I test drove a 2000 GXE 5spd this afternoon, and under initial acceleration in 2nd and 3rd, the shift lever seems to rock backwords in the shift gate nearly a centimeter. Is this normal for the 5th gens, or is the result of some broken or breaking transmission or motor mount?

Any constructive input would be appreciated. I'd search if I could, I promise.

dave

 

how many miles?

If the bushings are worn it is common. It is not neccesarily indicative of a problem though.
If it causes it to pop out of gear, then it is a problem.

 

This car was at 71000 Los Angeles miles. And he never did any work on the transmission, including fluids. Is that a stay away warning sign I shouldn't ignore? You're right about the bushings - I replaced those on my 3rd gen auto at 110000 and it stopped the same problem...

 

I have a 2k 5 spd with 61,000 miles and my car does the same thing. Never really caused me a problem and it's probably typical.

dave

 

dave yes that is a stay away sign when he hasn't changed the tranny fluid.... look elsewhere for a car...

At least a normal owner would lie and say that had it done. WIth this guy saying that he didn't I don't think he has a full picnic

 

Dave, if you're very familiar with manuals and this amount of movement alarmed you, then perhaps there is an issue. However, if this is your first drive in a stick, I wouldn't get too worried. A small amount of movement under acceleration is normal on virtually all manual transmissions. I used to own the Max 5-speed and can tell you that a little movement is normal.

 

Thanks everyone for responding so quickly. housecor is right in that I have never owned a manual before (I grew up in Michigan, where is snows so much that they're often impractical). After listening to what you all have to say and to feedback from another maxima board, I'm going to go ahead and have my mechanic here look at the car, including those bushings, and if he gives the go-ahead I'll take it.

Keep responding, though, as I'm open to more info before the actual time I move into the 5th generation of the maxima family from my current seat in the 3rd.

- Dave B (not THE DaveB, but another)

 

What you describe is normal from my experience with my 2k. Has always done this since the day I bought it new.

If you think about it - it has to move. There is direct physical linkage from the shifter to the tranny. Tranny is hooked to the engine. Engine is on mounts that allow it to move . . . thus shifter will move slightly.

Even if the bushings are worn it is not a big deal to replace them. Should take all of about 10 minutes.

 

I Have A 2k With 45795 Mine Doesnt Do That. That I Have Noticed