Mazda 5-speed

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Apr 12, 2002 | 12:03 AM

ccoffin

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Mazda 5-speed

I am toying with getting a new(er) truck, and I was wondering if/when Ford stopped using that God-awful Mazda 5-speed in the F-150. I have driven a friends and hated it, and heard horror stories about reliability issues. Anyone know if they still use them, and if so have they updated it? Or, when did they stop using them, and is the new one any better? If they are still around I may have to look at a Dodge. Thanks.

Apr 12, 2002 | 07:09 AM

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From: Michigan

Mazda 5-speed

They still use it - I am (un)lucky enough to have one - but they are working on a replacement...but it will also be made by Mazda, and the launch has been delayed because the new tranny is having the same problems as the old one. The code for the new one is M5R4, and the old ones were M5R1 (Ranger) and M5R2 (F150). From what I hear, the main reason they are changing it is to increase the torque/hp capacity to handle future upgrades to the 4.6L V8 - but the prototypes so far have problems with the synchros and other NVH issues (hmmm, sounds familiar). I'm not sure when the new one will be introduced, though I think the original goal was for the 2003 model year.

Oh, and according to my dealership Ford is not aware of anyone ever having any problems with the current Mazda-made transmission...they told me that yesterday while I was there. I had to try pretty hard to keep from laughing out loud when they told me that...

LK

Apr 12, 2002 | 10:46 PM

ccoffin

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Mazda 5-speed

Thanks for the info, I will save myself some trouble and either get a Dodge 1500 or a Superduty Ford. The six speed they use now seems to hold up pretty well, better than the automatic anyway. I appreciate the quick reply.

Chris

Apr 12, 2002 | 11:19 PM

BrianA

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From: Trussville, Alabama

Mazda 5-speed

Since I have one of the aforementioned Mazda 5-speeds...what ARE the problems. I'll soon hit 60,000 miles (2000 F-150)and aside from being picky about going into 1st gear sometimes, I have had no problems.
Thanks,
Brian A

Apr 13, 2002 | 06:06 PM

ccoffin

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Mazda 5-speed

The Mazda is a weak tranny that seems to like eating it's synchronizers after just a short time. I think that second and third are the first ones to go. I have heard of some losing gears too, but not as often as synchro problems. I've never had one, hopefully never will. My last truck has a SROD that went over 200K with only one minor overhaul and hauled 3000lbs on several occasions in my F-150. Don't know what happened with that five speed.

Apr 13, 2002 | 10:29 PM

msalvetti

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Mazda 5-speed

I had assumed the new trucks had replaced the Mazda tranny too, so I was surprised (after I bought my 2001) that it was still there.

From all I've read, driving style has a lot to do with how well these transmissions work. I'm in the habit of not rushing my shifts, making an almost imperceptible pause in neutral (with the clutch still in) between gears. Not a double clutch. That seems to avoid the crunches a lot of people complain about. But that doesn't help the annoying faint rattle I have, mostly in third.

And although it seems to shift well enough to me, I was surprised when I drove my old 1986 F150 with the 4-spd manual again (after being out of it for a few weeks)how easily my old truck shifted compared to my new one. The old one felt like it was a Honda.

I'm going to switch to Mobil 1 ATF in the next month or so. I'm wondering if I'll be able to tell the difference.

Mark Salvetti
Saugus, MA
2001 F150 SC 4x2 V6 manual
7800 miles

Apr 14, 2002 | 06:59 PM

BrianA

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From: Trussville, Alabama

Mazda 5-speed

I am going to shift this thread to the "transmission" forum, as it is getting too specific for this forum. If you sre so inclined, please check my post in that forum.
Thanks,
Brian A