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Trouble getting into reverse?

Posted: March 21st, 2007, 7:11 pm
by ritalin
Heya...

Sometimes I have trouble putting the car into reverse. It's like the gear stick lever doesn't feel like it's in quite the right place - no solid thunking feeling as it slides into gear, you know? When this happens, I have to let out the clutch, push it back in, and then try the putting it in reverse again.

Someone told me this was a common problem, and could be adjusted. Does anyone know what I'm going on about, and can I adjust this myself? :)

Posted: March 21st, 2007, 8:29 pm
by timexim
When's the last time you changed the gear oil? Also, how many miles on the tranny? I remember having the same issue with my old 93 sentra however I assumed it was the reverse synchro. I also know that when I changed the fluid it made a huge difference

Posted: March 22nd, 2007, 12:52 pm
by tysoe
I don't know about the MX3 but a lot of Manuals don't have proper synchros for reverse, so if its a bit notchy and harder to get in than other gears then its probably normal. If its really hard then a good gear oil like redline MT90 may be all thats needed.

I have a MX3 and MX5, in the MX5 5 speed your supposed to put oil in the shifter turret too and replace the shift boot every now and then. I'm not sure if the MX3 is similar going to take a look in mine next month after I have upgraded all the bushings that I'm waiting for.

Posted: March 22nd, 2007, 1:39 pm
by jaydog5678
You can try different gear lube or switch to an ATF and that may or may not help all the time. I usually put the trans in 1st gear, then shift to reverse as that seems to go in almost always. I would have to say that this is a fairly common problem as the gear box gets older.

Posted: March 22nd, 2007, 7:27 pm
by atlantamx3
Mice does that too. Its simple... just lift of up the clutch VERY VERY Slightly and it will slip right in to reverse.

:wink: