M5OD pops out of overdrive

[F14CRAZY]

Howdy. I recently got my new baby, a '92 4 door XL with the 5 speed Mazda M5OD manual transmission. It shifts fine and doesn't have any abnormal whines, but it pops out of overdrive. It will let you shift it in, goes fine for a few seconds, but falls back into neutral. It has done that before and after tranny oil changes. What gives? I know it will have to be pulled, but what should I expect? Thanks.

 

[mrboyle]

It sounds like a syncro problem.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Thankya mrboyle. I'll remember that.

 

[Alec]

Yup, if it only pops out of one gear it's most likely either that gear's blocker ring or clutching teeth.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Well folks, do you think it's better for me to have a transmission mechanic fix what's worn, or just replace it with a reman? On ebay Phoenix hard parts has remans for $695 buy it now. I could have my cheap general mechanic install that since it's a straight swap with new clutch and all that. What do you think? Also, I have noticed that if I do a really quick power shift between 1st and 2nd it'll grind a tiny bit. Is this still related with the syncros? It shifts fine if I drive slow, but what's the fun in that?

 

[Alec]

If it's the gear that's bad, then you're better off with a reman since that = changing all the gears. However, if it's just the blocker ring or another part of the synchro assembly, those parts are very cheap.

As for:

Also, I have noticed that if I do a really quick power shift between 1st and 2nd it'll grind a tiny bit. Is this still related with the syncros? It shifts fine if I drive slow, but what's the fun in that?

Don't do that, dumb@ss

 

[F14CRAZY]

If it's the gear that's bad, then you're better off with a reman since that = changing all the gears. However, if it's just the blocker ring or another part of the synchro assembly, those parts are very cheap.

As for:


Don't do that, dumb@ss

Hey Alec, I ain't got time to be slow. This truck is an XL so when my friends ride with me, I say it's a stripped down version, for lighter weight. See, it's actually a high performance Explorer...

Maybe I should turn into a ricer boy and put a Type R sticker right by my XL insignia Extra 20 hp right there!

Ehh, I don't like grinding gears. I changed with fluid in it with conventional ATF, then did it again after a few hundred miles, and now again with Mobil 1 ATF. Too bad it can't replace my gears and bearings at $5/quart.