gear shifter not connected

[pdoan_98]

Just bought me a 94 mazda mx3, 4 cyl with a new clutch installed in it. I have never driven a manual before. I have been driven it for the past week to learn how to drive it. I got into this morning and found out the gear shifter is not connected below the car to some part. Is this hard to fix? Im not very mechanically inclined.

Thanks!!!

[jmdearras]

not hard at all if nothing is broken and you have all the parts.
http://www.mx-3.com/manuals/showimg.php ... J2-055.gif

[pdoan_98]

I think i have all the parts. Once i removed the shifter jacket for a lack of better terms, i could see all the way down. I see the shifter is like a ball and socket assembly. I could see concrete. I am able to move the ball and socket assembly in all directions. Is this normal? Thanks for the other link.

[jmdearras]

Well, it's not correct, but it's somewhat normal failure for a MX-3! Your shifter shock rubber has failed, and allowed the shift lever to fall out, resting on the exhaust pipe. There are some patches possible, but basically you will need to repair or replace part # 29 in this image -http://www.mx-3.com/manuals/showimg.php ... J2-054.gif You should still be able to shift gears, if somewhat awarkardly, by pulling the shifter up so the ball and socket are back in the housing when you shift.

Jim

[pdoan_98]

The drawing is calling the part "extension bar". Can it be called something else? Possible shift linkage??

[wytbishop]

If you go to a mazda dealer they will find it by the name in the diagram. It is still in production. I believe a new one is about $175. You can use one from any MX-3. The Extension Bar is the same on all models. The Control Rod is different from 4 cyl to 6 cyl.