Service VME - 5-Speed Normal Reverse Gear Operation - kw MA5 engage GMT355 hard shift transmission

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in the PI.

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This message applies to 2004 and 2005 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks, equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission, RPO MA5. The subject is normal reverse gear operation. In reviewing customer data on the Colorado and Canyon with the MA5 manual transmission, we see evidence of JD Power comments and Warranty on a "Hard to shift into Reverse" condition. The Aisin built 5-speed manual used in these vehicles does not have a synchronized Reverse. Instead it uses a sliding idler gear and a brake system to slow down the shaft before Reverse gear is engaged. There are three things that a customer may notice when shifting into reverse: First, the driver may move from the Neutral position into the fifth / reverse gate and lean the shifter towards 5th before heading toward Reverse.

This will block him out of reverse, as we prevent fifth / reverse shifts with a lock-out mechanism. Second, the driver may operate the shifter correctly, but on some occasions the idler will slide and block the shift due to side to side contact between the gears. If either of these occurs, the driver must move the shift lever back to Neutral, let the clutch pedal out then push it back in, and complete the shift to Reverse. Finally, the driver may attempt to shift into Reverse when the vehicle is moving. High effort and gear grinding will result. This information is specified in the Colorado and Canyon owners manuals on page 2-26. In regard to the reverse shift, it says, in part, that "if it is hard to shift, let the shift lever return to neutral and release the clutch pedal. Then press the clutch again and shift into reverse. Do not attempt to shift into the fifth gear position prior to shifting into reverse. Your transmission has a lock-out feature which prevents a fifth gear to reverse gear shift." In addition, the Owner's Manual has a notice which states that "shifting into reverse while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission". If a customer comments on difficulty in engaging reverse gear, check for normal operation as described. If the transmission is operating normally, no repairs should be attempted. Advise the customer regarding the information in the Owners Manual.

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Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

(04 Chevrolet Colorado) and (05 Chevrolet Colorado) and (04 GMC Canyon) and 05 GMC Canyon)

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