INTERMITTENT NO REVERSE MUST SHIFT TO DRIVE FIRST

MODELS/YEARS: 1984-1987 CUTLASS CIERA, DELTA 88, NINETY-EIGHT AND TORONADO MODELS WITH THM 440-T4

Bulletin Covers:

A 1984 through 1987 vehicle equipped with a THM 440-T4 transaxle may have an intermittent no reverse or locking in reverse condition until shifted to a forward range prior to shifting into reverse ("unloading" the parking pawl). This condition may be caused by a "dent" on the parking pawl that does not allow the pawl to release until "unloaded".

Date of Production Change: (Figure 1) ------------------------- Effective May 1, 1987 (Julian Date 121) all 1987 THM 440-T4 transaxles were produced with parking pawl assemblies not having a "dent".

Service Action: (Figures 2 and 3) -------------- If this condition is encountered, remove transaxle and replace the final drive internal gear/parking pawl assembly (No. 673) and actuator guide, plunger and spring assembly (No. 709 - No. 711). Also inspect the parking gear for wear or damage and replace if necessary.

Service Part Information:

Part Number Description ----------- ----------- 8656372 Final Drive internal Gear/Parking Pawl Assembly 8656689 Acutator Guide, Plunger and Spring Assembly 8644238 Parking Gear

Service Manual Reference:

Refer to appropriate service manual for repair information.

Service Notes: (Figure 2) ------------- Before installing the replacement parts, inspect the new final drive internal gear/parking pawl assembly to make sure it does not have a "dent".

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.