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SHIFT LINKAGE

1978–84 Except RX-7
  1. Place the transmission selector lever in Neutral.
  2. Disconnect the clevis from the lower end of the selector arm.
  3. Move the manual lever to the N position.

    NOTE: The N position is the third detent from the back.

    Fig. 1: Transmission shift linkage adjustment

  4. Loosen the two clevis retaining nuts and adjust the clevis so that it freely enters the lever hole.
  5. Tighten the retaining nuts.
  6. Connect the clevis to the lever and secure with the spring washer, flat washer and retaining clip.
1979–81 RX-7
  1. Shift the selector lever into the Neutral position.
  2. Raise the vehicle and support it on jackstands.
  3. Disconnect the T-joint from the lower end of the selector lever operating arm.
  4. Move the manual selector lever on the transmission into the Neutral position, which is the third detent position from the rear of the transmission. Adjust the T-joint so that it freely enters the hole in the selector lever operating arm.

    Fig. 2: Shift linkage adjustment — 1979–81 RX-7

  5. Tighten the attaching nuts.
  6. Connect the T-joint to the selector lever operating arm and secure.
  7. Lower the vehicle and check the operation of the transmission in each selector lever position.
1982–85 RX-7
  1. Remove the boot plate.
  2. Place the shifting lever in the Park position.
  3. Loosen the selector lever plate setting bolt.
  4. Raise and support the vehicle safely.
  5. Place the selector rod at the Park position, the first detent position from the rear of the transmission.
  6. Torque the selector lever plate setting bolt to 30 ft. lbs. (41 Nm). Check the operation after adjustment.
1986–89 RX-7
  1. Remove the shifter cover.
  2. Turn locknuts A and B to the proper adjusting position (see illustration).
  3. Move the shifter level to the Park position.
  4. Shift the transmission. Make sure the vehicle is supported safely when working underneath.

    Fig. 3: Shift control lever adjustment — 1986–89 RX-7

  5. Turn locknut A by hand until it just touches the shifter lever, then back it off 1 full turn.
  6. Torque locknut B to 8 ft. lbs. (11 Nm).
  7. Move the shifter and make sure there is a click at each gear when shifting from Park through 1st. The positions of the selector lever and the indicator should be exact. The release button should return smoothly when used to shift the selector.
929
  1. Remove the console shifter cover assembly. Position the transmission selector lever in the Park detent.
  2. Loosen locknuts A and B (see illustration). Move the selector from the Park range by moving the manual shaft linkage on the transmission.
  3. Using a feeler gauge, check the clearance between the first locknut, behind the shifter bracket. Adjust the shift lever and locknut to 0.04 in. (1mm).

    Fig. 4: Shift control lever adjustment — 929

  4. Remove the feeler gauge and tighten locknut B.
  5. On 1989 929s, measure the clearance between the guide plate and the guide pin in the Park position. There should be about 0.04 in. (1mm) clearance on the front side and about 0.02 in. (0.5mm) for the rear side.
  6. Move the selector lever through the other gear ranges and check to be sure that there is clearance between the selector lever bracket and the guide pin.
  7. If clearance does not exist, readjust both locknuts.

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