Issues with 03 eclipse spyder 5 speed. When changing gears or shifting to neutral the stick used to bounce back to the center, just like a joystick. Now it only does that when coming from 5th or reverse. When stick is pushed to the left it will just go limp, won't snap back to center; almost impossible to get to first gear by itself, have to go from 2nd to 1st, otherwise it ends up in third unless you really push it hard to the left.

Question edited for clarity. Funky one space then punctuation :>D
Question moved to sub category.

Check out the videos on servicing the gear linkage. It contains plastic connectors. Personally, I would give a local transmission specialist the job.

https://www.google.com/search?q=2000+vw+cabrio+5+speed+manual+gear+selector+linkage

Good diagram here

http://cabby-info.com/Files/ShifterLinkageGuide_5speed.pdf

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Yes it sounds like your transmission is starting to give.. or your low on fluid

Starting in about the mid 1980's automatic transmissions changed from fluid shifting to electronic shifting. In other words, your shift is by an electronic solenoid controlled by the computer. There is no Shift cable gong to the transmission. Just wires. You need to look for a loose or dirty electronic connection to the transmission.

indicates a problem in the spigot bush in the crank shaft
it is dry and when it heats up , it is seizing on the input shaft(clutch shaft) of the transmission
up shifting is fairly easy as the hear synchro's do the job along with correct engine rpm
down shift overloads the synchro action unless you increase the rpm to match the ration to road speed

For Automatic transmission problem,click the link below:---- Automatic transmission troubleshooting:----

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html

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Automatic transmission shift lever issues?-------

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html

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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL? --

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-check-automatic-transmission.html

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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-change-automatic-transmission.html

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Transmission fault light on car dash?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/transmission-fault-light-on-car-dash.html

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Transmission shifting problem?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/transmission-shifting-problem-on-toyota.html

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Transmission Slips out of 2nd gear?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-slips-out-of-2nd-gear.html

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OD light flashing and transmission fluid leaking?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/od-light-flashing-and-transmission.html

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Why Transmission fluid leaks near radiator?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-fluid-leaks-near-radiator.html

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Transmission fluid leaking?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-windstar-transmission-fluid.html

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****** wont go in reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-wont-go-in-reverse.html

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Automatic transmission will not go into reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-automatic-transmission-will-not.html

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Transmission is making buzzing noise?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-is-making-buzzing-noise.html

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This will help.

Thanks.

I have the same problem few days ago, and still didn't find any solution. Can any one please help?????

Hi:
The shift pattern is pretty much the same on all 5 speed cars. The top row is the odd numbers, 1-3-5
the bottom row is 2-4-Reverse. The center position is neutral

Here is the key: The shifter is slightly spring-loaded to the center position. If you hold in the clutch pedal and pull the shifter to neutral, and let go of it, it will automatically be lined up in the position, that if you pushed it forward , it would go to 3rd gear, and if you pulled it back, it would go into 4th gear.
This way, to start driving, you start out in neutral, grab the shifter lightly, and push it first to the left, then forward. This is first gear, where you start out. when you want to shift to second, push in the clutch, and keeping left pressure on the shifter, pull all the way back . Here is the easy part, 2nd to 3rd. When you are ready, push in the clutch, and just push the gear shift forward , till it hits neutral, and is spring loaded to the middle. Then you just push it straight forward to 3rd, then next shift, straight back to 4th.
Last gear, 5th: push forward to the neutral row, then Push to the right till it lines up ,and forward to the 5th gear. Reverse should only be shifted into from a dead stop. Find neutral, push the shifter all the way right, then pull back towards you. Hope this helps.
Practice a bunch in the driveway!

your convertible latches either need to be tightened or replaced you can get them new from the dealer for like 15 dollars a piece. that's why my 03 eclipse spyder leaked.

just ram the shifter in your booty,.....duh

you have a short in the transmission control circuit. there is a good chance that because of the accident the mainharness was damaged. your transmission is locted on the drivers side so that would explain why your blowing fuses while shifting. I would start by looking at gthe main harness, and i would take it to a shop and have a diagnostic run on the transmission. please rate this...thanks