4th Gear Shift Firmness

[07FX4L2]

I have an '07 Ranger FX4L2 with 27K Kms on it with the 5spd Mazda standard trans.

I have recently been driving more and have noticed that while the trans is cold - shifts are like a warm knife through butter. But after a few hours of driving 4th gear will become rather firm in comparison to the others. It has not ground nor is it necessary to shift different than usual but I have noticed that this gear requires effort to engage when the trans fluid is warm.

Should I be worried or is this just "one of those things"?

I only ask because the rest of the trans has continued it's "butter smooth" operation throughout the temperature band. This seems to be the only gear affected. With my warranty coming to an end i'm wondering if this is a sign of potential future failures? I do all my own work but this is the first "new" vehicle i've ever bought and am therefore a little over-protective.

 

[sholzy]

If it's still under warranty then take in and have them look at it.

 

[firenexx]

I too wonder what this means... all my gears are fine except for 1st ... takes a little extra effort and i have to apply pressure in a certain direction.

Then again I haven't lubricated my shift linkage or changed my MTF since I got it a year ago, and before that both things hadn't been done in who knows how long

Does anyone else keep a log of all work done to their vehicle? So that when they sell it the person who gets it actually has somewhat of an idea of what kind of shit it's been through? That's my peeve with used vehicles, most people keep 0 maintenance records and the new owner is clueless (but him/herself doesn't keep records either)

 

[07FX4L2]

No guesses?

I have been pleased with the dealer but have had the best results when I can help point them in the right direction.

 

[Mr99Ranger]

Maybe a worn synchronizer. Do you upshift at real low or real high Rpm's or downshift a lot at high speeds? I wouldnt think downshifting would be that bad cause 4 is the direct drive gear comin out of OD. Do you ever try to shift without the clutch?