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Shifting DOWN into 2nd Gear? Grinding, etc?

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Old Jun 12, 2007 | 11:28 AM
  #51  
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Got the report from Mazda:

"We were able to reproduce the problem. There's a solenoid under the pedal - the one which allows the car to start only w/ the clutch pedal is depressed, it's sticking, not allowing the clutch to fully disengage. We've ordered a replacement."

I still think it's the shift fork or a sycnchro...but at least they have a plan-of-attack.
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Old Jun 12, 2007 | 09:42 PM
  #52  
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fwiw, every plunger rod I've checked had huge amounts of unnecessary free play
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Old Jun 13, 2007 | 02:25 AM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by Dumi
Wow thats crazy they are replacing the entire transmission when the problem could just be the syncrhos!?!?!

not that crazy...considering that replacing the syncros can require a pert-near full transmission tear down...
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Old Jun 13, 2007 | 12:20 PM
  #54  
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Originally Posted by Stavesacre21
not that crazy...considering that replacing the syncros can require a pert-near full transmission tear down...
I would imagine from a dealer cost perspective, it is probably easier and possibly cheaper to just intall a new transmission.
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Old Jun 13, 2007 | 06:46 PM
  #55  
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36,000 KM and mine started today when shifting into 4th over 6000rpm, under that its fine. I'm going to have to nurse it for awhile.
I will not be going into the Dealer, Orangeville Mazda hates me and I hate them!
So should I go to Mr. Transmission or would I be better off at a shop that deals with RX7 & RX8s?
Should I get a new tranny (any alternative transmissions we can use?) or a complete rebuild? (Don't think I'm down with just the syncro's unless it's a lot cheaper. A LOT CHEAPER)

<Start Hi-Jack>
Funny thing I replaced the transmission fluid just this last weekend with RP 75w90. I added the 1.8q as suggested in the Mazda workshop manual. Shifting was nice and smooth, however I do get the RP Stink that most ppl complain about when stopped. I've checked for leaks and overspill <none>
So coincidence? mmmmMMmmm
<end Hi-Jack>
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Old Jun 14, 2007 | 02:23 PM
  #56  
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so, I am confused/new to diagnosing transmission and clutch problems. What I have read from forms and past experiences with cars, is that when shifting at high RPM's and you get grinding, this means that the clutch is going out?

Also if this problem does happen would down-shifting into first also be a sign of this or is this something else?

I only have 25,000 on my car, but I drive hard. and I replace my tranny and diff fluid every 7,000 miles. So, I am hoping its nothing wrong with the transmission.

Last edited by Shinka-05; Jun 14, 2007 at 02:37 PM.
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Old Jun 14, 2007 | 02:50 PM
  #57  
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downshifting into 1st is usually not recommended.

grinding at high rpm's doesn't necessarily mean that the clutch is going out. Could be a number of things; shift fork, synchros, bad fluid, etc.
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Old Jun 15, 2007 | 04:03 PM
  #58  
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Well - the dealer has the parts in, but wants ME to take off work to drop off the car because when I'd be able to get there (4:30p) his 'guys are leaving' (their shift ends). I guess he's doing ME a favor, right?

:-/
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Old Jun 15, 2007 | 04:54 PM
  #59  
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What parts?
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Old Jun 15, 2007 | 06:03 PM
  #60  
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Jedi...I got the same issues...bah...and I have YET to put the cat back on and take her in...

Unfortunately the car was sold to me with a short shifter...and also apparently had the MS intake too but according to the service records was removed.

So this should be interesting...
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Old Jun 15, 2007 | 06:11 PM
  #61  
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From: OKC
Originally Posted by Nemesis8
What parts?

these'n...

Originally Posted by dmp
Got the report from Mazda:

"We were able to reproduce the problem. There's a solenoid under the pedal - the one which allows the car to start only w/ the clutch pedal is depressed, it's sticking, not allowing the clutch to fully disengage. We've ordered a replacement."

I still think it's the shift fork or a sycnchro...but at least they have a plan-of-attack.
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Old Jun 15, 2007 | 06:38 PM
  #62  
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Originally Posted by eviltwinkie
Jedi...I got the same issues...bah...and I have YET to put the cat back on and take her in...

Unfortunately the car was sold to me with a short shifter...and also apparently had the MS intake too but according to the service records was removed.

So this should be interesting...
does your invoice actually state that it was sold with the SS? I'm not questioning you, I've just seen some Mazda Techs blame some pretty lame stuff...

Let me know when you're putting the cat back on, I'll see if I can scrounge up an OEM shifter for ya. Also, don't forget what I mentioned earlier about the fluids.
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Old Jun 15, 2007 | 06:38 PM
  #63  
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dmp: glad they're at least willing to try fixing the clutch, that's definitely a start
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Old Jun 16, 2007 | 04:33 PM
  #64  
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Originally Posted by wcs

<Start Hi-Jack>
Funny thing I replaced the transmission fluid just this last weekend with RP 75w90. I added the 1.8q as suggested in the Mazda workshop manual. Shifting was nice and smooth, however I do get the RP Stink that most ppl complain about when stopped. I've checked for leaks and overspill <none>
So coincidence? mmmmMMmmm
<end Hi-Jack>
DITTO, after the fluid (same fluid) replace i've been gettin grinds going from 6000 rpm and over (4th gear.) I ordered redline shockproof heavy, and i'm going to attempt to look at plunger rod that Team mentioned. I highly doubt my trans is going, logic says it's the rp fluid. I also noticed that it happens alot more once the trans gets up in temp. I will investigate this further......
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Old Jun 16, 2007 | 04:49 PM
  #65  
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From: everywherez...
Originally Posted by Jedi54
does your invoice actually state that it was sold with the SS? I'm not questioning you, I've just seen some Mazda Techs blame some pretty lame stuff...

Let me know when you're putting the cat back on, I'll see if I can scrounge up an OEM shifter for ya. Also, don't forget what I mentioned earlier about the fluids.
I'll have to dig up the invoice...But to my knowledge no...I purchased from an audi dealer who got it as a trade in...the previous owner needed more power apparently and got something with awd and a snail...anywho it was a steal with stupid low miles on it...previous owner was meticulous with records so he included a folder with stuff...I'll scan thru to see if he had anything on it. But I clearly remember the sales guy commenting on how he liked the shifter and how all cars should feel that way.

I'll probably do the cat tonight or tomarrow...put the original pulley back on...and then change the fluid back...

Oy Vey!

Should probably do a coolant flush while I'm at it and check the plugs...

Check the oil...maybe change it...still got like 1,500 miles left...

You know...I'm starting to think that I somewhat enjoy taking this thing apart...
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Old Jun 17, 2007 | 10:58 AM
  #66  
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I run autocrosses that require five 1st/2nd down/up shifts per run, 5 runs per session, two sessions per day

that's 50 total full bore down/up shifts between 1st and 2nd gear in a day of autocrossing, never grinds ..

the day will come when it just blows up though ...
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Old Jun 17, 2007 | 09:07 PM
  #67  
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Originally Posted by dillsrotary
DITTO, after the fluid (same fluid) replace i've been gettin grinds going from 6000 rpm and over (4th gear.) I ordered redline shockproof heavy, and i'm going to attempt to look at plunger rod that Team mentioned. I highly doubt my trans is going, logic says it's the rp fluid. I also noticed that it happens alot more once the trans gets up in temp. I will investigate this further......
YESSS, I agree totally with the trans at operating temp, it gets worse!
I'm looking forward to your next post on this.
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Old Jun 19, 2007 | 04:41 PM
  #68  
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Got the call - they said they've fixed my car. Leaving work in a bit to pick it up - with plenty of time to test-drive it to make SURE, then take it back if need be.
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Old Jun 19, 2007 | 04:54 PM
  #69  
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good luck DMP.
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Old Jun 19, 2007 | 06:08 PM
  #70  
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RX8 and a Truk....
 
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Customer states car will not downshift into 2nd gear w/o popping regardless of MPH

(Not true - what I said was this: Car wont go into 2nd gear above 40mph - 30-39mph it'll go, but it grinds a bit)

Found TSB 05-011/06 to replace clutch switch
Replaced Switch
Verified Repairs

Job #1 FP Number: D374-66-AD0A Switch -



Result? NO difference. Didn't do anything to remedy the problem. I called him on the way home; he'll "call the tech line" and get back with me.

:-/
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Old Jun 19, 2007 | 07:06 PM
  #71  
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https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...7&postcount=53

https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...1&postcount=56

https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...6&postcount=70
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Old Jun 20, 2007 | 10:05 AM
  #72  
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I'll check it tonite - but I'm unsure how the plunger being loose would only affect 2nd gear.
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Old Jun 20, 2007 | 10:27 AM
  #73  
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because the clutch pedal travels and the clutch master cylinder piston doesn't

it's not loose per se, there is a spring loaded cap that the plunger rod contacts and displaces before the master cylinder piston is engaged. You have to adjust the plunger to close the spring-loaded gap to the master piston. Then you get maximum master cylinder piston travel, which displaces the slave cylinder the maximum amount, which in turn displaces the pressure plate release the maximum amount

in short, when you have excess plunger rod travel the pressure plate is not releasing far enough, which is going to cause this problem

which gear it affects is usually related to which synchro hangs slightly and starts grinding as a result, it then compounds from there, typically the high rpm grind is directly related to this particular adjustment

Last edited by TeamRX8; Jun 20, 2007 at 10:30 AM.
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Old Jun 20, 2007 | 10:37 AM
  #74  
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Thanks - I'll check it tonite and post-up what I find

:beers:
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Old Jun 20, 2007 | 10:54 AM
  #75  
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From: everywherez...
Originally Posted by TeamRX8
because the clutch pedal travels and the clutch master cylinder piston doesn't

it's not loose per se, there is a spring loaded cap that the plunger rod contacts and displaces before the master cylinder piston is engaged. You have to adjust the plunger to close the spring-loaded gap to the master piston. Then you get maximum master cylinder piston travel, which displaces the slave cylinder the maximum amount, which in turn displaces the pressure plate release the maximum amount

in short, when you have excess plunger rod travel the pressure plate is not releasing far enough, which is going to cause this problem

which gear it affects is usually related to which synchro hangs slightly and starts grinding as a result, it then compounds from there, typically the high rpm grind is directly related to this particular adjustment
Interesting...I'll check as well...
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