1996 (1.5L) 5-spd man. Transmission problem

[SandyLovesCandy]

hey everyone,

long time listener.....first time caller. Actually, I am new to this forum, but I do have a transmission question.

I cannot get into 5th or Reverse in my car(even when it's stopped and the engine isn't turning) and I am beginning to experience trouble getting into 4th. I took it to a mechanic and he says he thinks its the synchro's (which was my first guess) and he told me that it's easier and cheaper just to buy a new tranny. Oh, and while the tranny is dropped....put in a new clutch too. So here is my question:

#1 Does this sound like a synchro problem?
#2 Is it easier and cheaper to buy then to rebuild?
here is the pricing scheme he gave me:

$350 labor
$175 clutch
$450 5-spd tranny with 60K on it



#3 anyone know where I can buy a tranny myself?

to me, this seems like a ton for such high mileage. After all, my Pro only had 89K on it


I appriciate any feedback you all can provide me

Thanks,
Eric
2nd Gen 1996 Mazda Protege LX 1.5L with 89K

[charles]

Hmm, could it be shift forks too?

[turbonium959]

As far as pricing, you can't do anything about labor, but the parts you can always find cheaper yourself. Especially the tranny, you can find those much cheaper at junk yards, but you also have to know what you are getting, otherwise you could buy yourself another bad tranny. So look around, see what others have to offer.

[SandyLovesCandy]

hey guys,

thanks for your information. I think I am just going to have to stick with the professionals on getting a used tranny in. it's a damn shame I don't have my car today, cuz it is snowing like a biatch outside, and I'd looooove to find an empty parking lot and go to town

thanks again

-- Eric

[davens]

Here's a couple transmissions local to you:

1997 Transmission
Mazda Protege M.T., 1500- 5SPD 1.5 SDN DX 83K
5908 $150
All Foreign Auto Parts USA-PA(Pittsburgh) Quote 1-412-782-5580

1998 Transmission
Mazda Protege M.T., 1500- 5SPD 1.5 4DR SDN DX 62K
6764 $150
All Foreign Auto Parts USA-PA(Pittsburgh) Quote 1-412-782-5580

[SandyLovesCandy]

Originally posted by davens
Here's a couple transmissions local to you:

1997 Transmission
Mazda Protege M.T., 1500- 5SPD 1.5 SDN DX 83K
5908 $150
All Foreign Auto Parts USA-PA(Pittsburgh) Quote 1-412-782-5580

1998 Transmission
Mazda Protege M.T., 1500- 5SPD 1.5 4DR SDN DX 62K
6764 $150
All Foreign Auto Parts USA-PA(Pittsburgh) Quote 1-412-782-5580

man, you are a lifesaver!!! Where on Earth did you get these figures from?

I gotta call the garage and see if they can cancel the tranny being shipped and see if they can send this one instead.

I would assume that year and trim package make no difference on Protege's.......only the engine size (1.5L) being the major factor.

Thanks buddy!

-- Eric

[davens]

You owe me your first born

[SandyLovesCandy]

hahaha, my first born you shall get

[pigeon]

i must admit, that was very resourceful of you
impressive

[SandyLovesCandy]

Update:

ok guys, here is an update of what happened.

I got the more expensive tranny, cuz the people at the garage I go to won't do business with All Foreign Auto Parts. I have talked to several customers of theirs, and they have said that they either didn't really care much for the service/quality of the parts, or they really freggin hated it! So I am kinda glad I spent a few more bucks and got better quality.

So removed from my car was:

#1 - a bad tranny (it was the synchros internally)
#2 - a clutch (the mechanic said it was still a good clutch and had some miles left in it, but I might as well have replaced it since the tranny was dropped) Since my car has 89K on it, I didn't mind

Installed was:

#1 - a used tranny with 62K on it
#2 - a new clutch

all these parts plus labor plus 7% sales tax = $1,050

Pros:

The tranny is freggin great! This makes me realize that my old one was bad from the day I bought it (with 51K on it)

The clutch is really smooth (I like it a lot)

Car drives really well now!!!!

Cons:

Heafty cost for a used tranny

clutch now grabs higher on the peddle(old one grabbed lower, so I got used to driving it like that)

Overall Analysis

Very happy with new tranny and clutch.....ends up being worth the price



Thanks for all your posts on this topic!

Sincerely,
Eric