New NC2 6 speed very notchy when cold. Any suggestions?

[Jitag]

I've just taken the plunge and 'invested' in some fun. I took delivery of a new True Red Roadster Coupe Sports 6 speed manual a few weeks ago, and haven't stopped smiling since. But (there is always a but) I've noticed that the gear box is very notchy when cold. It improves a lot after it has travelled a few km and warmed up. I took the car back to the dealer for its 1,000km check recently, and the service manager said that it was too early to tell if there was any problem, and that I should bring it in after I've done a lot more km if it doesn't improve. Does this sound reaspnable? I had a similar concern about a slightly noisy transmission / diff at very low revs, and the response was the same.

Any suggestions are welcome.

[Old Dude]

I have a 2001 model NB8B and its the same until it warms up , as far as the noisey transmission/Diff it could be road noise coming from the rain rail drain holes, they are beside the top seat belt mount, between the mount and the soft top sides and run down inside the guards and let the water out just in front of the rear wheels. Well they do on an NB.
Maybe an NC driver could give you more accurate info.
Cheers
Dale

[Charlie Brown]

Jitag,

I have 99,000 kilometres and over 4 1/2 years on my NC and the gearbox is still notchy.

Sorry but it's a trait of the car, the same as the "diesel/tractor noise from the motor at very low speed.

There has been a "zillion" posts on this throughout the MX-5 world since the NC was released. You can try a different gearbox oil but in all honesty swapping to a full synthetic will only make your problem worse.

I’m afraid you just have to live with the notchy changes until the gearbox oil warms up.

[Jitag]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I had read similar things about the NC1 gear box, but had thought that Mazda might have fixed it in the NC2. At least the gear box does come good after a few km.

As regards the transmission / diff noise at low speeds, 'll keep the suggestion about the drain holes in mind, although it sounds slightly more mechanical than that.

Thanks again.

[JBT]

I'll keep the suggestion about the drain holes in mind

It's mechanical as Charlie Brown said - nature of the beast.

[rwf]

every thing you are hearing and feeling is mx5 nc just the way they are.
nc1 and nc2 are the same just cosmectic changes

have fun with the new car and many happy km to come

[miatanut]

Welcome to the MX-5 world, Jitag.

Everything you have mentioned is completely normal and, in my experience with the NC2, is nothing to worry about. It just adds to the already considerable personality of the MX-5.