Genuine Mazda P601-17-40Y 3rd / 4th Gear Selector Fork
Replacement Genuine Mazda 3rd and 4th gear selector fork for early Mazda MX-5 Mk3 NC models fitted with the six-speed manual transmission.
The selector fork is located inside the gearbox and engages with the 3rd/4th synchroniser sleeve. Movement from the gear lever is transferred through the selector mechanism to the fork, which slides the synchroniser sleeve to engage either third or fourth gear.
Accurate fork geometry is essential for moving the synchroniser sleeve through its required travel. Wear, distortion or breakage can prevent complete engagement and may cause difficult selection, gear disengagement or loss of third or fourth gear.
This is the upgraded Genuine Mazda component used as the service replacement for the original selector fork fitted to early NC six-speed gearboxes. The original design could become damaged around the fork section.
Important gearbox restriction: This fork is for the early Mk3 NC six-speed manual gearbox. It is not suitable for the five-speed manual or automatic transmission. Revised Mk3.5 and Mk3.75 gearboxes from approximately 2009 onward use a different selector fork.
One 3rd/4th selector fork is fitted per gearbox, and this listing supplies one Genuine Mazda fork.
- Part type: Manual gearbox selector fork
- Mazda catalogue description: Fork, Shift (3rd & 4th)
- Gear positions controlled: 3rd and 4th
- Location: Inside the manual gearbox
- Transmission compatibility: Early NC six-speed manual only
- Five-speed manual compatibility: No
- Automatic-transmission compatibility: No
- Later 2009–2015 NC gearbox compatibility: No; different fork required
- Quantity fitted per gearbox: 1
- Quantity supplied: 1 selector fork
- Synchroniser hub or sleeve included: No
- Selector rod included: No
- Gearbox bearings or seals included: No
- Gearbox oil included: No
- Brand: Genuine Mazda
- Part No.: P601-17-40Y
- Also referenced as: P6011740Y
- Primary MX-5 fitment: Early Mk3 NC 2.0 Sport with six-speed manual gearbox
Possible signs of a worn or damaged selector fork:
- Difficulty selecting third or fourth gear
- Third or fourth gear failing to engage fully
- Gear lever moving into position without positive gear engagement
- Transmission jumping out of third or fourth gear
- Abnormal movement at the 3rd/4th synchroniser sleeve
- Visible wear, cracking or breakage after gearbox disassembly
Fitment advice: Confirm that the vehicle has the early six-speed manual gearbox before ordering. Engine size or model year alone is not sufficient because five-speed, six-speed and automatic transmissions use different internal components. Later 2009–2015 NC six-speed gearboxes require a different selector fork.
Other items to consider: Inspect the 3rd/4th synchroniser hub and sleeve, baulk rings, selector rod, detent components, gears, bearings and other selector forks. Any metal debris should be identified and removed before the gearbox is rebuilt.
Useful tools / consumables: Transmission jack, suitable pullers and press equipment, bearing separators, circlip pliers, calibrated torque wrench, seal-installation tools, assembly lubricant, thread-locking compound where specified, replacement gearbox seals and the correct manual-transmission oil.
Difficulty guide: DIY Difficulty: Specialist / Advanced. The gearbox must be removed and dismantled. Correct identification and positioning of internal components, bearing clearances, selector operation and transmission reassembly are essential.
Why Genuine Mazda? Genuine Mazda selector forks are manufactured to match the original selector-rod connection, synchroniser-sleeve contact surfaces and required shift travel. Correct geometry helps provide complete gear engagement and compatibility with the original gearbox components.
What’s in the box: One Genuine Mazda 3rd and 4th gear selector fork, part number P601-17-40Y.
Installation notes: Remove and dismantle the gearbox in accordance with the applicable Mazda workshop procedure. Inspect the complete selector and synchroniser system before installing the replacement fork, as fork damage may be accompanied by wear to the synchroniser sleeve, hub, baulk rings or gears. Lubricate components during assembly, confirm that the fork moves freely without excessive clearance and verify complete engagement of third and fourth gears before reinstalling the gearbox. Replace disturbed seals and refill with the specified transmission oil.
| Make | Model | Sub Variant | Chassis / Code | Years | Power (PS) | Engine Codes | Fuel | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda | MX-5 | Mk3 NC1 – 2.0 Sport | NC / NCEC | 2005–2009 | 160 | LF-VE | Petrol | 6-Speed Manual | 3rd/4th selector fork for early six-speed gearbox; upgraded service component; later 2009–2015 gearbox uses a different fork |
| Mazda | Roadster | NC – 2.0 | NCEC | 2005–2009 | Market dependent | LF-series | Petrol | 6-Speed Manual | Confirm early six-speed transmission; not suitable for five-speed manual or automatic gearbox |
| Vehicle Manufacturer | OEM Reference Number |
|---|---|
| Mazda | P601-17-40Y |
| Mazda | P6011740Y |