GEAR CLASH/HIGH EFFORT COLD (FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS)

TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE (COLD WEATHER SHIFTABILITY)

MODELS AFFECTED 1983-88 SUNBIRD, GRAND AM AND FIERO --------------- WITH ISUZU 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS

Some owners of the above vehicles may comment of gear clash and/or high shift effort during cold weather operation. If this condition is reported, drain the transmission and refill it with STF (Synchromesh Transmission Fluid).

After draining and repairing any 1983-88 Isuzu 5-speed manual transmission, it is strongly recommended that only STF be used to refill the unit. Refilling the unit with 5W-30 manual transaxle fluid, P/N1052931, is acceptable; however, it will not provide the lower shift efforts that the newer STF provides. The most notable reduction in shift effort will be during cold weather operation.

Mixing STF with 5W-30 manual transaxle fluid, P/N 1052931,is also acceptable, however, as the volume of 5W-30 increases so does,the shift effort.

NOTICE: DO NOT USE ANY AMOUNT OF ATF (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID) IN ANY MODEL YEAR. THE USE OF ATF MAY CAUSE GEAR CLASH AND RESULT IN SYNCRONIZER DAMAGE.

Service Parts:

STF P/N 12345349

5W-30 Manual Trans. Fluid P/N 1052931

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.