Well, since not shifting as much is not an option, I'm open to suggestions on ways to keep the metal cap on the top of the shifter from fading again. On the flip side, since it was replaced under warranty, and my dealer gives me a good free car wash with each service, maybe I should go through one every month or so.....seriously though, I thought about getting some clear coat model paint and lightly painting the top, figure that would act as a good barrier....any thoughts?
Replaced Shifter Knob
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Reading Topic: Replaced Shifter Knob
Wear a non-stick glove or an oven mitt.
Wear a non-stick glove or an oven mitt.
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Reading Topic: Replaced Shifter Knob
Stick to first gear, just smile and wave when people start honking their horns. Always park on a hill so you can just push it off, won't have to shift that way.
Ok, now the serious side....just get a quality aftermarket shifter, carbon fiber shifters are sweet, had one that lasted without a single spot for over 3yrs, just had to wipe the dirt off occasionally. Lets face it, Mazda had to take a few shortcuts to get the price to stay below $30k.
Stick to first gear, just smile and wave when people start honking their horns. Always park on a hill so you can just push it off, won't have to shift that way.
Ok, now the serious side....just get a quality aftermarket shifter, carbon fiber shifters are sweet, had one that lasted without a single spot for over 3yrs, just had to wipe the dirt off occasionally. Lets face it, Mazda had to take a few shortcuts to get the price to stay below $30k.
Reading Topic: Replaced Shifter Knob
If this is a chronic problem, I can't imagine Mazda will let it stand. Perhaps you got a bad one. You'll never know until you use it and see if it does it again. I'd just use it to see what's what.
The other thought I have is that perhaps the oils in your skin have something to do with it. Long shot to be sure, but from playing guitar, I know that some people's skin oils can be quite corrosive. Not all those 'well-used' guitars are because people locked themselves in a room for 20 years playing the same instrument.
No offense to diesel what so ever, but the metal plate on top of the shifter is hardly a place for cost-cutting measures on a ~$25,000k car. The difference between stamped steel and something like carbon fiber likely wouldn't surpass anything close to $20 per unit when produced in large quantities.
If this is a chronic problem, I can't imagine Mazda will let it stand. Perhaps you got a bad one. You'll never know until you use it and see if it does it again. I'd just use it to see what's what.
The other thought I have is that perhaps the oils in your skin have something to do with it. Long shot to be sure, but from playing guitar, I know that some people's skin oils can be quite corrosive. Not all those 'well-used' guitars are because people locked themselves in a room for 20 years playing the same instrument.
No offense to diesel what so ever, but the metal plate on top of the shifter is hardly a place for cost-cutting measures on a ~$25,000k car. The difference between stamped steel and something like carbon fiber likely wouldn't surpass anything close to $20 per unit when produced in large quantities.
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Reading Topic: Replaced Shifter Knob
So what happened to the shift knob? The shift pattern faded off?
So what happened to the shift knob? The shift pattern faded off?
Reading Topic: Replaced Shifter Knob
basically, the metallic cap on the top of the shifter started fading, the paint? I guess began to wear down through to the beige plastic, really weird, guess I'll just drive normally and see what happens to the new one, white6s had the same problem, not sure if I'm unlucky or this is just a 1st year hickup
basically, the metallic cap on the top of the shifter started fading, the paint? I guess began to wear down through to the beige plastic, really weird, guess I'll just drive normally and see what happens to the new one, white6s had the same problem, not sure if I'm unlucky or this is just a 1st year hickup
Reading Topic: Replaced Shifter Knob
If it happens again at least there are some real cool aftermarket shift knobs out there that you can swap it out for. At least you got choices when it come to this little part. That clear coat paint idea could work well too.
If it happens again at least there are some real cool aftermarket shift knobs out there that you can swap it out for. At least you got choices when it come to this little part. That clear coat paint idea could work well too.
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Reading Topic: Replaced Shifter Knob
Reufus, I was just kidding with the $30k note. I'm quite sure if Mazda engineers had deemed the car a better car when installed with a carbon fiber shift knob they would have done so.
On the other hand, you would probably be surprised at how many very small seemingly inexpensive shortcuts car makers do take. For example have you noticed only the driver's side window has auto down? And no auto up? I'm sure the chip that does this would cost less than $2 when mass ordered. The sunglass holder....Mazda obviously chose the $5 version instead of the $10. Etc, etc, so I actually wouldn't be too surprised if Mazda did in fact choose a 'cheaper' alternative for the shifter knob.
Reufus, I was just kidding with the $30k note. I'm quite sure if Mazda engineers had deemed the car a better car when installed with a carbon fiber shift knob they would have done so.
On the other hand, you would probably be surprised at how many very small seemingly inexpensive shortcuts car makers do take. For example have you noticed only the driver's side window has auto down? And no auto up? I'm sure the chip that does this would cost less than $2 when mass ordered. The sunglass holder....Mazda obviously chose the $5 version instead of the $10. Etc, etc, so I actually wouldn't be too surprised if Mazda did in fact choose a 'cheaper' alternative for the shifter knob.
Replying to Topic 'Replaced Shifter Knob'
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my shift knob is pretty bad. the bottom half is fading and it's looking half white and silver. i'll take a pic tonight.Originally posted by Brillo
basically, the metallic cap on the top of the shifter started fading, the paint? I guess began to wear down through to the beige plastic, really weird, guess I'll just drive normally and see what happens to the new one, white6s had the same problem, not sure if I'm unlucky or this is just a 1st year hickup[/b]
Replying to Topic 'Replaced Shifter Knob'
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That was my first thought, I'm not sure though how clearcoat paint might react to the sweat in my hands though, I could end up with the same problem....anyone have any experience with something like this?Originally posted by Altersys
have you thought about clearcoating it?
-Alt[/b]
Replying to Topic 'Replaced Shifter Knob'
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edit: pic won't load
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here's picsOriginally posted by AliAL
A picture is worth a thousand words.[/b]
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Replying to Topic 'Replaced Shifter Knob'
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Here in Aust. it is so price sensitive we were denied important but relatively inexpensive things like reach adjustibility on steering wheel & anti theft code on audio set up, just 2 things u would expect to be in all M6's
i know govt design rules vary country to country but come on mazda.... I also wish we could at least have access to good gear like a V6 & satnav even if we gotta pay.
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Exactly diesel This accounts for minor and yet irritating differences between world markets for the 6.Originally posted by diesel5599
On the other hand, you would probably be surprised at how many very small seemingly inexpensive shortcuts car makers do take. For example have you noticed only the driver's side window has auto down? And no auto up? I'm sure the chip that does this would cost less than $2 when mass ordered. The sunglass holder....Mazda obviously chose the $5 version instead of the $10. Etc, etc, so I actually wouldn't be too surprised if Mazda did in fact choose a 'cheaper' alternative for the shifter knob.[/b]
Here in Aust. it is so price sensitive we were denied important but relatively inexpensive things like reach adjustibility on steering wheel & anti theft code on audio set up, just 2 things u would expect to be in all M6's
i know govt design rules vary country to country but come on mazda.... I also wish we could at least have access to good gear like a V6 & satnav even if we gotta pay.
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