Transmission/Shifter

It sounds like your shifter needs adjustment. So simple, even I can do it. Two bolts to loosen from the driver’s seat and you don’t need to get dirty. It’s probably slid forward due to normal use. Loosen the bolts, slide back a little, re-tighten, and check.

I would personally put it in neutral, pull the shifter, drop it back in its natural position and retighten.
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Thanks Tom,

 

That sounds like it will do the trick.  Will make the adjustment.  Thanks for your response and advice.

 

Regards

Ensure both the white nylon shift bushing is in place and in good condition - you can just see/feel it with the shifter removed.  Also the rear coupler needs to be in good shape too.  They can contribute to too much play in the shifter. 

I think Tom has hit it right.  Your shifter is out of adjustment and his thought on putting the tranxale in neutral and then re-centering the shifter base often works to cure it. 

I often get this bass-akwards, so I think about the physics of the shift lever:  Pulling back into second gear moves the underside of the lever and the shift rod (attaching the lever to the transaxle actuator) forward.  If you don’t pull the shift rod forward enough, the transaxle will not be fully “in gear” and can pop out of gear under stress.  The answer is to pull the rod farther forward a skosh, engaging the gear farther.  The only way to do that is to move the shift lever base farther forward, not back.  It may only take 1/8” or so to fix it.  

Try Tom’s idea of going to neutral and then re-centering the lever base - that should cure it.

Thanks for the advice.  Makes sense, will try it out tomorrow.

As Wolfie said, make sure your coupler at the end of the shift rod to the transmission is snug as well.  I have had this exact problem with my speedster.  The bolts can loosen up if they aren't safety wired. If you take the shifter out you can see the cheesy plastic "bearing" and replace it if it's sloppy and at least put some grease on everything and in the cup.  Good luck. 

Another possibility....I had the same issue and new transmission mounts resolved it.

I have to say, the members of this forum are exceptional!  Adjusted the position of the shifter forward about 1/4 inch, tested it and it works like a charm.  I really appreciate the information!

 

Thanks again.

 

Randy Moudry

Sometimes you need to hold the stock shifter centered and move the lower plate a  bit with a screwdriver, then again I've had to try 1st and tighten then tried 3 rd and re-tighten to get it right.