I have a 2012 Mazda 5 with the 6-speed manual transmission. Normally, 1st and reverse gears are separated by some kind of 'blocker', which prevents you from accidentally shifting into reverse instead of 1st (forcing you to push down and left on the lever for reverse). Today, that blocker seems to have failed (disappeared?) and the level moves freely all the way to the left, making it tricky to find 1st without hitting reverse.

Has anyone experienced this and if so, is it a simple fix? A quick google search found nothing. Any advice?

 

I believe I have a similar problem on my 2013. My wife hit a car today when she thought she was
in first, but the car went backwards instead. She then had trouble getting in first or second. I confirmed the problem then tapped down on the shifter and got it into first, but if I just push left and up it goes into reverse without pushing down. Did you find a solution to your problem?????


[QUOTE=p00ch;160233]I have a 2012 Mazda 5 with the 6-speed manual transmission. Normally, 1st and reverse gears are separated by some kind of 'blocker', which prevents you from accidentally shifting into reverse instead of 1st (forcing you to push down and left on the lever for reverse). Today, that blocker seems to have failed (disappeared?) and the level moves freely all the way to the left, making it tricky to find 1st without hitting reverse.

Has anyone experienced this and if so, is it a simple fix? A quick google search found nothing. Any advice?[/QUOT

 

I just gave up and had the mechanic install a new reverse lockout. I've been driving manuals for decades and never seen this happen.