Hi, I have a question about my transmission. For some reason every time I shift into first gear it feels like shifting to 3rd gear. (I don't even move it to the left and then up like going to first but just forward.) My 3rd gear placement is like my 5th gear and my 5th gear is way out of there. I was wondering whats wrong with it. I replace the bushings. Maybe its the spring that centers it? Any help would be appreciated.

 

While in neutral can you move the shifter left and right without much force?

 

It doesn't even move that much to the left, about less than 1/4 inch. But it moves to the right a lot. It feels likes I have to shift to 5th to be in 3rd and its way off for 5th gear.

 

Sounds like a broken return spring. Did you have to pry a spring out of the way to remove the shifter?

 

That's what I thought it was but I wasn't really sure. I recall when I removed my shifter I really didn't pry anything. Just removed the bushings and put in a new one from Mazdatrix (short shifter). If it is the spring is it hard to replace it? I'll go look over the FSM if it covers it.