I'm new to the Mimi scene. Just got a 03 non s model. 3rd gear synchros must be iffy because shifting into 3rd grinds a bit if I don't shift real slow. I changed the fluid with Redline MTL and it made no difference. I can " drive around" the problem by shifting slowly but I'm worried that something internal could break and make things a lot worse. All of the other gears shift perfectly. Can I keep driving like this, or am I asking for big trouble? Thank you.

 

No you can not keep driving with it grinding. Sooner or later it will get worse and cause additional problems. Get it fix ASAP to avoid further damage.

When did you get it? Does it have any warranty?

 

Uh Oh, i got a bit of a grind on a few cold shifts into third. Generally it's smooth and normal, I guess I should keep a close eye on it.

 

I bought the car with no warranty and I knew it might need transmission work. Thanks for your input.

 

Well, I would say the opposite - grinding during gear changes, particularly down changes, caused by failing sychro is no problem - the symptom will just get worse and worse and eventually you will be too embarrassed to drive it, before anything is about to break.

Learn to double declutch when changing down and you could probably live with this for ever - just like your grandad had to, before synchromesh had been invented.

 

A slow shift with the revs at 3000 rpm will allow a grind-free shift. This takes the fun out of running thru the gears, though. I'm giving serious consideration to the rebuild kit.

 

sounds like an excuse to 6 speed swap

 

Can we get a list of essentials for the swap please?