Notices
Series I Trouble Shooting This is the place to learn more about or discuss any issues you're having with your RX-8

Having trouble shifting into reverse when cold

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 01-14-2023 | 01:43 PM
  #1  
cmaderia10's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 236
Likes: 9
From: Wilmington, Massachusetts
Having trouble shifting into reverse when cold

Hi. I live in Massachusetts. It takes a long time for my car to warm up. Even when it is all warmed up, it has a hard time shifting into reverse. I have to use two hands, and even that is a problem. Anyone else have this problem. All other gears are fine, and I do know how to shift into reverse. I think its the cold.

Thanks,

Chad
Old 01-14-2023 | 02:08 PM
  #2  
dannobre's Avatar
Modulated Moderator
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,719
Likes: 338
From: Smallville
Stock shifter?
Old 01-14-2023 | 03:14 PM
  #3  
cmaderia10's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 236
Likes: 9
From: Wilmington, Massachusetts
yeah. new shift **** but I was having the problem before that. I thought it might be the brake fluid but it's a light brown, I don't think it's been contaminated that much.

Not sure other than that

Old 01-14-2023 | 09:36 PM
  #4  
cmaderia10's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 236
Likes: 9
From: Wilmington, Massachusetts
fyi. I recently changed the spark plugs, wires, and ignition coils. I reset the ECU and let it warm up for 20 or so minutes. Now its working fine. A little tough but much better than it was. Has anyone come across resetting the ECU in colder weather helps the situation. You can reset it by keeping the battery unplugged for a few minutes, or by pressing the brake pedal 20 times with the ignition power on. Not to mention I have a aftermarket intake so the reset of the ecu has probably helped that too. Am I right?

Thanks,

Chad
Old 01-14-2023 | 10:02 PM
  #5  
dannobre's Avatar
Modulated Moderator
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,719
Likes: 338
From: Smallville
There is a lockout tab on the shifter. Sometimes you need to fiddle with the plate on top of the transmission

The ither thing to check is the bushing on the shift lever... if it gets worn sometimes it causes issues.

Usually if it will go into first OK its not the clutch

Might be time to change the tranny oil

Old 01-15-2023 | 01:51 AM
  #6  
Loki's Avatar
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,007
Likes: 1,005
From: Montreal
Originally Posted by cmaderia10
fyi. I recently changed the spark plugs, wires, and ignition coils. I reset the ECU and let it warm up for 20 or so minutes. Now its working fine. A little tough but much better than it was. Has anyone come across resetting the ECU in colder weather helps the situation. You can reset it by keeping the battery unplugged for a few minutes, or by pressing the brake pedal 20 times with the ignition power on. Not to mention I have a aftermarket intake so the reset of the ecu has probably helped that too. Am I right?

Thanks,

Chad
No? The ECU doesn't control the transmission, and it will adapt to a new intake without needing a reset. It sounds like your trans fluid doesn't like the cold, which isn't unusual. What do you have in there?
Old 02-02-2023 | 08:44 PM
  #7  
cmaderia10's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 236
Likes: 9
From: Wilmington, Massachusetts
I did a transmission and differential fluid change a couple weeks ago. Doesn't really help. It does shift but only when it warms up, and you have to pull it back hard.

Might be the cold. Any thoughts?

Thanks
Old 02-02-2023 | 09:21 PM
  #8  
dannobre's Avatar
Modulated Moderator
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,719
Likes: 338
From: Smallville
Did you check the shifter lockout?

One thing I've tried is to loosen the plate so it moves a bit and if it goes into gear easier you can adjust the tab. It doesnt take much to mess with it. If the shifter rattles around your shifter bushing might be worn... and if its loose it wont let the shifter move the selector enough to go into gear
Old 02-03-2023 | 03:58 PM
  #9  
cmaderia10's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 236
Likes: 9
From: Wilmington, Massachusetts
where is the shifter lockout?
Old 02-03-2023 | 04:06 PM
  #10  
dannobre's Avatar
Modulated Moderator
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,719
Likes: 338
From: Smallville
There is a tab on the shifter and a plate on the transmission where the shifter attaches.

If you remove the trim and the shifter boot and the rubber seal you will see 3 10mm bolts.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
FazdaRX_8
Series I Trouble Shooting
11
11-27-2009 10:19 PM
nycgps
Series I Trouble Shooting
31
04-25-2009 11:26 PM
jhoyt12788
Series I Tech Garage
9
01-25-2009 08:16 PM
GotBass
Series I Tech Garage
1
01-25-2006 11:58 PM
SethMcMichael
RX-8 Discussion
6
02-12-2004 12:25 AM



You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:26 AM.