1993 Mazda MX3 Lost shift pattern. Hard to find gears

Tiny
JCAVUOTISR
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 MAZDA MX3
Transmission problem
1993 Mazda MX3 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual

Driving home when suddenly it seems like I lost the shift pattern. Clutch is engaging and disengaging properly, it's just hard to find forward gears and almost impossible to find reverse.
Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 11:41 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Most likely fault in crank lever roll pin may have come out. It is internal. But first make sure shift linkage is solid.
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Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
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Hi Doxfixit. Thanks for the lead. Going to dig out my repair manual and see what it says. I'll keep you posted.

Thank you!
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Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
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Your quote:

Most likely fault in crank lever roll pin may have come out. It is internal. But first make sure shift linkage is solid.

Shifter has several inches of vertical movement. Going through the pattern without the engine running each gear shifter has a pattern, but it seems that there is a pivot point (like a horizontal rod) that the shifter rides on that broke.

I'll have to call around tomorrow and see if any shop can offer a solution. My Chilton manual is useless. I'd have it apart if I didn't live in an apartment.

I really appreciate your time and if you have any other feedback I would be grateful.

John T. (Jack) Cavuoti, Sr.
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Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
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Update. After the static test I decided to take a test drive around the block. My first theory that a "horizontal rod or pivot point" broke was strengthened by the fact that as long as I pulled up on the shifter when changing gears there was no trouble. Reverse is still a bear to find. But maybe this additional info might help.

Thank you.

Jcavuotisr
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Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 8:54 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
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Good that seems to rule out internal trans problem.
Unable to find diagram of shifter. So will need to do visual inspection pull shift boot off see if that reviles problem. The shifter is a rod that attaches to trans shift control that is where shift gate is controled. hope diagram will help


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Graphic_177.jpg

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Friday, October 9th, 2009 AT 8:43 AM

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