Hard shifting
 

Hi there,

I am Mercedes owner too( 300E), also i got a Mazda Protege 92, where i find that problem. When the engine is cold, i warm up about 5 minutes(50-60F outside), then when i start driving it is very hard to shift from 1st gear into second (need a good muscle). That problem is bad especially in late fall or winter, in the summer morning is hard too but not that bad. Once i drive a car about 2 3 miles it is okay and smooth. What is the problem with that and should it be hard to shift in the cold starts. I know i am not asking for Mercedes Benz but for Mazda, still i b4elieve you guys can answer me. Thank you

Alex


MB 300E 1986 (great car)

Alex:

I think that is normal.

I believe it is delaying the upshift so the engine can warm up faster to the correct operating temperature.

have you ever changed the gear oil? i once had a mitsu where i changed the oil to 85w-90. the spec called for 75w-85 which i couldn't find. end result was that in the colder seasons i had to struggle with 1st & 2nd until it warmed up. if you have straight 90w in there it will be even worse...

I'm assuming this is a manual transmission. If so, I agree that you need to use lighter oil. Few manual transmissions use gear oil any more. They use ATF or heavy motor oil.

Good luck,