HARD OR NO SHIFT MAY BE LOOSE SHIFT LEVER NUT

1987 FIRENZA, 1988 CUTLASS CALAIS, 1988 CUTLASS SUPREME EQUIPPED WITH HM-282 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSAXLE (RPO - MG1, MG2)

BULLETIN COVERS:

Some 1987 through 1988 vehicles equipped with a HM-282 5-speed manual transaxle may have a condition of hard or no shift. This may be caused by a loose shift lever nut allowing the shift lever to cock and bind while shifting into or out of gear. The shift lever nut torque is now being monitored in production. When servicing a unit for this concern it is recommended that a removable threadlocker be used to secure the nut.

DATE OF PRODUCTION CHANGE: (Figure 1) -------------------------------------

Beginning November 7, 1987 all HM-282 transaxles were assembled with additional torque control for the shift lever nut. Transaxle code and serial number breakpoint are listed below:

Transaxle Code Serial Number -------------- ------------- ZZH- M000020 ZZJ- M001701 8ZL- M002229 8ZM- M003150 8ZN- M009848 8ZP- M000536 8ZR- M001129 DAS- M002350

SERVICE ACTION: (Figure 2) -------------------------- When servicing any HM-282 shift lever component, inspect the square flats of the shift lever (127 or 135) that contacts the shift shaft for rounding, replace shift lever if worn. Apply Loctite (TM) 242, GM Part Number 12345382, removable threadlocker or equivalent to the shaft threads then torque the shift lever nut to the torque of 83 N - m (61 lbs. ft.).

IMPORTANT: Before torquing the nut, first remove the shift cable from the shift lever. Then use a 3/8 in. drive ratchet to hold the shift lever by the slot for the shift cable while setting torque. Following this procedure will ensure that damage will not occur to the shift forks or synchronizer assemblies during torquing of the nut.

SERVICE MANUAL REFERENCE:

Refer to the appropriate on-vehicle service manual section for removal and installation procedures not covered in this bulletin.

LABOR TIME GUIDE INFORMATION:

Use Operation K-1220 lever, shifter shaft - replace

SERVICE NOTES:

Please record this information in your current service manual. All future service manuals will include these revisions.

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.