HARSH GARAGE SHIFT PARK/NEUTRAL TO REVERSE

HARSH ENGAGEMENT, DOUBLE BUMP OR ENGAGEMENT SHUDDER FROM PARK OF NEUTRAL TO REVERSE

1984-89 CUTLASS CIERA, 1988-89 CUTLASS SUPREME,1986-89 EIGHTY-EIGHT ROYALE, 1985-89 NINETY-EIGHT REGENCY AND 1986-89 TORONADO EQUIPPED WITH 440-T4 (ME9) TRANSAXLE

This bulletin supersedes Dealer Technical Bulletin 87-T-44 which should now be discarded. The bulletin has been revised to add 1988-89 model years, Cutlass Supreme carline and updated part numbers for the reverse band assembly and 1984-1986 2nd clutch housing drum and bushing assembly.

BULLETIN COVERS:

A harsh engagement, double "'bump" or engagement shudder from park or neutral to reverse in a THM 440-T4 may be caused by one of the following items: "oxidized" fluid (the fluid may visually appear to be ok), or a too aggressive frictional apply of the reverse band assembly to the 2nd clutch housing drum assembly.

SERVICE ACTION:

Check engine idle speed and engine/transaxle mounts. if okay, drain and replace the transaxle fluid then road test vehicle for the above condition. if the condition still exists, replace the reverse band assembly and 2nd clutch housing drum and bushing assembly with the appropriate parts listed below in "Service Parts information".

SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION: (Figure 1) --------------------------

Model Year Part Number Description ---------- ----------- ----------- 1984-1989 8668012 Reverse Band Assembly 1987-1989 8661912 2nd Clutch Housing Drum and Bushing Assembly 1984-1986 8662936 2nd Clutch Housing Drum and Bushing Assembly

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

SERVICE MANUAL REFERENCE:

Refer to the THM 440-T4 Automatic Transaxle Unit Repair Section in the appropriate model year service manual for repair procedures.

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.