JToolz

My S had become incredibly hard to shift. Its almost impossible to get it into reverse and other gears are tough as well. Anyone know what this might be?

Boomvang

How old is your clutch? Have you checked the fluid?

RED MX5

Does the clutch engage with the pedal nearer to the floor than it did when the car was shifting normally? If so, then your clutch is not disengaging fully, probably due to a problem in the clutch hydraulics. If the clutch is still engaging at the center of the pedal stroke then I don't have a clue. Do you only see the problem when the transmission is cold?

More information, please.

JToolz

Yes exactly only when the transmission is cold. It is engaging lower as well.

1a-race

edit

1a-race

Service Bulletin 02-046

Reverse or 5th Gear Is Difficult to Select

SYMPTOM
Shifting into reverse or 5th gear is difficult.


PROBABLE CAUSE
Moisture in the shifter housing has caused the
mechanical reverse lockout assembly to corrode and
stick.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Remove, clean, and lubricate the shift lever.

JToolz

Its tough in every gear and only when the car is cold. Once it gets warm it is easy. Pedal does engage a lot lower as well.

slalom44

You should check your clutch fluid reservoir. If it's low, you may have air in your lines, preventing your clutch from fully releasing.

If it's not just hard, but impossible to shift, then A1-race's suggestion may be a place to start.

RED MX5

OK, I can't diagnose a problem over the Web, but now we have enough information for an educated guess. The lower pedal engagement most likely indicates that the clutch is not fully disengaging. The symptoms being worse when the car is cold is probably not significant; The car is always harder to shift when cold, even under the best of conditions.

You most likely have a problem in the linkage, and the most likely problem is air in the system, or a problem with the slave or master cylinder. If you don't know how to check these things yourself you should probably take the car to your mechanic.

Shifting with the clutch dragging isn't good for the synchros, so you should see to it ASAP.

Good luck.

RED MX5

Good tip , but wrong symptoms.