Transmission Shifts Hard

Transmission Shifts Hard

Diagnostic Aids

An intermittent hard shift may be caused by an intermittent clutch condition.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
3. 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.
6. 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.
8. The transaxle uses a DEXRON(R) 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 1 - Step 9:

Step 10 - Step 12: