1st and 2nd gears

[michaljerzy86]

Okay so i've become a lot better at shifting and being smooth in the whole process
but what i can't figure out is 1st and 2nd.
for sure reason when i shift from 1st to 2nd, it almost always kicks once i let out the clutch and to actually get it to go into 2nd is rough, like there's resistance. now i figured i had my clutch in so i made sure it was down and it still had resistance going to 2nd almost like it was grinding. help?!

[michaljerzy86]

*for some reason

[btown-mazda]

that's the wheel hop your feeling when the car lurches forward from 1st to 2nd. All the other gears don't experience this as your going much faster. A remedy for this would be to get a rear engine mount. I got a SU from CTA for about $100 and never had this problem again.

[michaljerzy86]

that's the wheel hop your feeling when the car lurches forward from 1st to 2nd. All the other gears don't experience this as your going much faster. A remedy for this would be to get a rear engine mount. I got a SU from CTA for about $100 and never had this problem again.

okay pretend i have no idea what you're talking about with the SU and CTA.
i just want this problem solved

[Donutz]

What rpm are you shifting at? How much gas are you giving? Say on a % scale.

[Flagrum_3]

I think its just technique, although shifting into second on the MZ3s seems to be alittle notchy compared to the other gears and to other cars.Using synthetic solves this issue to a point, but not completely, in my experience anyways.

Next time try to bring the revs to approx 2.6-3k, depress the clutch to the floor and shift smoothly and slower basically letting it rest in the neutral position for a millisecond :), before actually pulling it into second....this gives just that much more time for the syncros to line-up, release the clutch a little quicker/smoother, whilst giving it the gas....just suggesting :)


_3

[btown-mazda]

okay pretend i have no idea what you're talking about with the SU and CTA.
i just want this problem solved

SU=Streetunit (brand of motor mount I got)
CTA = CTA Patrique (sponsor here)

[el_rodento]

Yeah, going into 1st, and then into 2nd is the hardest part when you're learning. Like flagrum said just be smooth with it. After resting the shifter in neutral for a millisecond you should be able to just very gently nudge the shifter from 1st into 2nd. Seriously, it takes no effort at all. If you're hearing grinding it could be because you are letting the clutch out while simultaneously moving the shifter into 2nd. Also, don't apply gas until after you have released the clutch and the gear has fully engaged. This could be why you feel a 'kick' when you release the clutch

Good luck!

[crystal8484]

I think its just technique, although shifting into second on the MZ3s seems to be alittle notchy compared to the other gears and to other cars.Using synthetic solves this issue to a point, but not completely, in my experience anyways.

Next time try to bring the revs to approx 2.6-3k, depress the clutch to the floor and shift smoothly and slower basically letting it rest in the neutral position for a millisecond :), before actually pulling it into second....this gives just that much more time for the syncros to line-up, release the clutch a little quicker/smoother, whilst giving it the gas....just suggesting :)


_3

All this talk about clutches and shifting smoothly turned me on! hhahahahahahaha

[dentinger]

Okay so i've become a lot better at shifting and being smooth in the whole process
but what i can't figure out is 1st and 2nd.
for sure reason when i shift from 1st to 2nd, it almost always kicks once i let out the clutch and to actually get it to go into 2nd is rough, like there's resistance. now i figured i had my clutch in so i made sure it was down and it still had resistance going to 2nd almost like it was grinding. help?!

you just need to get used to shifting still.
dont worry about it, it took me about 4 or 5 months to get really good an manual.
the reason why it's jerking, is because its a lower gear, and pushing more gas will have more effect.

im trying to keep it in lamens terms here, for you to understand....

at most, change out your transmission fluid to synthetic (the best type of oil, it doesnt break down as fast, and its much better to use). this will make shifter alot easier (i noticed a huge difference), and there is alot less resistance on shifting. especially in the really cold weather.

[froggy]

you just need to get used to shifting still.
dont worry about it, it took me about 4 or 5 months to get really good an manual.
the reason why it's jerking, is because its a lower gear, and pushing more gas will have more effect.

im trying to keep it in lamens terms here, for you to understand....

at most, change out your transmission fluid to synthetic (the best type of oil, it doesnt break down as fast, and its much better to use). this will make shifter alot easier (i noticed a huge difference), and there is alot less resistance on shifting. especially in the really cold weather.

are there any warranty issues with getting this done?

[Donutz]

I don't believe so. I brought my tranny fluid to MOT and had them change it to ensure no future warranty complications.

[Mazda3X2]

A lot of Speed3 guys have this same problem, myself included. Check out this link.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=31554

I'm not sure if it pertains to a regular 3 but it sure worked for me. I tried synthetic fluid, and changing the way I shift (I have driven stick for about 20 years). This simple adjustment to the shift selector made all the difference.

I hope it may help you out. No tools required!