Ok I've searched high and low on this forum for a similiar problem but have yet to find anything, so here's a new thread....

I have a 90 FC convertible with about 108k miles. It's in great running condition with everything original as far as running gear. I noticed just the other day when shifting from 2nd into 3rd that the transmission was sticking in the gate between 1st and 2nd... In other words, when you shift out of 2nd into neutral, the shifter is supposed to center itself between the 3rd and 4th shifter gates. It's not. I can , however move it with little force where it needs to go. Also, if I push the shifter from the centered (between 3rd and 4th gates) to the right and release the shifter will center itself. There are no shifting problems otherwise such as engaging the gears or grinding etc.

My questions: 1) Is there perhaps a spring or other device that functions to center the shifter when in neutral ? 2) Is this problem common or indicative of a transmission going bad ? 3) Is this something that is easily fixed and would that require removal of the transmission and lots of $$ ? .... This seems to be the only thing wrong with it and it's not affecting the driveability, but it is annoying when it was working perfectly a few days ago.

Thanks in advance for the assistance.

Keith

 

I believe that the spring for centering the shifter requires the trans to be removed in order to replace it. I'd take the shifter out (easy job) and just have a look down in the hole to see if perhaps there's something in there (pieces of shifter bushings, etc) which may be the culprit. Check the easy stuff first.

 

Sounds like the problem i was having, when shifting from 1st - 2nd the shifter would "stick". Are you able to move the shifter around while in gear, and is there alot of play in neutral? You might need new shifter bushings which are pretty cheap from mazda and easy to replace.

 

Nopistons, that sounds like good advice. Maybe I'll be lucky and this will be an easy fix.

RXciting, I don't think there's any play once I'm in gear. It feels pretty solid. Aside from the sticking in between those gates, everything else feels normal. No grinding, no double clutching needed to get into gear etc....

Anyone know of any good online diagrams for FC transmissions ? ... I'm guessing I just need to just do a search on that one. This is the first time I have had to mess with the transmission at all on this car...or any other car for that matter. I just want to be educated before diving into the project. Might be a good time for a short shift kit as well perhaps ?

Keith

 

If you just need to change the shifter bushings (like I do since my shifter doesn't spring back at all) then purchase them from Mazdatrix. Here's a link that will be helpful...

Parts: http://www.mazdatrix.com/g4.htm
How to: http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/shiftbsh.htm

 

Thank you EfiniGirl... Probably wouldn't hurt to do that. I can do that without pulling the transmission or not ? ....

Keith

 

Disregard my last post. You sent me the how to link as well. Thanks !