Transaxle Intermittently Binds Going Into or Shifting Out of 1st and 2nd Gear, and/or is Stuck in 1st or 2nd Gear

Some customers may comment of a condition in which the manual transaxle intermittently binds going into or out of 1st or 2nd gear, and/or becomes stuck in 1st or 2nd gear at a stop.

These conditions may be caused by damaged 1st or 2nd driven gear clutching teeth. On some vehicles, this condition may cause the synchronizer sleeve to drag or bind on the clutching teeth making it difficult to shift into or out of 1st or 2nd gear. In some cases the transaxle could stick in 1st or 2nd gear at a stop.

Perform the following procedure to diagnose the condition.

1. Start engine and set park brake.
2. With clutch depressed, shift the transaxle from 1st gear to 2nd gear, and then from 2nd gear to Neutral. Note the effort required for this shift sequence.
3. With the transaxle in Neutral, briefly release the clutch pedal and repeat step 2 a number of times. Not the effort required for this shift sequence.

Important: Due to the condition being intermittent, it may be necessary to repeat step 2 a number of times.

4. If a condition exists at any time in which the transaxle becomes stuck in 1st or 2nd gear, or the effort to shift into or out of 1st or 2nd gear is significantly higher than normal for a manual transaxle with similar mileage, replace the affected driven gear and inspect the 1st/2nd & Reverse synchronizer for damage. (Refer to the "1996 Manual Transaxle Service Manual.")

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System using the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide for the correct Labor Operation Code and Time.