[Miata] Stuck in Reverse

[Larry Alster]

I'm not sure I see the wisdom in pursuing this as it is usually a rare 
occurrence.  Why not just get it out of gear and leave it be??


Larry

White Knight      1991 Crystal White   #99 CSP
Silver Bullet        1992 Silverstone     #17 SM2  FM I+ Turbo
Honey B             1992 Sunburst Yellow #99 SM2L  JR Supercharger
Whooosh           2004 Titanium Mazdaspeed MX-5

LowCountry Miata  http://www.lowcountrymiataclub.net
Masters Miata
RAGS 074
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "James Thorusen" <entropycat at verizon.net>
To: "John Freas" <john.freas at gmail.com>
Cc: "aaMiata List" <miata at realbig.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 12:39 AM
Subject: Re: [Miata] Stuck in Reverse


> Hi John!
>
>   The Mazda SSP-11 that Lance refers to does not require a gearbox
> tear-down.   It consists mainly of removing a bolt that holds a detent 
> ball
> and spring in place and removing two copper washers that were originally
> installed under the head of the bolt.   Upon re-installation, the spring
> tension on the detent ball will be increased.   This bolt is accessible 
> form
> the outside of the gear box; the question was where to find it.   In
> addition, Lance talks about the reverse light switch (three versions) 
> which
> help out also.   I am not clear from his write-up whether or not the 
> reverse
> light switch change was part of SSP-11 or something that came along later.
>   Since I have had three of these cars for some years and this is the 
> first
> time it has ever happened to me, I hope that these simple changes will be
> sufficient.
>
>   Thanks for the reply.
>
> Regards,Jim T.
> entropycat at verizon.net
> '74   914
> '90   Miata  (x3)
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Freas" <john.freas at gmail.com>
> To: "James Thorusen" <entropycat at verizon.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 5:55 PM
> Subject: Re: [Miata] Stuck in Reverse
>
>
> <snip>
>
>
>> James,
>>
>> Are you really going to take your transmission apart to perform the full
>> upgrade?  It seems like it would be simpler albeit not cheaper to just 
>> get
> a
>> used gearbox from a newer car at the salvage yard, but that's really not
>> necessary either.
>>
>> I have had my '90 get stuck in reverse twice, both times requiring a
>> blindingly fast 5-1 shift on my part (as the red light went green and I
>> realized I was in the wrong gear).  Both times I performed the field
> repair
>> (in the field), the second time followed up with replacement of the 
>> backup
>> light switch as recommended.  Between the upgraded switch and my distaste
>> for backing the car through traffic to get to a parking lot for the field
>> repair I have managed to avoid a third occurance.
>>
>> Just a thought.
>>
>>     -John
>>
>
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