MX-3.com

Hello I am Aaron and I am very new to this so here i go:
I just purchased a 1994 Mazda MX-3 Base model and I am having issues with my 5 spd, first of all the gear shift linkage is extremely loose and have no idea how to re-secure it, I can move it up and down as if it is only being held in place via the gear shift bushing and nothing else. Also shifting from 1st to 2nd or down shifting is very rough it doesn't always want to go into 1st or 2nd gear nice and smooth when going from 1st to 2nd or visa verse it pops out of gear in 2nd causing me to coast while going through an intersection or making a turn. Is it fixable and how do i go about repairing this issue it is very frustrating?

aaron1979 wrote:Hello I am Aaron and I am very new to this so here i go:
I just purchased a 1994 Mazda MX-3 Base model and I am having issues with my 5 spd, first of all the gear shift linkage is extremely loose and have no idea how to re-secure it, I can move it up and down as if it is only being held in place via the gear shift bushing and nothing else. Also shifting from 1st to 2nd or down shifting is very rough it doesn't always want to go into 1st or 2nd gear nice and smooth when going from 1st to 2nd or visa verse it pops out of gear in 2nd causing me to coast while going through an intersection or making a turn. Is it fixable and how do i go about repairing this issue it is very frustrating?

Id start with shifter bushing. While you are there, you should be able to see any other problems. Get a replacement bolt and nut for the 3rd link. Mazda usually keeps the bushings in stock..$4-5 a piece IIRC, 6 of them.

Exactly. Your sloppy shifter would explain that 100%.

The Mx-3 uses linkages rather than cables. The linkages have to be aligned and move in a certain way to move the levers on the trans to change the gears. If the bushings are gone, the movement and angles are out of wack, and if the movements are out of wack, it won't move the rods inside the trans properly. If that happens, than the side effects you describe of the trans not working properly, would be right up that alley.

The way I read sounds like the shifter has dropped and you need an anti drop bracket.

That would also explain why your have trouble shifting gears.