Transmission

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Issue: Hard Time Getting Into Reverse.
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What: Sometimes it'll be a little hard to get the car in to reverse. Kinda like it won't go in at all.

Why: No idea. Welcome to a Protege's transmission.

How To Fix: Well, to get it in gear, you can do a few things. The first being press the clutch in and run it through all of the gears without applying throttle and then try reverse again. You can also let off the clutch half way and slightly pull the shifter in to reverse. As you let off, it'll eventually pop right in to gear.

Some members have reported that changing transmission to a full synthetic does help. Example fluids are Royal Purple Max-Gear, Redline Superlight Shockproof, and GM Syncromesh. Definately check those out.

TSB: Not available.



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Issue: Grinding Gears.
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What: Just when you start to take off and try to show off, you go into second and "KKKKKKKKKKRRRRRRRRRRRRRNCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCHHH H ". You just grinded. Good job!

Why: Again, welcome to the Protege transmission. It's not meant for speed shifting at all.

How To Fix: Take it easy on the transmission. I've been through two clutches and one transmission in under 32,000 miles. Thankfully they covered it under warranty. This tranny is *not* solid. Just because one member has had it covered does not mean you will, too.

Also, changing to a synthetic transmission fluid has helped some. There's also the Kartboy shifter bushings. Some people have said it's helped while some have said it's made it worse. It all depends on your driving style. A short shifter may also help here.

Kartboy Shifter Bushings will also help the feel of the shifter and remove the "play" enabling more precise shifts. More information available at www.kartboy.com.

TSB: Not available.