind, does it just refuse to go in, does it play a little tune? Help us help you.

 

Check your motor mounts. If the engine is moving too much (under a load, as you are describing) your shifter will bind.

 

I have had this problem in the past especially when I started racing and it is often related to the driver. Typically at higher rpm you tend to grab and stab with the gear stick. Make sure you are relaxed when you change gear, ease and squeeze and you should be abel to make the change.

 

It's means refuse to go in

 

what's the meaning for "shifter will bind"?

 

I had this problem at.about 9000rpm from 3rd to 4th but Mazda refused to believe it. Eventually after about 2 years, the rpm started to drop to eventually 7000rpm. Mazda couldn't identify the prob but couldn't deny there was 1 anymore, especially since I reported it a few times within warranty and took it to the ombudsman eventually. They had to replace it with a new gearbox.

 

 

same sh8t with me! I'm having problems going into 3rd while city driving I have to go straight to 4th gear, if I try it will grind, it will go in if you force it! (That's what she said!!)

Highway driving n/p with 3rd gear??? seems in higher RPM all goes well...???

Anyone else??

 

whats being described by you two it appears there must be an internal issue within the tranny.

dont force it,
but thats what she said.

 

so no grinding?
when was the last time you changed transmission fluid?

 

I need advise from my friendly 8 family... should I try and see what's wrong with my original tranny, or should I just go for another one? (Rebuilt? who knows how well it was rebuilt??) 130K on original trans.. 2nd engine with 35K.

 

if I try it will grind, it will go in if you force it.
I don't know. I just bought this car for owner(81000 MILE)...and after that never change transmission fluid.

 

What should I do if I want change a new gearbox for Mazda???

 

Take it to the dealership or a transmission place and pay for it to be repaired. You are far past the warranty, so this will be out of your pocket.

 

Seriously... Check the motor mounts before you take it in to a shop. It could very well save you a lot of money.

This guy had (what sounds like) the same issue...

 

hi all,
i'm new to these forums where to start first i bought my 04 plate Rx8 off ebay with only 55k on the clock with history etc, and was all o.k at the time but when i was driving it home and then i noticed it was very hard to get it to go into 1st and so on and theres a winding noise coming from the engine when you take your foot off the clutch but when you hold the clutch in it sound o.k and when i start the car in the mornings when its cold the gearbox is fine for about 20 mins and once the engine has warmed up then its hard to change gear plus then its idling high and low.
any help would be great and lol i only bought it a week ago.

 

There is a normal whirring noise when the clutch is out.. not too loud, but noticeable. By itself it shouldn't be an issue.

When you say it's hard to get into 1st, is that from a stop, or while moving?

When was the trans oil changed last? What oil was used? If all gears are hard to change, could just need new trans oil.

 

I went through something like this recently, my problem started with shifting from 3rd to 4th at and above 7k rpm. It never had a problem before, so this just started out of no where.

Eventually my 4th gear got worse and began grinding every time I shifted into 4th at any RPM. The only way it would not grind be if I would perfectly rev match while down shifting and double clutch while upshifting.

When my problem started I had just changed my trans fluid about 7k miles before so I was pretty sure that wasn't the problem. I figured my 4th gear synchro went bad, and after searching on the forums the aisin gear box isn't the most reliable and can be unforgiving... So I got a S2 transmission with 13k miles and got it installed in my car, works beautifully.

I don't want to jump to any conclusions but it could be your synchro is gone bad. But before you do anything like buying or building the tranny do a trans fluid change to something like redline MT-90 GL4. It doesn't have to be redline as long as it is a GL4 fluid, many people claim GL5 will ruin the trans. The mistake I made was not trying another trans fluid before removing it, honestly I wasn't sure what fluid was put in it by a mechanic I trust. It could have been a GL5 and could possibly explain why my trans went bad. When I first had the trans fluid changed it was buttery smooth and shifted flawlessly. I didn't try changing it, and I just went with a better trans and in the end I think it was a good choice.

 

Wow I just realized the thread revival... To answer cfc4life's question, like Loki said there is a normal whirring noise that shouldn't affect anything (could be clutch related like pilot bearing). A trans fluid change would be your best option and see if it helps with the hard shifting.

 

when i'm waiting say at a junction and when i go to pull off its very hard to get it into 1st but when i'm moving sometimes it plays up.
not sure when the trans oil was changed has i only bought it just over aweek ago.

 

thanks all for your help i will get the tranny oil changed and go from there.

 

Just be sure to search on here and see what is best to use. Lots of people like redline or motorcraft. Do NOT use royal purple.

 

hi all, before i do the tranny oil change see if anyone can work this one out i went to the hospital today and on the way it started to change gear o.k but got worse on the way and when at the hospital it would not change at all and when i came out after about 40 mins it was fine again but i did smell a burning smell in the car for about 3 mins.
i hope someone knows whats doing this so that i can get it sorted.
thanks all.