TRANSAXLE GRIND IN REVERSE MAY NOT ENGAGE REVERSE, 2ND. Saturn Saturn 1991

For 1990-2009 cars

# TRANSAXLE GRIND IN REVERSE MAY NOT ENGAGE REVERSE, 2ND

#### SUBJECT: Automatic Transaxle Grinds into Reverse/May Not Engage Reverse and 2nd Gear (Replace Dog Clutch Sleeve, Hub Assembly and/or Shift Fork)

#### MODELS AFFECTED: All 1991 and 1992 SL1, SL2 Sedans and SC Coupes with MP6 or MP7 automatic transaxles

#### CONDITION:

The transaxle grinds when shifted into reverse, or may not engage reverse or 2nd gear. When reading codes from the PCM/TC, a Code 22 may be present.

#### CAUSE:

This condition may be caused by a damaged forward & reverse dog clutch sleeve & hub. This damage may occur if the transaxle is shifted into reverse while driving forward, or by rocking the vehicle without stopping the wheels before shifting into reverse gear. There are two types of damage that may occur to the dog clutch sleeve and hub.

o Damage to the teeth on the dog clutch sleeve and the mating teeth on the reverse driven gear may cause grinding when reverse is engaged and may cause the transaxle to hop-out of reverse gear.

o The forward & reverse dog clutch sleeve is broken. This type of damage will cause a no reverse and no second gear condition and may set a PCM/ TC Code 22.

CORRECTIVE ACTION: Follow the information under "Procedures" to correct this condition. After repair, review the Owner's Handbook information, located at the end of this bulletin, with the owner of the vehicle. Please ask the owner to inform all operators of the vehicle of this information, to help prevent future damage to the vehicle.

#### PROCEDURE:

To repair either condition, replace the forward & reverse dog clutch sleeve and hub assembly, and the forward & reverse shift fork. Inspect the reverse driven gear and the 2nd driven gear for damage. Replace the reverse driven gear if it is damaged in the area that mates with the dog clutch sleeve. Also, inspect the other gears for possible damage. Follow procedures in the "Automatic Transaxle Out - of - Vehicle Repair" section of the "Automatic Transaxle Service Manual."

PARTS REQUIREMENTS: 21001568 Hub -Forward & Reverse Dog Clutch 21002545 Fork-Forward & Reverse Shift 21002616 Gear-Reverse Driven 21005981 Gasket Kit-Auto Trans

CLAIM INFORMATION:

To receive credit for this repair, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System as follows: Labor Case Operation Type Description Code Time ---- ----------- --------- ---- vw Replace, Forward & Reverse K7141 7.7 hrs Dog Clutch Sleeve and/or Hub, Output Shaft and/or Components - Automatic Transaxle

Review the information on the next two pages with the owner of the vehicle.

1991 Saturns

The following information is found under the heading "Features and Controls," in the 1991 Owner's Handbook.

NOTICE

o Your automatic transaxle will not shift into reverse unless the vehicle is at a complete stop.

o Shifting to "R" (Reverse) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your automatic transaxle. Shift to "R" only after your vehicle is stopped.

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see the Index under "If You're Stuck: in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow."

The following information is found under the heading "IF YOU'RE STUCK:IN SAND, MUD, ICE OR SNOW' located in the "Problems on the Road" section of the Owner's Handbook.

NOTICE

Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back and forth, you can destroy your transaxle.

Rocking your vehicle to get it out:

First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back and forth between "R!' and a forward gear (or with a manual transaxle, between First or Second gear and Reverse), spinning the wheels as little as possible. Be sure to stop the wheels before shifting. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transaxle is in gear. If that doesn't get you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed out. See Index under "Towing Your Saturn."

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.