I seem to remember somebody mentioning something similar on this forum, but I could not find it. When I am in 3rd gear, if I hold slight forward pressure on the shifter and go on to off throttle (just moderately on) the shift lever clunks back and forth slightly. It does it at most rpm, but is most noticeable around 3000 - 3500 rpm. With my hand off the shifter, you can actually see the shifter move back and forth slightly (but not recommending you take your eyes off the road!). This does not happen in any other gear. 3rd gear is also the least "smooth" shift. For what it is worth, I have never speed-shifted, used launch control, or missed a shift, so I have not damaged anything. Anyone else notice something like this?

 

The movement is normal. The changes in torque cause a twisting motion, which can be seen in the shifter. It's more obvious on a rear wheel drive vehicle, since the shifter is usually mounted directly on the transmission. If it's literally making a clunking sound, there might be a problem though.

 

It's completely normal, don't loose sleep over it.

 

Not a good idea to play around with the shifter or put un-necessary pressure on it while running (other than shifting of course). This can put un-necessary pressure on the shifting forks and cause them to wear prematurely.

 

Yes, of course that is true. The reason I am questioning this as normal is that it does not do this in any other gear. I have driven plenty of manuals, and this third gear 'symptom" just does not feel quite right, it is almost as if a gear (or synchro) is slipping back and forth slightly under load and off load.

 

If your unsure take it to the dealer and let them look at it. Unless it starts popping out of gear though I really wouldn't be too concerned about it.

 

Mine does the same thing and I have speed shifted, missed plenty of shifts and probably damaged something. I however think this one is completely normal. To me, this transmission seems very tolerant of my stupidity. Sometimes I forget that Im driving a stick and just let go of the clutch knocking the car off. Other times i just assume I didnt press the clutch in far enough and the car reminds me by violently throwing the stick right back at me.