OK, this isn't exactly a new issue (I had the same problem on my R/T), but last night the roads were finally clear and I let my new sxt stretch it's legs a bit and it does the same thing... and since i'm mingling with all you neon experts I figured I should ask...

Basically the issue is this : when cycling through the gears 'very' quickly,
the shifter will sort of lock up trying to get into 3rd gear. It's not an issue during normal driving, and for most people its probably not even a racing issue. But I shift very fast when i'm of a mind to, and apparently I shift too fast for 3rd gear to engage smoothly. Basically the harder/faster you shove it into 3rd, the more stoutly it resists going into that gear. It does this in all the gears to some degree, I can make the shifter lock up by shifting too fast in any gear, but i especially notice it in 3rd. Since i've had 2 different cars with the same issue now, I'm thinking maybe I just shift too fast. At any rate, it annoys me, and its probably worth 0.05-0.1 seconds. Its a little baffling since i've had much older/cheaper cars which didn't seem to have this issue.

Is there a simple way to smooth out the shifting in the neon MT? I'm not looking to tear it appart, but if there's a reasonably simple fix for this, I'm all ears.

Something as simple as fixing it with different gearbox lube or adjusting the linkage would be too much to hope for I suppose...

also, off topic, I really miss being able to put down rubber in 2nd at 30mph.

 

I haven't had this problem, although I assume it could be fixed with new bushings. Or at least improved.

I just ordered a set of booger bushings for about $22, but have yet to try them.
They're supposedly an easy install.

 

I know the problem you speak of, and on my car it seems that in 3rd gear it has the greatest resistance as well. One time I was at the drag strip and couldn't even get it in third gear while trying to race it. The problem for me seemed to be the bushings. I had just installed some booger bushings on my Mopar STS and one of the bushings must not have seated right because I took it apart when I got home and checked them all and since then it has been fine. So if I were you I would check out your bushings, it is probably the problem. You might want to order some booger bushings, there is not much to the stock ones. Mine seems to not have this problem anymore, but now my clutch slips........

 

new stiffer shifter bushings will fix this problem... I had the same problem with my shifter when I had the stock bushings in LONG LONG ago....

 

yes sir... i agree with everyone else, the bushings can cause this... they are easy to install,

simplest way, take out the battery and the battery tray and they are right there on top of the tranny, you have 2 cables cause where it is FWD.. all you have to do is pull the cables off and put teh new bushing in, just small inserts....

i was having problems downshifting to 1st, and turned out one of my bushings had fell apart or something...... to make a long story short, it wasnt there anymore haha...

but yeah man, try the bushings first... that should take care of it... if it doesnt... your looking at synchronizers id say... good luck bro

 

pssst, not a bro, bro

so bushings... didn't think of that. I'll probably wait till its not so cold out, but I'll see what I can do there. If i get impatient I might get a mechanic to install them. since i'm still going through physical therapy, and i'm not very nimble at the moment.

 

i fell ya.. hey tho... just to let you know i was stil able to shift without the bushings, just really ****ty when i was racing... if your a tight *** like me lol.... as long as your able to shift and shift ok when you drive "right" you can let it slide till your able to take care of it yourself.. that is if its bushings..... if its syncs.... then youll have to take other actions... man i hope this works for you... I got a tranny from a 96 in great condition... let me know what happens and ill help you out