2002 S unusual second gear issue

[Silber]

Hello,

I have a 2002 S with a second gear issue, which is not strange.

What is strange is how it manifests. My diagnosis is that the transaxle is fine, but the front motor mount is shot.

Upshift 1>2 is smooth, no syncro clash, crisp, very nice.
Downshift 3>2 car pops out of 2nd almost immediately.
accelerate in 2, no problem
decelerate in 2, pops out.

I think what is happening is that when deceleration happens a failed front motor mount is allowing the engine to "flop" and that pulls the car out of gear. Is this at all possible, or am I looking at a rebuild?

regards,

Silber