Something broke on the shift linkage.

[seanzzila]

I have a 1991 323 SE 1.6 SOHC manual.

While on my way home, the van in front of me was going very slow (<5 mph). I put it into 1st with normal slight resistance to get around him to make the yellow light. After that I noticed the shifting felt tight in the left and right gears, but normal in 3rd and 4th. I also noticed I could pull the shifter up! Went out this morning to look at it and noticed the bottom of the shifter/shift linkage is resting on the exhaust. Doh! What part is needed? Also, is it a simply DIY?

Also, does anyone know of a diagram website for Mazdas, or just cars in general?

Sean

[therieldeal]

this is a common problem... happened to my escort wagon. from my experience there isnt really an easy/good fix. the best thing to do (and what i did) is go to the junkyard and grab the whole shifter assembly/support rod/plate from a car that does not have this problem. i think any 90-94 323/protege or 91+ escort should work.

just get the exhaust and heat shields out of your way (you dont have to remove the exhaust, just pop it out of the hangers to give you more room to work), then its simply 2 bolts on the transmission and 4 nuts inside the car.

-jon

[FazdaBoy4ever]

yeah just do the junkyard thing... i delt with mine forever when it happened with things like zip ties and jb weld holding it up... the both worked deciently well but i didnt realize how bad they both still sucked untill i finally fixed it.

[seanzzila]

Does anybody have the part number(s) for this thing, or some diagram/schematics for the part(s)?

[SLICK92PROTEGE]

i had same promblem what i did was got a peice of flat metal brang shifter up put the metal peice drilled it now i dont have to deal with it

[Emperor]

yup

This happend to me to if you take out your center console and you will see the part that has fallen through. it's a circle in the middle of a plate that is bolted in. what I did was drop the exhaust took down the hole linkage and put a weld on the back and a rivit to hold it up. sorry about the pics they were taken with my phone.

[riverrunnernky]

This is a good thread, because this is one of the real faults of the BG chassis.

[The Pile]

^word every bg/ec ive had has dropped the shifter.. end up just welding the **** out of.. never have that issue again

[riverrunnernky]

Mine is Sheet metal screwed, and it sucks, really. I want to find some at a yard and have a machine shop make me something.

I've done it before and been happy with the rear trailing arm to strut bushing for my BF.

[SgtRauksauff]

...
Also, does anyone know of a diagram website for Mazdas, or just cars in general?
Sean

check your PMs.

[Gme]

Same thing happened to me the exhaust smoke comes in.

[wgnths]

Holy Moly! Mine just fell apart while driving an hour ago. Its stuck in gear and the shifter wobbles all over the place. dammit!

[underclassman]

Your rubber dampner could be shot. I remedied mine with a red rtv silicone in a caulking gun around the problem area.

[JWB1020]

Same thing happened to me except I bought all new stuff from the stealership. Belive it or not it was not that expensive. Couple hundred dollars for every thing.

[riverrunnernky]

Jason, would you care to post the parts list in a new 'how to fix', for this issue.
I believe it would be beneficial to those as my self, that wants a proper fix as to a 'gerry rigging' to fail at the wrong place and time.

The Dealerships in my area have nothing to work with so far as replacement parts to order, i.e. diagrams, microfilm etc.

The dealerships here is pro sales and want owners to believe the need to trade their car for a newer model. They are stuck on stupid this way. I assume most 'Stealerships' are this way.

If you can do this I will consider you a hero when you make the post.

Thank you.

Thank you much Sir.