An intermittent hard shift may be caused by an intermittent clutch condition.
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
A static shift test is performed by shifting into all of the gear positions with the engine not operating. While performing the test one should note how the shift lever movement is felt. Also while shifting from one gear to the other feel for binding in the shift rails. You should be able to feel the detent plungers operating when coming out of a gear and going into a gear.
A dynamic shift test is performed by shifting into the gear positions with the engine operating. Test for the correct mesh of the synchronizers and for the clutch releasing correctly. When shifting into and out of a gear, feel for the shift detent plungers and for the synchronizers sleeve for moving freely.
The transaxle uses a DEXRON® III transaxle fluid that allows proper synchronizer operation. The incorrect fluid may cause hard shifting by varnish build-up, or not enough lubrication for proper synchronizer operation.
Step | Action | Yes | No | ||||||||||||
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DEFINITION: The transaxle does not shift smoothly, or without difficulty, from one gear to the other. | |||||||||||||||
1 | Did you review the Symptoms - Manual Transmission and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | |||||||||||||
2 | Inspect the clutch system for proper operation. Refer to Clutch System Description and Operation in Clutch. Did you find or repair the condition? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 3 | ||||||||||||
Are you able to shift into all gears? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4 | |||||||||||||
4 | Remove the floor console. Refer to Front Floor Console Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console. Inspect for the following:
Did you find and repair the condition? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||||||||
5 | Inspect for proper shift cable adjustment. Refer to Shift Cable Adjustment . Did you find and repair the condition? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 6 | ||||||||||||
Did the transaxle shift hard into all gears? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 11 | |||||||||||||
7 | Inspect the transaxle for the correct fluid level and type of the transaxle fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Replacement . Is the transaxle at the correct level and the proper fluid being used? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 | ||||||||||||
Drain and refill the transaxle with the correct type fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Replacement . Did you find and repair the condition? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 9 | |||||||||||||
9 |
Is the clutch pressure plate and/or clutch driven plate worn or faulty? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 11 | ||||||||||||
10 | Replace the clutch assembly. Refer to Clutch Pressure and Driven Plate Replacement in Clutch. Did you find and repair the condition? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 11 | ||||||||||||
11 |
Did you find and repair the condition? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||||||||||||
12 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 1 |