Upgrade Automatic Shifter?

[mazdadude]

Hello Everyone!

After spending the first week with the new Mazda5 Touring Automatic, I have found an item that needs attention. The rubber knob for the shifting of the automatic just does not fit in. What I mean is, to go from your nice fat leather steering wheel, to a little puny rubber shift knob is just plain wrong! A leather knob is needed here. Am I the only one who thinks so?

Although I was intending on keeping it stock, this will be my first upgrade, as I can't stand it. I am writing the info here to see if anyone else has wrestled with this idea yet.

I have been doing some research and have seen 3 knobs that look interesting to me, and that should be a direct fit. The first is a knob that I have seen in some press pictures of the 5, it is silver and black, although I can't quite make out what type of material it is, but it looks to be identical to the 2006 Auto Miata knob. The second knob is the one from the Mazda3 Automatic and appears to be all black leather. The third is a silver and black leather optional accessory listed for the Mazda6.

Mazdadude

[WhitewaterPearl]

Hello Everyone!

After spending the first week with the new Mazda5 Touring Automatic, I have found an item that needs attention. The rubber knob for the shifting of the automatic just does not fit in. What I mean is, to go from your nice fat leather steering wheel, to a little puny rubber shift knob is just plain wrong! A leather knob is needed here. Am I the only one who thinks so?

Although I was intending on keeping it stock, this will be my first upgrade, as I can't stand it. I am writing the info here to see if anyone else has wrestled with this idea yet.

I have been doing some research and have seen 3 knobs that look interesting to me, and that should be a direct fit. The first is a knob that I have seen in some press pictures of the 5, it is silver and black, although I can't quite make out what type of material it is, but it looks to be identical to the 2006 Auto Miata knob. The second knob is the one from the Mazda3 Automatic and appears to be all black leather. The third is a silver and black leather optional accessory listed for the Mazda6.

Mazdadude
Also any MOMO stick shift knob that uses set screws to hold the knob in place will fit. I also put a piece of (fuel) hose on the threaded section of the gear selector for better stability.

[mazdadude]

Hello Everyone!

After spending the first week with the new Mazda5 Touring Automatic, I have found an item that needs attention. The rubber knob for the shifting of the automatic just does not fit in. What I mean is, to go from your nice fat leather steering wheel, to a little puny rubber shift knob is just plain wrong! A leather knob is needed here. Am I the only one who thinks so?

Although I was intending on keeping it stock, this will be my first upgrade, as I can't stand it. I am writing the info here to see if anyone else has wrestled with this idea yet.

I have been doing some research and have seen 3 knobs that look interesting to me, and that should be a direct fit. The first is a knob that I have seen in some press pictures of the 5, it is silver and black, although I can't quite make out what type of material it is, but it looks to be identical to the 2006 Auto Miata knob. The second knob is the one from the Mazda3 Automatic and appears to be all black leather. The third is a silver and black leather optional accessory listed for the Mazda6.

Mazdadude

Here is a pic of stock North America shifter

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/vehicles/gallery/MZ5/pho_gallery_MZ5_int12.jpg

Here are pics of the three. 06 MX5, 06 MAZDA3, and MAZDA6 Accessory

http://www.msprotege.com/members/mazdadude/pho_gallery_MX5_int6.jpg
http://www.msprotege.com/members/mazdadude/pho_gallery_M3H_int14.jpg
http://www.msprotege.com/members/mazdadude/04_MZ6_Shifter_BrakeB1.gif

[pbdave]

The first is a knob that I have seen in some press pictures of the 5, it is silver and black, although I can't quite make out what type of material it is, but it looks to be identical to the 2006 Auto Miata knob. Mazdadude

not sure if this helps - but the knob in our Mazda5 GT in Canada (no touring avail here) is the 2 tone leather/metal as you describe. I will attach a pic from the brochure. If you want me to take a better pic let me know. I can only assume that this is the knob used in Canada as we cannot get the NAV system up here.

[mazdadude]

not sure if this helps - but the knob in our Mazda5 GT in Canada (no touring avail here) is the 2 tone leather/metal as you describe. I will attach a pic from the brochure. If you want me to take a better pic let me know. I can only assume that this is the knob used in Canada as we cannot get the NAV system up here.

Thanks PBDAVE! That knob looks much nicer then the rubber one I got on my US model.

I am curious however, is the silver at the top of the shifter actually metal? Or is it the painted plastic that the rest of the dash is made of?

Also I wonder if the Sport model in Canada gets the rubber knob, while the GT gets the "special 2-tone" knob?

Thanks
Mazdadude

[pbdave]

Thanks PBDAVE! That knob looks much nicer then the rubber one I got on my US model.

I am curious however, is the silver at the top of the shifter actually metal? Or is it the painted plastic that the rest of the dash is made of?

Also I wonder if the Sport model in Canada gets the rubber knob, while the GT gets the "special 2-tone" knob?

Thanks
Mazdadude

metal... hmmm... I think so - I will check tonight. I know it feels cold to the touch. My wife has only really let me drive it a couple times now, so I will have to pry it away for a few minutes. If it is I am happy to see if they are avail to order form the dealer in Canada and let you know.

Don't know about the GS model in Canada - have never been in one. I do know that a "leather wrapped steering wheel & shift knob" was listed on my options sheet as included with GT, so maybe that's the case.

[TampaSport20]

Here is a pic of stock North America shifter

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/vehicles/gallery/MZ5/pho_gallery_MZ5_int12.jpg

Here are pics of the three. 06 MX5, 06 MAZDA3, and MAZDA6 Accessory

http://www.msprotege.com/members/mazdadude/pho_gallery_MX5_int6.jpg
http://www.msprotege.com/members/mazdadude/pho_gallery_M3H_int14.jpg
http://www.msprotege.com/members/mazdadude/04_MZ6_Shifter_BrakeB1.gif


the last one looks EXACTLY like the MP3 shift knob !!!

[wongpres]

Don't know about the GS model in Canada - have never been in one. I do know that a "leather wrapped steering wheel & shift knob" was listed on my options sheet as included with GT, so maybe that's the case.

Correct, the Canadian-spec Mazda5 GS has the rubber auto shift-knob, and only the Canadian-spec Mazda5 GT has the two-tone leather auto shift-knob.

I agree it's odd that the US-spec Mazda5 Touring does not have the two-tone leather auto shift-knob.

Anyways, the two-tone leather auto shift knob sells for around $CAD160 at Canadian Mazda dealers.

[pbdave]

Thanks PBDAVE! That knob looks much nicer then the rubber one I got on my US model.

I am curious however, is the silver at the top of the shifter actually metal? Or is it the painted plastic that the rest of the dash is made of?

Also I wonder if the Sport model in Canada gets the rubber knob, while the GT gets the "special 2-tone" knob?

Thanks
Mazdadude


well I checked last night and that silvery strip is sure as hell not metal. It is the same painted plastic as the other silver trim bits. Still looks really nice, but it seems a bit steep at $160.....

I can still take a closeup if you want one.

[mazdadude]

well I checked last night and that silvery strip is sure as hell not metal. It is the same painted plastic as the other silver trim bits. Still looks really nice, but it seems a bit steep at $160.....

I can still take a closeup if you want one.

PBDAVE,

Painted PLASTIC! That is what I expected, thank you very much for checking for me. Closeup not required, but thank you for offering! (thumb)

I am leaning towards the Mazda3 knob myself, as I feel it matches the look and feel of the steering wheel better.

Mazdadude

[Wuster]

Anyone knows how much the Mazda3 knob cost in US$?

I looked at a couple of online Mazda parts sites, but didn't see pricing for the standard Mazda3 shift knob.

[nexs666]

Does the auto knob have the usual button that you have to push/hold to move the shift lever? The pics you posted didn't seem to show one, but... At any rate, if not, then I think your options are pretty much wide open because I'm guessing that it's just a thread-on knob like on any manual trans. Saw MOMO mentioned and those guys make some cool stuff, but they're just one of many. My feeling is that the cost from the dealership is going to be higher than what you can get aftermarket. Just depends on if you're really sold on the look/style of the Mazda knob.

[pbdave]

Does the auto knob have the usual button that you have to push/hold to move the shift lever? The pics you posted didn't seem to show one, but... At any rate, if not, then I think your options are pretty much wide open because I'm guessing that it's just a thread-on knob like on any manual trans. Saw MOMO mentioned and those guys make some cool stuff, but they're just one of many. My feeling is that the cost from the dealership is going to be higher than what you can get aftermarket. Just depends on if you're really sold on the look/style of the Mazda knob.


no button on mine....

[the_saint]

^^Nope. The auto-trans knobs do not have the button on them since they are a gated type shifter...you move the shifter sideways+up/down to bring it to the next place on the shift pattern.

I tried, just for ishts and giggles, to put the shift know from my 240sx (manual) and it was too big. So whatever the different sizes of threads for the thread on knobs, the 5 has the smaller one.

[nexs666]

Then, without a button, you should be good to use just about any aftermarket universal shift knob. Most universal designs will come with a few small plastic sleeves of varying thickness to snugly fit knob to shifter. Those with the set screws around the base (do use Loc-Tite on them) and you should be covered.

[the_saint]

Call me anal, but I'd like to get a knob that screws on like OE, not one of those setscrew type or bushing type knobs.

[mazdadude]

Call me anal, but I'd like to get a knob that screws on like OE, not one of those setscrew type or bushing type knobs.


My sentiments exactly! (thumb)

Mazdadude

[nexs666]

I hear you, but for the money that an OE fitment would've cost me... Well, $15, set screws and Loctite never gave me any issues. Plus, my options were that much greater since I didn't have to worry about what actually "fit" the shifter. But, hey, if you can afford the good stuff then by all means.

[WhitewaterPearl]

Yep, that the beauty of personal preference. I personally have been installing MOMO or Zender knobs in my cars over the last 28 years.

[the_saint]

I hear you, but for the money that an OE fitment would've cost me... Well, $15, set screws and Loctite never gave me any issues. Plus, my options were that much greater since I didn't have to worry about what actually "fit" the shifter. But, hey, if you can afford the good stuff then by all means.
haha, that's why I'm still with the OE knob.

[RODSCALIP5]

Get an Autoexe or Mazdaspeed, it'll cost an arm and a leg though.

[mazdadude]

I think what bothers me more than the material used, is the shape. It looks something like a personal vibrator. (nuts)

Well, as far as a MOMO or other knob is concerned, I will consider others as well, as long as they match the wheel, and feel good, and are budget friendly.

Nothing like having TOO many choices! (stoned)


I have seen some pics of the RX-8 knob, and it looks to be a little bit shorter than the Mazda3 knob.

I also noticed that the new press pics of the MAZDA CX-7 show the same shifter as the MX-5 also.

Mazdadude

[dimetapps]

I agree about the small shifter.
Here is a nice one that seems to match the interior.

http://store.yahoo.com/sports-imports/momcomshifkn2.html

although the page lacks info on size. perhaps a call to momo.

If you come up with a solution, please post some photos.

I would not spend 160.00 on factory piece, I would take that money
and possibly look to upgrade speakers.

[dimetapps]

Do these knobs screw right off.
Is there a special tool needed.
I felt around and did not feel any screw holes or allen sockets,
Does anyone know of the exact size of the thread ( if there is one ) ????

[mazdadude]

Do these knobs screw right off.
Is there a special tool needed.
I felt around and did not feel any screw holes or allen sockets,
Does anyone know of the exact size of the thread ( if there is one ) ????

Yes, knob screws right off. I do not have a thread size however.

Mazdadude

[dimetapps]

I switched out the OEM knob for a Momo.
If planning on doing this, be careful when installing.
The rubber inserts supplied by momo can easily slip up into the hollow part of the knob itself and then
good-bye insert, you will never be able to get it out.
I had to cut a hole in the top of the insert to prevent this from happening. This way it allows the
threaded bar to slide up into the hollow part of the knob.
It does feel better, and i think it looks nicer too.
You can be the judge, enclosed are some pics.

[mazdadude]

Looks good Dimetapps.

I went ahead and found an original Black Leather Mazda RX-8 Auto Shifter knob.
I paid 25$, and I like it very much. It is much better than the rubber knob.

Makes the car feel much more substantial to me. (thumb)

Problem solved!

Thanks for all of your suggestions.

Mazdadude

[petitevan]

Call me anal, but I'd like to get a knob that screws on like OE, not one of those setscrew type or bushing type knobs.

I am looking for the same. The aftermarket knobs will not fit securely, their shafts are usually too wide/hollow for the OE stick. I cannot shift with a wobbly knob! Granted that mine is an automatic, I do use the manual mode quite often.

[Kid5]

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3387/209/33465104035_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3387/209/33465104050_large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3387/201/33465100138_large.jpg
I cut the factory shifter and rethreaded it and added a weighted Razo Shift knob...I love the way it feels when I'm using the Manu Matic

[petitevan]

cutting/rethreading is definitely beyond my capabilities. after spending 3+ hours removing the side moldings yesterday, i just want plug'n'play mods! like a screw-on knob or twist-on exhaust tip. :)

[Kid5]

Well the Razo Shifters have 3 different inserts for the thickness of the factory shaft and you use a set screw to fasten the insert to the knob and then you just screw it onto the threaded rod...I hate the ones with the 3 set screws also

[petitevan]

oh you mean that razo knob works fine as is and the cutting/re-threading was for your particular needs? i can try it then if it's a snug fit. by the way, the aftermarket/universal shifter knobs that will fit the 5 are actually ones marked as "for manual transmission," right?

[Kid5]

oh you mean that razo knob works fine as is and the cutting/re-threading was for your particular needs? i can try it then if it's a snug fit.

Yeah I just chose to cut it and rethread because I cut all the shifters in my manual cars and didnt want the 5 to feel left out(lol2)(screwy)


by the way, the aftermarket/universal shifter knobs that will fit the 5 are actually ones marked as "for manual transmission," right?

Yeah I would suppose since most automatics have the goofy button you depress to get it into gear

[petitevan]

cool i found these on amazon and will give it a try. thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/Razo-RA42A-Aluminum-Formula-Silver/dp/B000CPILY0/ref=sr_1_25?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1291772727&sr=1-25
http://www.amazon.com/Razo-RA43-Aluminum-Knob-Formula/dp/B000CPAU4O/ref=sr_1_26?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1291772727&sr=1-26

[petitevan]

the Razo knob fits perfectly! i installed mine without the spacer so the knob covers much of the stick. this is smaller and shorter than the stock, so people with large hands might not like the feel. personally i like it sleek and small. i can see now why Kid5 cut the stick, the round knob would have looked funny if paired with a long neck.

[Kid5]

i can see now why Kid5 cut the stick, the round knob would have looked funny if paired with a long neck.

It did(iagree)
Post a picture please

[petitevan]

the "machined" aluminum looks great but isn't scratch proof. i cannot believe that i already left some marks on the knob because of a stainless steel ring that i had on my right middle finger. will scratch-x help? (boom06)