Manual Transmission/Transaxle: Description and Operation

External Transaxle Components:

GENERAL INFORMATION
Safety goggles should be worn at all times when working on these transaxles. All manual transaxles use SAE 5W-30 engine oil, meeting SG and/or SG-CC qualifications, as the lubricant in order to reduce wear.

This 5-speed manual transaxle combines gear reduction, ratio selection, and differential functions in one unit. It is housed in a die-cast aluminum case.

All shift forks are cast iron. Do not interchange 1-2 or 5th shift fork pads with the 3-4 shift fork pads. All synchronizers use a winged strut design that prevents the struts from popping out of position.

If any synchronizer is to be disassembled, mark all parts so that they will be reassembled in the same position.

CAUTION: 1-2 synchronizer assembly components must NOT be interchanged with any other synchronizer assembly. Do not interchange with previous model years transaxles; they will NOT function correctly.

A-523 AND A-543 MANUAL TRANSAXLE
The A-523 manual transaxle is used in all 4-cylinder applications, except high output turbocharged engines. The A-543 manual transaxle is used only with V-6 engines.

To reduce wear, the manual transaxle uses SAE 5W-30 engine oil as the lubricant.

Gear ratios for the A-523 and A-543 are as follows:

1st-3.31, 2nd-2.06, 3rd- 1.36, 4th-0.97, 5th-0.71, Reverse-3.14. The final drive ratio is 3.77.

CAUTION: All gears and shafts must not be interchanged with previous model years; they will not function correctly.

A-568 HEAVY-DUTY MANUAL TRANSAXLE
The greater torque of the high output turbo engines require a stronger transmission. It includes a die-cast aluminum case and a stronger, coarse-pitch gear set. It has five forward speed ratios and reverse. Gear ratios are as follows: 1st-3.31, 2nd-1.89, 3rd-1.28, 4th-0.94, 5th-0.71, Reverse -3.14. Final drive ratio of 3.85 was selected for maximum performance. All forward gears are synchronized.

To reduce wear, this transaxle, in common with other manual transaxies, uses SAE 5W-30 engine oil as the lubricant.

A-523, A-543, And A-568 Transaxle Identification:

IDENTIFICATION
A-523, A-543, and A-568: the transaxle model, assembly number, build date, and final-drive ratio are stamped on a tag that is attached to the top of the transaxle.

Certain transaxle assemblies utilize high- strength Steel in various gears to provide adequate life in heavy-duty applications. Therefore, it is imperative that the correct transaxle assembly number is utilized when ordering service parts.

Also, be sure to reinstall this tag whenever it is removed, so the information is available for future service.

The last eight digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) are stamped on a raised boss on top of the clutch housing area.