Repair Procedure

REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves installing a stronger spring for the reverse detent.

Transaxle:

1. With the shifter in neutral, remove the lock pin on the gear shift housing and reinstall with the long end down (refer to Figure 1). If the transaxle is not equipped with a lock pin skip to step 2.
2. Remove the six bolts attaching the gear shift housing and remove and set aside the gear shift housing.
3. Inspect ALL roller detents for improper alignment or damage. Properly align any misaligned roller detents and replace any damaged detents with P/N 4531302.

Gear Shift Housing:

4. Ensure the reverse lug is in the neutral position. The reverse lug should be shifted fully toward the engine and contact the 5th reverse lug (refer to Figure 2).
5. Replace the original reverse detent spring with revised spring P/N 4798366 (refer to Figure 2).
6. Clean all old sealer from the transaxle case and gear shift housing. Apply Mopar Gasket Maker, P/N 4318083, and install the gear shift housing using new bolts. Note the position of the shouldered pilot bolt locations (refer to Figure 1). Torque the six bolts to 26 Nm (21 ft. Lbs.).
7. Remove the lock pin on the gear shift housing and re-install with the long end up. If the transaxle is not equipped with a lock pin, use the following procedure:

A. Gain access to the crossover shift cable adjustment screw, located at the floor shifter in the vehicle interior, as outlined in the appropriate Service Manual.

Gear Shift:

B. Loosen the screw to allow the crossover cable adjustment fitting to slide freely (refer to Figure 3).
C. Shift the transaxle straight back into 4th gear, straight into 3rd gear and straight back into 4th gear. Leave gearshift lever in the 4th gear position and tighten crossover cable adjusting screw to 4.5 Nm (70 in. Lbs.).

CAUTION:
DO NOT LEAN ON OR APPLY A SIDE TO SIDE LOAD TO THE SHIFT LEVER WHEN TIGHTENING THE ADJUSTING SCREW.

D. Reinstall all hardware removed in Step A.

8. Test drive the vehicle to ensure proper shifting. Test for complete clutch disengagement by checking for excessive "spin down" time (maximum 5 seconds). To test for excessive "spin down" time, place the transaxle in neutral with the engine idling and the clutch engaged, then fully depress the clutch pedal and shift into reverse. If the transaxle grinds after waiting 5 seconds before attempting to shift the transaxle into reverse, a clutch malfunction is indicated and requires further diagnosis. Refer to Section 6 of the appropriate Service Manual.