Test Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

3: A static shift test is performed by shifting into all of the gear positions with the engine not operating. While performing the test one should note how the shift lever movement is felt. Also while shifting from one gear to the other feel for binding in the shift rails. You should be able to feel the detent plungers operating when coming out of a gear and going into a gear.
6: A dynamic shift test is performed by shifting into the gear positions with the engine operating. Test for the correct mesh of the synchronizers and for the clutch releasing correctly. When shifting into and out of a gear, feel for the shift detent plungers and for the synchronizers sleeve for moving freely.
8: The transaxle uses a manual transmission fluid that allows proper synchronizer operation. The incorrect fluid may cause hard shifting by varnish build-up, or not enough lubrication for proper synchronizer operation. Refer to Lubrication Specifications .

Transmission Shifts Hard

Step	Action	Yes	No
DEFINITION: The transaxle does not shift smoothly, or without difficulty, from one gear to the other.
1	Did you review the Symptoms - Manual Transmission and perform the necessary inspections?	Go to Step 2	Go to Symptoms - Manual Transmission
2	Inspect the clutch system for proper operation. Refer to Clutch System Description and Operation . Did you find or repair the condition?	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 3
3	Perform a static shift test on the transaxle. Test for the following: Blockage preventing full shift lever movement Excessive movement in the shift lever Binding in the shift lever Detent plungers or shift rails binding Shift cable binding Shift cable proper adjustment Are you able to shift into all gears?	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 4
4	Remove the floor console. Refer to Front Floor Console Replacement . Inspect for the following: Loose mounting Foreign debris Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 5
5	Inspect for proper shift cable adjustment. Refer to Shift Cable Adjustment . Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 6
6	Perform a dynamic shift test on the transaxle. Test for the following: Detent plungers or shift rails binding Synchronizer sleeve binding Gear clash into only one gear Gear clash into all gears Did the transaxle shift hard into all gears?	Go to Step 7	Go to Step 11
7	Inspect the transaxle for the correct fluid level and type of the transaxle fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Replacement . Is the transaxle at the correct level and the proper fluid being used?	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 8
8	Drain and refill the transaxle with the correct type fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Replacement . Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 9
9	Remove the transaxle. Refer to Transmission Replacement . Inspect the clutch pressure plate and/or clutch driven plate. Is the clutch pressure plate and/or clutch driven plate worn or faulty?	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 11
10	Replace the clutch assembly. Refer to Clutch Drive Plate and Clutch Driven Plate . Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 11
11	Disassemble the transaxle. Refer to Transaxle Case Disassemble . Inspect the following components for being faulty, in the gear that is hard to shift or clashing: Excessive synchronizers blocking ring to gear clearance Synchronizer hub external splines worn or damaged Excessive axial clearance in the speed gear Mainshaft to speed gear bearing or journal worn Shift rail and the internal shift control lever components for wear or damage Replace worn or damaged components as necessary. Did you find and repair the condition?	Go to Step 12	Go to Diagnostic Aids In This Test
12	Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?	System OK	Go to Step 1