I have just recently purchased my Mazda RX-8 and I love it. I have the manual transmission but I notice that it takes some effort to get into first gear (kind of of a two stage jump to get into gear) and it produces a fairly loud clunking noise when shifting into any other gears. I just don't know if I am being paranoid or if this is normal for this type of car.

Please advise.

 

Did you buy it new or used?

 

New

 

Take your car back to the dealer immediatly. sounds like you need some tranny fluid in there.

 

Hmmm I would seek the dealer as well. Could it be that you are putting too much force laterally (to the left when in 1st gear) and that you're rubbing up against the side of the shift gate? Try with the car turned off and shift into 1st w/ clutch depressed (like when you're putting the car in gear for parking uphills) .... it should almost slide into place without much effort.

 

clunking sound is normal, almost a type of clicking right?

The first gear thing should be looked at, for me the first 5k or so i noticed under WOT 1st -> 2nd gear needed a bit of effort and was never really smooth. Once the car is broken in everything will be like butter! but get the 1st gear thing looked at.. also just to make sure the car is stopped right?


MrJynx