Strange gearbox issues

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is: 2013 MX5 Sport Tech 2.0 PRHT
  2. I’m based near: Bedfordshire
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Gear changing issues under certain conditions.

Hi all,

I’ve recently purchased and NC3 and having some peculiar issues with the gearbox. As most NC owners have reported, the change from 1st to 2nd isn’t great when cold and there is a notchiness to shifts but that was expected.

My issue is that after driving for about 20/25 minutes and/or driving in stop start traffic, all of a sudden it becomes very difficult to shift into first (or any gear) when the car is stopped. I do manage to get it in eventually after using some force but it is a very stiff change. Once I’m moving again the shifting is fine. When I go back out to drive a few hours later, all seems fine both when stopped and moving.

I will get this checked out by a mechanic soon but was wondering if any of the possible solutions I’ve found online are worth trying?

  • Clutch pedal adjustment
  • Gearbox oil change (However oil was changed about 250 miles ago with Redline oil)
  • Reverse gear lockout plate (will change this eventually anyway) and shifter turret oil
  • Clutch bleed and fluid change
  • Clutch pedal mount assembly replacement
  • Gear linkage check
  • Full clutch replacement with master and slave cylinder.

Any advice or your experiences would be really helpful
:slightly_smiling_face:

Thanks!

2

Hi , check fluid reservoir is not over full. Is another thing to check.

Kev

3

I had a similar problem last summer. I’m stop start traffic when hot, it was very difficult to engage gears.
Failing slave cylinder was the problem - but I had the clutch replaced at the same time as it was showing signs of wear,