mx5cartalk.com

As the NC gets older we are seeing a few common issues arising. This one focuses on issues on 1st gear hard to find, and reverse lock out not working.

At the base of the gearstick is the nylon baseplate that locates and holds the gearstick in the gearbox. The red circle shows the side face of this plate and the blue circle shows the metal lug on the gearstick that rests on this plate when selecting 1st gear.



This is also the lockout for reverse and when you push down on the gearstick you slide under this nylon baseplate and select reverse. Over time as the metal rubs against the nylon it wears and the wear face is shown circled in red below.



This causes vagueness in the 1st/reverse selection and, in extreme cases, the reverse lockout no longer works. The good news is the baseplate is easy to replace and this can be with the gearbox in situ.

There is also a nylon bush at the base of the gearstick (below) and I would suggest replacing this whilst it's all apart.



Our other NC tips and tricks can be found here - http://www.mx5parts.com.au/category/tips-and-tricks

Chris
mx5parts.com.au

Thanks very much for the "heads up" Chris. I'll file this away for future reference.

My NC tip...buy an SE!

We had one in today with easily the worst worn shifter I've yet seen on an NC. The owners wife refused to drive the car as it was so worn the reverse lockout did not work at all.



You can clearly see the edge which is supposed to be straight has worn like a dome.





Anyway it now has a new baseplate and lower bush and is ready for the next 250,000 km!!

Ill have to check mine out next time i have the console out

Thanks Chris

We've got the baseplates back in stock and ready to ship today -

http://www.mx5parts.com.au/product/gear-stick-base-plates

Chris@mx5parts.com.au

More stock of these have just arrived.

http://www.mx5parts.com.au/product/gear ... ase-plates

We also have the Beatrush lower bush and selector bushes in the OEM plastic and alloy for track cars.

Details on the website - mx5parts.com.au