Shifter problem at cold startups/cold weather

[TriniFyah7]

I am noticing a problem with my shifter as the weather is getting colder. On a cold start up I find it somewhat hard to shift from 1-2 and it somewhat grinds as well. As the car eventually warms up the problem is not so bad and 1-2 engages alot better. I am thinking its the stock tranny fluid and I'm considering changing it to a better one.

I have done research and some recommended tranny fluids were Redline MT-90, Ford Full Syn XT-M5-QS, Amsoil MTF 75w90. These seem most common for our cars but I'm not sure which route to go.

I was also looking at JBarone's fine tuning shifter video and may give it a try in hopes that this could help with the problem as well.

Any recommendations on where I should start off?

[Mazda3X2]

I have the same problem. I think it's pretty common on the Speed3. Try this adjustment out. It worked wonders for me.

For the record I tried the Amsoil fluid as a fix and it made the front end noisy on tight, low speed turns. I even then added their friction modifier to no avail. Eventually switched back to OEM and no problem.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?31554-MS3-Shifter-Adjusting&highlight=shifter

[Mazda3X2]

Sorry, I guess something happened to the link in the original post. Here's another;


http://s198.photobucket.com/albums/aa212/Bearman72/MS3/?action=view&current=finetuneshifter.mp4 (http://s198.photobucket.com/albums/aa212/Bearman72/MS3/?action=view&current=finetuneshifter.mp4)

[TriniFyah7]

So to get this straight, you are still running stock fluid with only adjusting the shifter and that helped the problem?

[starscream]

From what I have found:

Running Redling MT-90 or the Amsoil will give you smoother shifting however you will hear like a whine on low speeds. The Ford stuff from what I understand is the best of both worlds where it gives the smoother shifting AND little to no whine.

Adjusting the shifter will also help, getting a short shift plate helps as well.

I would say go the Ford fluid route, adjust the shifter and if your still having issues get the short shiftplate (and hell for the cheap cost if Fobio can still get them, the Shifterweight too). I have 'SOME' notchyness when its cold and it all goes away when its warmed up (I have Redline MT-90 a little bit of adjustment and a shortshifter w/ lighter shiftweight).

[Mazda3X2]

So to get this straight, you are still running stock fluid with only adjusting the shifter and that helped the problem?

It helped quite a bit yes, but did not totally eliminate the notchy 1st to 2nd when the car is cold. It's a good place to start as it's easy to do and free.

[Sean80]

Same problem here. I switched to new fluid, it helped for a bit and then it came back. I'm thinking the Jbarone shift plate is what I'm going to try next...

[WeatherB]

The 1st to 2nd grind when the transmission is cold is quite common... For the first few shifts, just shifts 1st to Neutral and then Neutral to 2nd. Viola, no more grind.

[grex]

im feeling it too in a non speed. Goes away real quick though

[MSMitch]

Similar to what WeatherB posted - Try double clutching between the 1-2 shift - works every time. 1 - clutch - shift - Neutral - OFF clutch - ON clutch - Now to 2 - can be done quite quickly once you get used to it...

[TriniFyah7]

Shifting to neutral first does help. Anyone knows if I can get that Ford fluid at like a Partsource or would I have to go directly to a Ford dealer? I am going to try adjusting the shifter today and will post results. Also would those aluminum shifter bushings have a greater impact on smoother shifting? Cause I know they are def better than the rubber ones.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Every MS3 owner I have spoken to has this cold weather, rough shift engagement from 1st to 2nd. The MT90 fluid helps a little, but not significantly. The MT90 helps more with general smoothness of gear engagement and the transmission as opposed to being a cure all for simply this cold weather issue.

Personally, this problem is only an issue with the first gear shift you make on a given day. After 10 or 20 seconds of movement, it does not reoccur.

The suggestion of double clutching/ shifting between 1st and 2nd using neutral works well. You can alsojust keep the clutch depressed, but bring the gear perceptively into neutral, pause and then put it slowly into 2nd. That works too.

[starlaspeed3]

I've encountered the same shifting problem, but it's really infrequent and only within about 5min of start-up. To clarify, I don't even drop the emergency brake until my idling is down to 1000rpm then once out of the parking lot, the first or sometimes second 1st gear-2nd gear transition can be a bit tricky. I just make sure my clutch is at the floor and it usually works fine; if not I defo do a double clutch.
I've never had to use a different fluid or anything of the sort.

[wildcard50]

Had the same problem but after I got my block heater.it went away.