2002 3.5 SE 5 speed jumping out of gear

[tdraman]

Folks,Just yesterday, driving down the interstate in 5th gear, I accelerated to pass a car and it jumped out of gear. I had my hand on the shifter at the time so I thought maybe I was inadvertently applying rearward pressure. So the testing began:

With cruise control set at 80, it doesn't happen. When manually maintaining a steady speed, it doesn't happen. It only seems to happen when accelerating as described above. Not hammering the gas but accelerating hard enough to get around a car fairly quickly.

Here's what I've noticed: In 5th, when rolling on, then off the gas, the shifter moves forward and back a noticeable amount. It doesn't do this in any other gear.

Aftermarket equipment that may be involved: Nismo short throw shift kit.

Questions: Can the motor mounts be involved? Could it be a transmission problem? A binding problem? Why does it only happen in 5th?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[wade001]

If the gear is popping out it's a transmission problem, 5th gear might be worn, not sure why but thats my guess. but, Maybe its not locking in place when there's no force on it, kinda like 3rd gear, you can pop it out without the clutch.

[tdraman]

It was the 5th gear assembly. The gear, synchro, etc all had to be replaced. Too bad I took it to Danco (due to a recommendation) because they trashed it. Then they had to get a "low mileage" salvage transmission to put in it. Six months later, it crunches going into 3rd (upshifting or downshifting). Good thing they gave a 3 year warranty but it looks like I'll have to use it!!!