MPS 3 - Gen 1 - 2nd gear shifting issues

[MPSSleeper]

Any Gen 1 MPS 3 owners have 1st to 2nd shifting issues? (…and occasionally 2nd to 3rd)

Over the last few months I can no longer shift from 1st to 2nd smoothly, the shift is very notchy and resistant and I can hear the gear-box clunk on every shift into 2nd.

My gear-box oil was replaced only 9 months ago and was reported to be fine at my last service 2 weeks back. I also had my clutch fluid replaced last week, kind of helped.

I'm thinking it is the synchro... if I double clutch I glide into 2nd effortlessly.

Any members experiencing something similar? Any solutions?

[tricache]

I know the Maz 3 gears are clunky anyway...how hard do you drive it?

[RedDjinn]

+1 here!!! 2-3 are nightmares! esp cold mornings...... found the engine mount upgrade helped a bit...

---------- Post added at 06:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:56 PM ----------

what about shift weight or soild shift bushes? would these help?

[boost]

I have the same problem.

Mazda told me it was fine and they couldn't find a problem! lol

Generally hard to shift when cold, and have to rev match to shift smoothly!

This is the one thing that i hate about my MPS since purchasing it

[SarcasticOne]

2nd to 3rd i have issues with...
stock car

[boost]

1st - 2nd is the worst change in mine.

If i go from 3rd-2nd its normally fairly smooth.

Most gears don't feel as smooth as they should though.

Would be awesome if I could get this issue sorted out

[ZedN]

Yeah I completely agree, I feel they are very clunky... Nothing worse then trying to have a good take off from the lights and then getting it stuck trying to change it into second.. Lose so much power in the change...

I'm going in for a service in 2 weeks I'll get new gear box oil put into it. Not sure when the last time it was changed...

[Jmac]

1st thing - Check Rear engine mount!
99% of the shifting issues ive seen, particularly 2nd -> 3rd are REM related

I believe the problem is the engine moving, and the input shaft not lining up correctly - causing shifting to be difficult. (please correct me if im wrong )

[boost]

Even at low RPM?

I am considering installing corksport inserts. So i will check the condition of the engine mount before then.

[tricache]

The stock engine mount is crapola...I have seen a few MPS ones and they are flex city...I even saw my NA Maz 3 one on the weekend and it flexes that much I feel safer having the stronger mount in!!

[Jmac]

Even at low RPM?

I am considering installing corksport inserts. So i will check the condition of the engine mount before then.

Low RPM + High load I guess is possible, depends how rooted it is

[SarcasticOne]

Low RPM + High load I guess is possible, depends how rooted it is

the only time i ever crunch gears is in 3rd... happens in normal city driving and during "spirited" driving...
but will be getting tunehouse to have a look into it monday when i go in for a service, along with 1-2 other things (it's top of list though)

[RedDjinn]

engine mount will improve changing at lower rpm and higher rpm.. tested this morning in the cold changing at 2000rpm. was only installed yesterday

[rfzd]

My first to second is freakin horrid. I end out having to sit in netural for a few seconds then in second gear to get it not to cruch. Been in to mazda 3 times, even over night. They have not been able to find a problem yet a few days later it's back. Some day soon I will break second just trying to get into it driving normally...

[Ranton]

I was having 1st - 2nd Issues Also...

http://www.ozmpsclub.com/forum/tech-talk/6539-xt-m5-qs

Changed oils about 4 times as per my Thread above..

also have a CPE 60Duro mount.. my shifting.. is greatly improved... its 10 fold better when cold.. and 80% perfect when Normal..

Shifting Slower is the Key in these Cars Most Transaxles i have ever Driven are all slow in the gearbox department... and I also feel the Reduced Shifter Weight is a nono.. My Shift feel is far more positive now that i have put the factory Shift weight back on...

[boost]

I would be a happy man if i could sort out the shifting in my car!

It really lets the car down. When i told the dealer about the poor shifting he said "it is normal for this model. If it keeps up you could try some penrite oil, but it won't be covered by warranty"

I intend to speak to him about it again because it is giving me the shits! My old car was 20 years old and shifted better than the mps.

[Ranton]

Try the ford oil...

make sure you empty the box real good/proper flush

[boost]

I am hesitant to try different oils while the car is still in warranty.

Don't want to give Mazda any excuses for not sorting the issue out.

[Ranton]

Mines under warranty.. they changed the oil it made it worse.. i stopped going to them after that... Im servicing it myself from now onwards

[Jmac]

I am hesitant to try different oils while the car is still in warranty.

Don't want to give Mazda any excuses for not sorting the issue out.

Try the Penrite then, there is a TSB for using this oil to resolve the 'woong woong' noise.