transmission questions
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 424
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From: West Covina, Ca.
transmission questions
so im in the process of dropping my transmission to hopefully fix my stuck in reverse problem. got the exhaust system off and driveshaft off already. so i just have to unbolt from motor and then the mount. my question is wheni remove the tranny from the motor will there be any fluids coming out from the motor..? i drained the tranny already, will i need to drain the motor too? 
You dont have to drop your tranny to do this. I've personally performed this twice without dropping anything. You just remove the switch on the side of the tranny and pry in from there, its a frustrating thing to fix, but it sure as hell was easier than dropping the tranny.
Gimme a bit and I'll find the proper instructions.
EDIT:
here - http://www.miata.net/garage/stuckreverse.html.
It says Miata, but the exact same thing can be performed on the FC. FC Non-Turbo Trannies and Miata Gearboxes are almost exactly the same. I've performed this actual procedure two times personally. You do not have to remove anything except the switch. You do not have to drain anything.
For the prying tool, I always used about a 2-3" long Allen Wrench - thick enough to not bend when prying. It's a real guessing game - it can take from 10 minutes to an hour and you never feel like you're getting it right but sooner or later it pops and its out of reverse.
FIELD REPAIR
Fortunately there is a field fix. Keep in mind, we experienced our failure with a gearbox that had already had SSP-11 performed! This is why I detail the field repair below. The mission is to get the gearbox out of reverse and back into neutral without using the shift lever. It turns out this can be done using the mounting hole for the backup light switch to gain access to the rod end [5]:
1. Support driver's side of Miata securely on two jackstands. Lay under car. Working above the gearbox from the left side, unplug two reverse light switch wires. Exercise caution when reaching around the hot exhaust pipe.
2. Remove switch with a 24 mm open end wrench. It should not be incredibly tight. Large pliers will work in a pinch (minor scoring of switch body will result). Oil will not spill out; this hole is above the oil level.
3. With a short sturdy prying tool, reach into reverse switch hole and pry reverse rod end toward back of car. A stubby 3" straight blade screwdriver is ideal. Take care to avoid damage to the threads in aluminum gearbox case.
4. Rod should click into neutral position. Metallic clicking sound might be 5-R rod dropping back into reverse position. To confirm successful repair, verify correct operation of shift lever. Repeat if necessary.
5. Replace switch to keep oil in and dirt out. Reuse copper packing if it is in good condition. If this is a field repair, use packing regardless of its condition and get a new one later. Plug in wires; they have no polarity.
6. This field repair will completely and absolutely return your Miata to the precise operating condition before the malfunction. The further remedial repairs are not required.
--
Another Post with Pictures - https://www.rx7club.com/showpost.php...5&postcount=38
Gimme a bit and I'll find the proper instructions.
EDIT:
here - http://www.miata.net/garage/stuckreverse.html.
It says Miata, but the exact same thing can be performed on the FC. FC Non-Turbo Trannies and Miata Gearboxes are almost exactly the same. I've performed this actual procedure two times personally. You do not have to remove anything except the switch. You do not have to drain anything.
For the prying tool, I always used about a 2-3" long Allen Wrench - thick enough to not bend when prying. It's a real guessing game - it can take from 10 minutes to an hour and you never feel like you're getting it right but sooner or later it pops and its out of reverse.
FIELD REPAIR
Fortunately there is a field fix. Keep in mind, we experienced our failure with a gearbox that had already had SSP-11 performed! This is why I detail the field repair below. The mission is to get the gearbox out of reverse and back into neutral without using the shift lever. It turns out this can be done using the mounting hole for the backup light switch to gain access to the rod end [5]:
1. Support driver's side of Miata securely on two jackstands. Lay under car. Working above the gearbox from the left side, unplug two reverse light switch wires. Exercise caution when reaching around the hot exhaust pipe.
2. Remove switch with a 24 mm open end wrench. It should not be incredibly tight. Large pliers will work in a pinch (minor scoring of switch body will result). Oil will not spill out; this hole is above the oil level.
3. With a short sturdy prying tool, reach into reverse switch hole and pry reverse rod end toward back of car. A stubby 3" straight blade screwdriver is ideal. Take care to avoid damage to the threads in aluminum gearbox case.
4. Rod should click into neutral position. Metallic clicking sound might be 5-R rod dropping back into reverse position. To confirm successful repair, verify correct operation of shift lever. Repeat if necessary.
5. Replace switch to keep oil in and dirt out. Reuse copper packing if it is in good condition. If this is a field repair, use packing regardless of its condition and get a new one later. Plug in wires; they have no polarity.
6. This field repair will completely and absolutely return your Miata to the precise operating condition before the malfunction. The further remedial repairs are not required.
--
Another Post with Pictures - https://www.rx7club.com/showpost.php...5&postcount=38
Maybe my ghetto style illustrations will help identify the task at hand.
This is basicaly a top cross sectional view of the inside of the tranny.
You need to insert your tool(whatever you're able to make work....) like so and use the handle as a lever to throw the thing forward.
Here is my illustration of what it should look like when you're done.
This is the 'normal' non-reverse position.
This is basicaly a top cross sectional view of the inside of the tranny.
You need to insert your tool(whatever you're able to make work....) like so and use the handle as a lever to throw the thing forward.
Here is my illustration of what it should look like when you're done.
This is the 'normal' non-reverse position.
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: West Covina, Ca.
sweet thanks guys i fixed the problem hopefully. went through the reverse switch and used a small flat head and "click" it released. but i did drop the tranny so i could replace my clutch as well. is there a way to clean the tranny of all that build up without damaging the transmission?
now when i look under my car its so empty that i wanna do all kinds of other work on it now... any suggestions..?
now when i look under my car its so empty that i wanna do all kinds of other work on it now... any suggestions..?
Mazda came out with a reverse light SWITCH with a stiffer spring on the plunger so it:
1. Requires more effort to put into reverse
2. Pops out of reverse easier and quicker.
to prevent this exact issue. I have it installed in my miata tailhousing and it does make a difference from the stock one. Don't know if it threads into a FC trans but I wouldn't be surprised if it did.
1. Requires more effort to put into reverse
2. Pops out of reverse easier and quicker.
to prevent this exact issue. I have it installed in my miata tailhousing and it does make a difference from the stock one. Don't know if it threads into a FC trans but I wouldn't be surprised if it did.
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