GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The following definitions are being provided to establish a common language and assist users in describing transaxle related conditions. Some of these terms or conditions are used in this service manual.

Shift Control Related

Binding : A shift condition where a driver feels resistance/light friction when shifting into gear.

Cold gear clash: A grinding/growling sound that is made when attempting to shift into gear during cold conditions.

Double bump: A shift condition where a driver experiences 2 separate peak loads when shifting into gear.

Gear clash/grinding: A grinding/growling sound that is made when attempting to shift into gear. Usually caused by a worn blocking ring or blocking ring spring.

Gear rattle: A rattle that usually occurs at engine lugging conditions or low idle speeds with the transaxle in neutral and the clutch engaged.

Hard shift (dynamic/engine running): Difficulty in shifting when the vehicle is in motion.

Hard shift (static/engine off): Difficulty in shifting when the vehicle is not moving.

Hop-out: A condition where the transaxle will consistently disengage from the gear without operator assistance.

Intermittent hop-out: A condition where the transaxle will periodically disengage from the gear without operator assistance.

Spline lock: A "scallop" feature machined alternately in the internal spline of the synchronizer sleeve designed to engage with the gear (clutch teeth) to prevent hop-out.

Noise Conditions

Final drive noise: A howl/whine related to vehicle speed and is noticeable in all gears.

Gear noise: A whine that is due to gear contact that is related to a certain gear and vehicle speed. The noise disappears after an upshift. The noise is usually "gear profile" related.

Gear clicking noise: A ticking noise observed on every rotation of a gear pair that is usually caused by a "nick" or "ding" on a gear tooth.