1st gear on '94 Mazda Protege

Tiny
HOMERBSHARP
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 MAZDA PROTEGE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 142,000 MILES
I am debating buying a 94 Mazda Protege. I notice I have to rev extremely high and start at a high mph, while riding the clutch, to go into 1st gear from full stop. Never experienced that on any other stick shifts. Other shifting seems to be fine. Is this a known protege thing or does it indicate a problem with the clutch/transmission?
Sunday, July 3rd, 2011 AT 7:43 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
No not normal what happens if put in 1st engine off clutch engaged start engine?
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Sunday, July 3rd, 2011 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
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Thanks. With clutch to the floor, and car in 1st, engine starts normally, nothing strange. I should mention both 1st and 2nd gear seem 'fast' - normally I would go down a side street in 2nd or even 3rd. On this car you would stall in 2nd at a normal speed for a neighborhood side street.
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Sunday, July 3rd, 2011 AT 10:28 PM
Tiny
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Found out the air intake had a crack. Shifts and runs OK in 1st and 2nd after a little temp duct tape.
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Monday, July 4th, 2011 AT 12:27 AM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Good job so air leak made RPMs go up making gear engagement hard
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Monday, July 4th, 2011 AT 6:32 PM

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