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Old May 14, 2024 | 09:57 AM
  #1  
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Transmission

Hi. My name is Chad. I have an 04 Mazda rx8. My troubleshooting question is this: when I engage first gear and release the clutch, the shifter pops right out of place. Why would this happen? Mechanic installed new clutch, same issue. I do all the regular maintenance myself. Id like to fix it accordingly. Thanks,

Chad
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Old May 14, 2024 | 12:24 PM
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Did he install a new pilot bearing with the clutch?
Did someone check the trans oil level?
Did this just start happening one day or it slowly got worse/more frequent over time?
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Old May 14, 2024 | 03:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Loki
Did he install a new pilot bearing with the clutch?
Did someone check the trans oil level?
Did this just start happening one day or it slowly got worse/more frequent over time?
We've all told him what the problem is...

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...0/#post4990432
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Old May 14, 2024 | 09:24 PM
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got suckered into a clutch, now all that same labor cost again to swap out the transmission
.
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Old May 15, 2024 | 07:37 AM
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I appreciate the help. I apologize, I did read your posts. My mechanic replaced the clutch and the master cylinder, which is, for the clutch. The only other thing I think it can be is a pedal adjustment. Anyone?

Chad
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Old May 16, 2024 | 04:25 AM
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It sounds as if the transmission will need rebuilt or replaced due to the worn synchronizer on 1st gear or that the engagement portion of 1st gear is worn at an angle or chipped. Put the trans in 2nd gear and take off. Do this and you should find that the transmission does not pop out of gear in 2nd gear. This confirms that the issue is localized to 1st gear only. Clutch hydraulics have no impact on a shifter popping out of gear.
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Old May 16, 2024 | 07:49 AM
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K. Thanks
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Old May 25, 2024 | 12:14 PM
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Hi. Does anyone know why my brake fluid in the clutch is gray? The brake fluid in the master is like a brown.

Thanks,

Chad
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Old Jun 9, 2024 | 07:13 PM
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Hi everyone. I think the problem is my transmission fluid. I changed it about a year ago. The problem surfaced around then. I have the transmission running Lucas oil 75w-90. If that's not, they have some Valvoline synblend 75w-90. I go to AutoZone or advance auto parts. I can also take a run to napa. I've read already. Many forums say that even transmission fluid can cause grinding. I still think the transmission is good, even with new clutch.

Id appreciate any input.

Thanks
​​​​​​
Chad
2004 Mazda rx8
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Old Jun 9, 2024 | 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by cmaderia10
Hi everyone. I think the problem is my transmission fluid. I changed it about a year ago. The problem surfaced around then. I have the transmission running Lucas oil 75w-90. If that's not, they have some Valvoline synblend 75w-90. I go to AutoZone or advance auto parts. I can also take a run to napa. I've read already. Many forums say that even transmission fluid can cause grinding. I still think the transmission is good, even with new clutch.

Id appreciate any input.

Thanks
​​​​​​
Chad
2004 Mazda rx8
You can change the fluid if you like, but it's verrry unlikely that will change this particular problem. I'm not sure how to approach this. On the one hand, I want to help. On the other, you seem to ignore all suggestions made in the 2 threads on this topic... So what are you expecting to happen here?
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 06:10 AM
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If you suspect the trans fluid is the culprit, drain it and refill it to the proper level. Drive the car for a bit and report back with the results. Contaminated fluid can cause issues with the transmission, you're correct, but when a shifter pops out of gear, the issue is commonly internal wear.
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Old Jun 15, 2024 | 03:54 PM
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Hi. Thanks. First and foremost, I don't have the money for a new transmission. That's what seems to be in response here. I'm trying the little things. I know some people have responded saying that it's not, but I'd like to find out what others think. Transmission fluid, speedbleeder replacement (in slave cylinder) with an OEM screw. Things like that.

If anyone else has any input I'd appreciate it.

Chad
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Old Jun 17, 2024 | 06:04 AM
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I wouldn't purchase a new transmission personally. I would look for a known good transmission from a trusted seller. A used transmission will run you only a few hundred dollars and you can replace it in a day at home with the proper tools. If you were closer, I would offer assistance in replacing it.
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Old Jun 17, 2024 | 10:05 AM
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Ok. Thanks. Does anyone know if I can pass state inspection in MA without an engaging first gear? 2nd-6th and reverse work.

If it passes, I’ll just drive without first.

thanks

Chad
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Old Jun 17, 2024 | 10:38 AM
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Can't comment on MA inspections but ignoring problems like this is ensures you will have to buy a new trans in the future. Something isn't right and it's unlikely to fix itself. Launching in 2nd will also force clutch replacement sooner. I understand money is tight but might be time to pay someone to diagnose it. It will be more expensive later.
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Old Jun 18, 2024 | 12:19 PM
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Alright. Thanks. I do appreciate everyones help.

Chad
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Old Aug 30, 2024 | 06:23 PM
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Hi everyone. Does anyone else have this problem? Or have seen this problem? So what is going on:
1) start car
2) put car into first gear (works fine)
3) slowly let out clutch pedal and give it gas.
a) the car makes a grinding noise coming from the engine/transmission area.
b) at the same time, shifter pops out of first and into neutral

There is nothing wrong with the transmission in my opinion, because it has worked fine in the recent past.
My question, and I'll repeat is, has anyone else had this problem?
What did you do to fix it?
It's redline mt-90 in the transmission. Not 75w-90 like I thought.
I've tried both speed bleeder and stock bleed screws.
2nd gear through 6th and reverse work flawlessly.

What could be the problem?

Could overfilling the transmission fluid cause problems?

I apologize, I know I've posted this a number of times. If no answer, I'll have to take it in and get a diagnostic done.dont really have the spending money for that.

Thanks,

Chad
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Old Aug 30, 2024 | 06:32 PM
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Regarding the transmission fluid, how many quarts? I thought I used more than 2. Is it supposed to be 2? Would overfilling it cause problems?

Thanks,

Chad
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Old Aug 30, 2024 | 09:17 PM
  #19  
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Hard to over fill if you pump in the gear oil through the fill plug hole on the side of the transmission. I’d say almost impossible cause it will pour out on the ground.
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Old Aug 31, 2024 | 11:21 AM
  #20  
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Not sure. If I remember correctly I used 4 quarts of mt-90. Could be wrong. I am more interested to see if anyone else has had this problem, and if so, what you did to fix it. I do appreciate everyone's responses, and have read them. I don't think it has to do with replacing the transmission.

Chad
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Old Aug 31, 2024 | 02:34 PM
  #21  
cmaderia10's Avatar
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Does anyone use Valvoline synchromesh manual transmission fluid? I understand that it would be good for transmission with syncros. Rx8 has.

Can't find mt-90 at any local store.

Thanks,

Chad
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Old Aug 31, 2024 | 03:02 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by cmaderia10
Hi everyone. Does anyone else have this problem? Or have seen this problem? So what is going on:
1) start car
2) put car into first gear (works fine)
3) slowly let out clutch pedal and give it gas.
a) the car makes a grinding noise coming from the engine/transmission area.
b) at the same time, shifter pops out of first and into neutral

There is nothing wrong with the transmission in my opinion, because it has worked fine in the recent past.
My question, and I'll repeat is, has anyone else had this problem?
What did you do to fix it?
It's redline mt-90 in the transmission. Not 75w-90 like I thought.
I've tried both speed bleeder and stock bleed screws.
2nd gear through 6th and reverse work flawlessly.

What could be the problem?

Could overfilling the transmission fluid cause problems?

I apologize, I know I've posted this a number of times. If no answer, I'll have to take it in and get a diagnostic done.dont really have the spending money for that.

Thanks,

Chad

...

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Old Sep 1, 2024 | 01:13 PM
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it’s like 2 quarts and please stop multi posting the same post on the forum

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-racing-...2/#post4996712

.
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