QuestionQUESTION: I have a 2000 Mazda Truck. Standard Transmission. I am having some difficulty, from time to time, getting into the gears as I drive. Then the problem disappears for a few days and then re-appears again. Any idea as to what might be the problem. Only has 60 k miles ........
Thanks For Your Help
ANSWER: Ford makes these trucks, but they buy the gearboxes from Mazda. This problem is probably due to a break down in the gear lube. Some of these transmissions use Dexron™ ATF (even though they are standard transmissions), and some use a heavier gear lube. Check in the owner's manual and find out what should be used. Then, change the lube for fresh and see if it makes a difference. If it doesn't, you may want to try an additive intended for gearboxes such as one made by Lucas™. These transmissions generally last a little past 100K miles, so get out in front of the problem now.
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QUESTION: Mike, I am not sure that I explained my problem correctly so I just want to make sure. My problem is that when I shift ( STANDARD ) I am having trouble getting into gear. The shifter is tough to say move from 2nd to 3rd etc., .....So you say drain the transmission and replace it.....If not better, drain again and repalce it, but for some of the fluid replace with Lucas Transmission fix ? Are you serious when you say these transmissions tend to last 100k ? 100k, is that all? ....When I paid 16k for the truck who would think 100 k is the goal ! .....Thanks Again
Answer I'm not saying that 100K is the designer's goal for transmission life. But, I have some personal experience with these things and 100K seems a typical low end life span. I have also seen them go for over 200K, but this was rare. One of the reasons for this reduced lifespan is the number of gears. When I was a kid most manual transmissions had three speeds. Since first was only used for starting, the only shifting was between second and third. That means one set of synchros (the synchro is the part that equalizes speed between the gear sets so that the teeth will mesh) on some pretty big gears. They almost never wore out. Nowadays most manual transmissions have five ratios, and first is frequently downshifted to at low speeds. Combine the four synchro sets with smaller, less robust gears and you are not going to get the life span you would hope for. The best way to extend transmission life is to change the fluid on a regular (20-20K miles) basis. Using an additive and the proper fluid should get you good life out of the box. From the sound of it, the gears aren't damaged but the synchros aren't functioning properly. Gentle shifting (pausing just a little longer in neutral as you pass through on the way to the next gear) will also make the whole experience more pleasant.
