GEAR CLASH (WARNER 5 SPEED) SHIFTING INTO 3RD/4TH

1983 FIREBIRD

Some 1983 Firebird vehicles equipped with the Warner gear five speed manual transmission may exhibit a gear clash condition when being shifted into either third or fourth gear. The gear clash occurs for one (1) of two (2) reasons; both of which are 3-4 synchronizer strut-oriented. The original non-winged strut (Figure 1) can cause gear clash if it "pops" up and falls out of the synchronizer assembly; while the second type "notched" winged strut (Figure 2) can cause gear clash if its 3-4 synchronizer spring engages and hangs up in the strut's notches. A third type "notchless" winged strut (Figure 3) eliminated the gear clash condition.

Due to the various synchronizer strut configuration currently in the field, service will require either one (1) of two (2) repair procedures depending on a vehicle's relationship to the winged strut production breakpoints for each transmission listed.

1. GEAR CLASH - NON-WINGED STRUT

Repair transmissions built with only the non-winged struts prior to the unit serial numbers indicated for the "notched" winged strut redesign by installing a new 3-4 synchronizer assembly, P/N 14089014, which includes the required "notchless" winged struts. In addition, carefully inspect the original production blocker rings, P/N 14050746, associated with the 3-4 synchronizer assembly and replace if damaged.

2. GEAR CLASH - "NOTCHED" WINGED STRUT

Repair the limited production of transmissions built with the "notched" winged struts (defined by those units having serial numbers within the production breakpoint limits indicated) by installing new "notchless" winged struts, P/N 14083521. In addition, carefully inspect both the original production 3-4 synchronizer assembly and blocker rings and replace if damaged.

TRANSMISSION SERIAL NO. BREAKPOINT TYPE P/N "NOTCHED" "NOTCHLESS" ---- --- --------- ----------- Five Speed 14047615 26675 27792

Five Speed 14053646 12904 13052

Five Speed 14053647 37433 40686

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.