Hey hey guys - I've been experiencing a strange problem recently, and was hoping you could possibly lend some advice. I'm having trouble getting into gear. I am unable to shift into reverse; it will always shift into 6th instead. However, when on the fly, I am only able to get into 6th if I skip 5th altogether when shifting from 4th. If I attempt to shift into 6th from 5th, it will go into 4th. I'm now slowly losing gears; tonight when I tried to shift into 5th, it would only go into 3rd. Even when I tried to jump from 4th to 6th, I was unable to do so.

When the car is in gear, there is a lot of side to side play in the shifter. Sometimes when it's in gear, the shifter will 'pop' out of place (but stay in gear), and looks as though it sits in the place of the adjacent gear (ie: when it pops from 5th, it looks as though the shifter is in the position for 3rd).

I threw this by a few people, and most seem to think it may be the synchros? Have any of you experienced this, or have any ideas as to what it may be? Any info you guys may have would be great. Thanks in advance!

 

I'm definitely not a manual trans expert, but it sounds more like a loose cable than a bad synchro. Have you popped the airbox off to check the cable connection? It may be a disintegrated bushing. Also check the cable links at the shifter inside the car.

 

Agree.

Cable is probably the culprit.

You'll have to check both ends.

 

i agree with the other 2.

check the bushing like TallTom suggested. Pick up a set of ES shifter bushings...but be warned that bushing under the hood is a pain in the *** to get out and the new one in.

B

 

The bushing under the hood isn't too bad, especially if it's worn. I think I popped it out with a small screwdriver.

 

sorry for the lack of response, fellas. i'll be sure to check those bushings out. i'll keep you all posted on the findings. thanks for the input.

 

Not bad at all, use the screw driver. stick it in the center, and twist it out. The new ones go in like buttah if you pop em in with pliers or vice grips. They are definitely worth it. Make shifting better. They are stiff at first, but after a few hundred miles, they loosen up. Well worth the 20-25 bucks.

 

had trouble getting it out and in. Wouldnt budge for **** and i split my fingers trying to the new one in. Ended up using pliers but it still was a PITA

B

 

To slip the new one in, use a drop or two of dishwashing liquid. It's slimey until it dries.

I think for the the old one, I used my needle nose pliers, I kept the pliers closed, slid the narrow bit through until the wider piece wedged into the bushing and then popped it out.

 

On initial inspection, the cables seems OK. I just gave it a quick once over though, but I'll be sure to check the bushings when I have a bit more time. I'll keep you all posted.

 

Thanks for bumping a thread that is almost a year old