1-2 Shift Grind - Can't Solve

[woaface]

Ok, so I've read some info about this on here and elsewheres but I'm still not getting what I need. I have a 2008 3 Hatch with a 5speed. 15,700 miles on the ODO.

About 1-3 times a week the transmission will grind on the 1-2 shift. All variables considered, it doesn't matter what the operation/ambient temperature is, whether I'm at 6200rpms or 2500, slow shift, fast shift, gas, no gas...it makes no difference and there is no commonality to recreate the effect.

It's less noticable if I'm shifting at 3000k instead of 6200k but it still happens. The dealership can't find the problem and they keep charging me for visits since there's "nothing wrong" (can't recreate problem = pay for rack time.) I'm really scared I'm ripping my tranny apart and I'm doing everything to prevent it and the problem seems to be getting worse as time goes by. I'm shifting like a sloth between 1st and 2nd all of the time now but even "normal" shifting patters will elicit the problem occasionally.

I really need some help/stories. I've done some searching but all I can come up with is that the syncros can't keep up with leadfoots who redline it out. This can't be true for my case. I can't access Mazda3Forums.com because my work computer filter blocks it. You guys are my next best resource.

[Donutz]

It sounds like you've done some searching here, so kudo's for that.

6200 is pretty high rpm for shifting. You should be able to shift smoothly though. Are you still running tranny fluid from the factory? Also, are you pressing the clutch in enough and smoothly moving the shifter? I'm sure you but this could also lead to rough feel shifting.

A couple of suggestions; try shifting at 3500 rpm; also try upgrading to full synthetic tranny fluid. I lost some notchiness when I upgraded fluids. Someone here should be able to speak to the shifter bushing upgrade (or search for it; there's a thread somewhere). I don't have it, but I've heard that it also improves the shift feel.

[woaface]

It sounds like you've done some searching here, so kudo's for that.

6200 is pretty high rpm for shifting. You should be able to shift smoothly though. Are you still running tranny fluid from the factory? Also, are you pressing the clutch in enough and smoothly moving the shifter? I'm sure you but this could also lead to rough feel shifting.

A couple of suggestions; try shifting at 3500 rpm; also try upgrading to full synthetic tranny fluid. I lost some notchiness when I upgraded fluids. Someone here should be able to speak to the shifter bushing upgrade (or search for it; there's a thread somewhere). I don't have it, but I've heard that it also improves the shift feel.

As for the 6200RPM shifts I was definitely talking about getting on the pedal. Sometimes it happens at lower RPMS like 2500-3500. The clutch is always all the way to the ground and 1-2nd gear is the only one affected.

Lately, I've been stopping in neutral between gears thinking that maybe the syncros don't catch up fast enough and I haven't had a problem yet but time will tell.

I think switching fluids has been on my list of to-dos for a while but how long exactly does tranny fluid last? The service manual says 30,000miles I think.

I've also got a TWM short shifter with the upgraded bushings.

[McGuyver_3]

just curious why are you shifting at 6200rpm? haha i am pretty positive that the 3 has enough power if you shift at 3000-4500 rpm. You state that at 3000ish you are not getting the grinding noise maybe that is because when you are at 6200rpm you are trying to shift to quickly and are letting the clutch out b4 the shift is complete. Whereas at 3000rpm you are more concentrated and are completing the shift with less haste. Or could be your synchros from 1-2 are gone. That happened to my 91 pathfinder with 160k KM on it original tranny original clutch The short shifter will not cause your problem. I to have a short shifter and drive mannual. The tranny fluid usually lasts up to 60000km but i went over on my last flush but never had any problems. If and when you get your tranny flushed use synthetic fluid

[woaface]

just curious why are you shifting at 6200rpm? haha i am pretty positive that the 3 has enough power if you shift at 3000-4500 rpm. You state that at 3000ish you are not getting the grinding noise maybe that is because when you are at 6200rpm you are trying to shift to quickly and are letting the clutch out b4 the shift is complete. Whereas at 3000rpm you are more concentrated and are completing the shift with less haste. Or could be your synchros from 1-2 are gone. That happened to my 91 pathfinder with 160k KM on it original tranny original clutch The short shifter will not cause your problem. I to have a short shifter and drive mannual. The tranny fluid usually lasts up to 60000km but i went over on my last flush but never had any problems. If and when you get your tranny flushed use synthetic fluid


No no no, I was just pulling numbers out of my ass so that everyone understands the shift point makes no difference, it's happening across the entire rpm range with no distinct variable to single out a problem.

I PROMISE the clutch is all the way down before I move the shifter and I don't release the clutch until the shift is complete. If it was an operator problem it would be happening in 2-3rd or 3-4th gears but it only happens when shifting from 1-2.

I don't think my syncros could be fried? It only happens 1-3 times a week and my car only has 15.7k on it. Could it be that they need to be adjusted or something?

[fairleymac]

I must say that I have the EXACT same problem. It's been happening for me since the car was next to brand new. I'd love any info that anyone can provide about it. I'm also not overly willing to accept a requirement for upgrade, as this has been happening since before I ever "pushed" my car (aka the first occurrence was while my odo was still sub-1000km), and thus at completely reasonable rpm.


Ok, so I've read some info about this on here and elsewheres but I'm still not getting what I need. I have a 2008 3 Hatch with a 5speed. 15,700 miles on the ODO.

About 1-3 times a week the transmission will grind on the 1-2 shift. All variables considered, it doesn't matter what the operation/ambient temperature is, whether I'm at 6200rpms or 2500, slow shift, fast shift, gas, no gas...it makes no difference and there is no commonality to recreate the effect.

It's less noticable if I'm shifting at 3000k instead of 6200k but it still happens. The dealership can't find the problem and they keep charging me for visits since there's "nothing wrong" (can't recreate problem = pay for rack time.) I'm really scared I'm ripping my tranny apart and I'm doing everything to prevent it and the problem seems to be getting worse as time goes by. I'm shifting like a sloth between 1st and 2nd all of the time now but even "normal" shifting patters will elicit the problem occasionally.

I really need some help/stories. I've done some searching but all I can come up with is that the syncros can't keep up with leadfoots who redline it out. This can't be true for my case. I can't access Mazda3Forums.com because my work computer filter blocks it. You guys are my next best resource.

[whiteomega]

Check your floor mats too, especially if you have aftermarket mats. Make sure they're not impeding clutch travel.

The other thing to do is go for a drive with someone and see if they have problems, or if it's just an issue with how you're using the clutch. From first to second, I normally shift around 3000.

You can also pull the center console out, put the shifter in 2nd and see if the cables are loose, but this is a very subjective measurement, and not very accurate. Edit: one other thing to check here: make sure the shifter isn't bent out of shape; the stock shifter has a slight bend towards the driver's side..

If all else fails, take a mechanic out for a test drive; there isn't much a mechanic can do with a visual inspection of the transmission, unless he empties the transmission fluid and actually opens it up (which is big bucks if nothing is wrong). Drive once with the mechanic in the passenger seat, show him the grinding noise, then ask him to drive it and if it grinds for him, then hopefully they'll be able to take a look at it and fix it under warranty.

[mazdas3sporte]

i have this problem with 1st gear, and the clutch is so low to the ground that if i press anymore the floor of the car is gonna give.... first i thought it was because i had 2 layers of carpeting. mazda 3 carpet + mat... but no that wasent it. it happens 1-3 times a week same as with u , and note this is a brand new car 2060 km on it.... the probelm comes and goes i just live with it

[Flagrum_3]

All you guys with the same problem I suggest you take it to the dealer and have them adjust the pedal for travel and engagement points.

Oh and switch to Synthetic :-)


_3

[CanSpeed 3]

I have the same problem. Mines a 2005 manual. It has nothing to do with the floor mats or your clutch. Its the fliuds. It will only grind when the temp is cooler. And its not a real grind, its just a notchy touch feeling when going from firsts to second.

It happends rarely, and only when its cooler than normal. Im guessing the fliuds are just too cold and it doesnt seem to do it when everything warmed up. Im going to change my fliuds in a month or so. But i wouldnt worry to much about this. Its not grinding gears. Atleast mines not.

[mazdas3sporte]

I have the same problem. Mines a 2005 manual. It has nothing to do with the floor mats or your clutch. Its the fliuds. It will only grind when the temp is cooler. And its not a real grind, its just a notchy touch feeling when going from firsts to second.

It happends rarely, and only when its cooler than normal. Im guessing the fliuds are just too cold and it doesnt seem to do it when everything warmed up. Im going to change my fliuds in a month or so. But i wouldnt worry to much about this. Its not grinding gears. Atleast mines not.

yesss this is much more closer to what I am experiencing!!

[Flagrum_3]

yesss this is much more closer to what I am experiencing!!


Then I suggest you change the tranny fluid to Synthetic, it will help get some of the notchiness out, especially in extreme cold temps....it worked for me.


_3

[sunnyhomeboy]

i have the same problem..but i thought it was due to improper installation of the mazdaspeed short shifter?

[mazdas3sporte]

how much would the synthetic run me? and whats the name of it? how much of a diffrence would it make? and does it void warranty, cause last thing i need is to go to a dealer when somethings wrong with my bumber and they blame it on my tranny fluid.... lol

[Donutz]

how much would the synthetic run me? and whats the name of it? how much of a diffrence would it make? and does it void warranty, cause last thing i need is to go to a dealer when somethings wrong with my bumber and they blame it on my tranny fluid.... lol

Search for it, this has been covered in great length. The amount of fluid you need is noted in your owners manual.

Personally, I'm running Redline in my tranny and I find it to be a decent improvement over the stock fluid. I think some peeps run Amsoil as well. The cost is like $60+ or so (around $15 / L), IIRC. If you're worried about issues when you go to the dealer, have them change it for you. I had mine changed at MOT because I had similar worries.

[aris]

Mine also does this and mine is a 08 with 15000km:flaming

[mazdas3sporte]

kk iam gonna search it up, before i bought my mazda i was lookin into the civic si , i heard aloota people turned towards amsoil, thanks for ur help

[Flagrum_3]

how much would the synthetic run me? and whats the name of it? how much of a diffrence would it make? and does it void warranty, cause last thing i need is to go to a dealer when somethings wrong with my bumber and they blame it on my tranny fluid.... lol

Synthetic will run about $12-$15 a (US) quart and switching to synthetic in no way will void any warranty!!...It helped quite abit with my tranny like I mentioned earlier, didn't eliminate the notchiness completely but it's much better, especially on cold mornings! ...You might want to take a look at the Redline product specifically the 75w-90 NS or the MT-90, ...the 75w-90 NS being the better choice for the MZ3, MT-90 for the Speed...You can get it thru CTA Patrique I believe or give Sherman @ SpeedTech a call.


_3

[Videcak]

I switched to Redline MT-90, huge improvement, rarely ever happens anymore, but still once every few weeks...